“Every bite you take is a step toward nourishing the life growing inside you”
Growing a tiny human inside you is no easy feat. This beautiful journey comes with its own set of cravings and surprises. Suddenly, the foods you love might not be your favourite anymore, and you might crave foods you disliked before.
You will find yourself longing for chocolate, ice cream, tangy pickles, and weird food combinations. These food cravings are normal because your body is going through a lot of hormonal changes.
Table Of Contents:
- What Types of Snacks to Eat During Pregnancy?
- Best Healthy Indian Snacks for Pregnant Women
- What Snacks to Avoid During Pregnancy?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
During this special time, taste and smell become more prominent, and feel morning sickness, food aversions, etc.
You might also find that you get hungry more often now that you are pregnant, and this is the time when you should feed those hunger pangs with nutrient-filled snacks.
Remember that every meal and snack you consume directly impacts the baby’s growth, and that’s why it is very important to be conscious about what you are feeding yourself.
As the quote goes, “A Healthy Mum Means A Happy And Healthy Baby.” Read till the end to find healthy snacks for pregnant ladies.
What Types of Snacks to Eat During Pregnancy?
When you hear the word “Snacks,” you might think chips or chocolate, but snacks don’t always have to be junk food.
Sure, it’s easy to reach for a packet of chips or chocolates when cravings hit, and let's be real: Indulging occasionally is totally fine! It is very important to include healthy snacks during pregnancy.
When you’re pregnant, choosing the right snacks can make a big difference for you and your baby. Healthy snacks for pregnant women are essential to keep you energised and give you the nutrition required during this special time. But what types of snacks to eat during pregnancy?
Snacks for pregnant women should be nutritious, tasty, and easy to prepare. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of all the required nutrients. Indian snacks can also be a great addition to your diet.
You can just munch on walnuts and almonds while binging something or have yogurt with honey and dry fruits topped to satisfy your sweet pregnancy cravings but also give a healthy alternative.
Including a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats in your snacks can keep you full and satisfied. Remember, healthy pregnancy snacks are all about balance and variety.
Healthy snacks for pregnant women will not only support their own health but also contribute to the healthy development of the baby during the gestational period. We will also suggest pregnancy snacks to buy from the best place online.
Best Healthy Indian Snacks for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy cravings can be a bit confusing; one minute, you’re enjoying a fruit and the next moment you’re craving for something sweet or salty. The trick is to find snacks that hit the spot and give your body what it needs.
The choices are endless, and we are here to help you make the right choice. Let’s look at the delicious healthy snack in pregnancy options that will not make you feel guilty and will also satisfy your cravings.
1. Panjiri Mix:
- Among the good snacks for pregnant women, panjiri is very delicious and filling. It is a traditional Indian snack known for its nutritional content and is often given to new mothers to improve lactation.
- It is usually a mix of wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and nuts and seeds. It’s actually very beneficial for providing the energy boost that pregnant women often need.
- AsmitA Organic Farms’ Dry Fruit Panjiri Mix is a nutritious, healthy snack in pregnancy because it has 20+ superfoods, like almonds, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds, gondh, raisins, makhana, and more. Our panjiri is an age-old recipe made with love and nutritious ingredients.
- The best part is it is sweetened with jaggery powder instead of refined sugar which adds a natural sweetness to it.
Recommended Article: Health Benefits of Panjiri
2. Brown Rice Crisps:
- What if we told you there’s a better way to satisfy those crunchy cravings without reaching for greasy, fried snacks? Give AsmitA Organic Farms’ brown rice crisps a try! Made from 100% whole grain brown rice, these delicious crisps are a wholesome and tasty alternative that you’ll love.
- This healthy snack in pregnancy is not baked or fried; they are naturally popped and do not contain any trans fat or artificial flavours, which your regular potato chips do.
- Brown rice crisps are one of the healthier alternatives for pregnancy snacks because it is light, easy to digest, and packed with fiber, which is great for maintaining good digestive health.
- Brown rice crisps are also a good gluten-free option. They contain complex carbohydrates, which help you stay active throughout the day.
