When you are pregnant, especially near the second trimester, you will probably find that your appetite is growing and you may want to snack on a lot of smaller meals throughout the day and throw your typical food schedule out the window.
While it may be tempting to use the excuse that you're eating for two and just throw your diet restrictions out the door, remember that there are healthy snack options that will leave you and your baby satisfied! Selecting healthy snacks during pregnancy is important for your personal health as well as the well-being of your baby.
This is especially true since at times you will not be able to keep large meals down.
Snacking on the proper foods will help you maintain a healthy weight gain during your pregnancy and will ensure that your baby is getting all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that they need to grow and develop properly.
Remember that all of the pounds you are gaining will need to come off after the baby is born! It will be easier to choose healthy snacks by writing out a healthy grocery list and sticking to it.
Try to pick the majority of your food items from the outer perimeter of the store because this is where you will find all of the fresh and natural foods.
You especially want to fill your cart with fresh produce, there are many delicious fruits and vegetables to choose from.
If you must use a dip for your veggies, try to stick with something low in fat like fresh hummus.
If you have a sweet tooth, rather than reaching for a cookie or cake, try eating a piece of fresh fruit.
Apples, bananas, and strawberries are all sweet, delicious, and healthy! While fresh fruit is obviously the best form, there are other options available such as canned or even frozen fruits.
These are all better choices than eating junk food.
If you prefer, you can even blend several fruits and vegetables in your blender for a refreshing smoothie.
By simply not buying junk food, it will be much easier to make good food choices when it comes to snacking.
Snacks that are high in protein are also a good option for women that are expecting.
Dairy foods or leafy green vegetables are also important because they will provide you with calcium as well as protein.
You can have a little bit of organic yogurt or eggs, or if you prefer you can get your calcium from leafy green vegetables and other plant-based foods.
Just make sure to eat lots of these vegetables in order to be sure that you are getting enough nutrients.
You should also incorporate whole grain snacks into your diet.
Good sources include dry cereal, bran muffins, and granola bars.
While it is true that you are eating for two; that does not mean that you should eat junk food for two! With some extra preparation and planning, it is possible to incorporate healthy smart snack choices into your diet to keep you and your baby in your best shape! Keep processed, sugary, and fatty foods out of your house and it will be much easier to keep them out of your diet!