Everyone knows that your appetite will increase throughout the duration of your pregnancy.
However, in order to provide the best nutrition for your baby, you need to snack smartly.
These 10 great snacks will not only provide vital nutrients for your baby, they'll also help you keep off those pesky pregnancy pounds.
1.
Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt offers higher protein amounts than traditional yogurt while also offering calcium and other important nutrients.
You can purchase plain yogurt and dress it up yourself with fruit, nuts, or honey, or enjoy several of the flavored varieties.
2.
Nuts Nuts are an excellent source of both protein and healthy fats-both of which you and your growing baby need.
Consider purchasing a mix or create your own.
Walnuts and almonds are both wonderful choices as they are packed with nutrients, including antioxidants.
3.
Whole Grain Crackers with Nut Butter Now is the time to opt for whole grain options whenever available.
Whole grain crackers can satisfy a craving for something crunchy.
However, always check the label for sodium content because sodium can increase water retention in the body.
Add a bit of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for some protein as well.
4.
Hard Boiled Eggs Eggs contain 13 key nutrients including protein, choline, folate, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, D, E, and B6.
Rather than salting them, try a sodium-free herb mixture.
They are great by themselves or on top of a lunch salad.
5.
Veggies and Hummus Raw vegetables offer a wide variety of crucial vitamins and minerals during your pregnancy, especially those in the cruciferous family such as broccoli and cauliflower.
Skip the dip and opt for hummus instead.
Made from chickpeas, its creamy texture and optional flavors keep this snack interesting.
6.
Raisins Raisins possess iron, potassium, and fiber, which are all in demand by your body.
They should also satisfy that sweet tooth.
7.
Trail Mix You can buy prepackaged trail mix or make your own.
Nuts, dried fruit, and pretzels are a wonderful place to start.
Full of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, this is a healthy snack whether you're at home or on the go.
8.
Oatmeal with Fresh Berries and Nuts If you experience those mid-morning or late afternoon cravings, try making some instant oatmeal.
Top it off with some dried fruit or molasses for an extra treat.
Breakfast cereals are fortified with a variety of vitamins and minerals, including folic acid which is especially important during the first trimester.
9.
Cottage Cheese Don't forget about cottage cheese! If you need a break from yogurt, grab this as an alternative.
Several companies now make cottage cheese complete with fruit flavors, or you could add your favorite fresh or dried fruit with a spoonful of honey to sate your sweet tooth.
Cottage cheese offers good amounts of protein and calcium as well.
10.
Cheese With all the different varieties available, you can't go wrong here! Enjoy it alone or with your favorite fresh fruit or crackers.
Just be sure the cheese is pasteurized because unpasteurized cheese may contain harmful microbes for your baby.
The next time you're grocery shopping, skip the urge to add those candy bars or chips to your cart.
Pick up some fresh fruit and veggies instead! Try to purchase the majority of your snacking foods from the store's perimeter; the healthiest foods won't be in the middle aisles in boxes or bags!