3. Roasted Peanut:
- Peanuts are one of the best pregnancy healthy snacks. They are rich in proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like folate, which is important for fetal development.
- They are a simple yet effective healthy snack while pregnant. Choose unsalted roasted peanuts to avoid consuming more sodium.
- Roasted organic peanuts also contain antioxidants and resveratrol, which help improve heart health.
- They’re a good snack to eat whenever you want to munch something light and are also good for your pregnancy cravings.
4. Organic Poha:
- Flattened rice or poha is extremely versatile and a nutritious Indian healthy snack in pregnancy.
- When cooked with vegetables and a sprinkle of peanuts, it offers a balanced mix of iron, vitamins, and fiber.
- Doctors usually recommend poha for pregnant ladies because it is light, easy to digest, an excellent source of iron, which is very essential during pregnancy.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to poha not only enhances its flavour but also helps increase the absorption of iron.
- You can also include different kinds of vegetables like potatoes, peas, and carrots to increase their nutritional content. Pregnant ladies can always count on poha for a wholesome snack.
5. Multigrain Ladoos:
- This is the best way to satisfy your sweet cravings. We Indians have tons of ladoos recipes, be it rava ladoo, coconut ladoo, besan ladoo, choices are endless.
- Consuming multigrain ladoo made from multigrain flour during pregnancy is the best. This is one of the best pregnancy snacks because it has a combination of various nuts, seeds, and grains, which provides you with enough nutrients.
- These tasty ladoos are perfect for pregnancy cravings while providing a healthy dose of fiber, proteins, and healthy essential nutrients. Multigrain ladoos are not only delicious but are also easy to make.
- You can always prepare a fresh batch of this healthy snack in pregnancy and store it in a tight container. These will be handy whenever hunger strikes suddenly.
6. Fruits:
- Nothing can beat the fresh seasonal fruits from local markets. It is advisable to have fruits that are grown in a particular season. They are mostly organically grown with very little or no added chemicals to it.
- You can have anything from jackfruit to drolling raw mangoes. India is a diverse country and it is filled with exotic fruits. So, you have plenty of options to include one of the best pregnancy snacks.
- Including a lot of fruits can help you prevent constipation which is a very common issue for pregnant women.
- Fruits are a healthy pregnancy snack because they contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, fiber which is essential for the baby’s growth as well.
7. Almond Nut Butter:
- Almond nut butter is a fantastic addition to your snack list. It’s a rich source of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.
- For a safe and nutritious option, AsmitA Organic Farms Classic Almond Nut Butter is an excellent choice. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and sweetened with only date sugar.
- Our nutritious and delicious almond nut butter is loaded with organic almonds and seeds like chia, sunflower, pumpkin and flax. It’s packed with nutrients that make it a great choice for everyone, and the best part? Kids will absolutely love the taste too!
What Snacks to Avoid During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, but it also brings up many questions, like what to eat and what not to eat. While there are many healthy snacks for pregnant ladies, there are some foods that you should be cautious about.
Let’s explore the pregnancy snacks to avoid to keep your diet safe and nutritious.
Raw Dairy Products:
- While dairy products are high in calcium and protein, unpasteurized dairy products can cause a risk of botulism and other bacterial infections.
- It is best to avoid cheeses like brie, feta, and blue cheese unless they are clearly labelled as pasteurized. You can opt for safer alternatives like pasteurized milk, cheese, and yogurt, which are safe snacks for pregnant women.
Raw or Undercooked Eggs:
- Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, but raw or undercooked eggs can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella.
- To keep you and your baby safe, it's best to avoid pregnancy snacks that include raw or undercooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise, Caesar salad dressing, and raw cookie dough.
- Opt for fully cooked eggs to ensure you get all the benefits without the risk.
Processed Meats:
- Refrigerated meats, hot dogs, and sausages can be contaminated with listeria, a bacteria that is harmful to pregnant ladies.
- It's best to avoid these or make sure that they are thoroughly heated before consumption.
Excess Caffeine:
- A small amount of caffeine is generally safe during pregnancy, but too much can lead to complications like low birth weight.
- It’s considered best to limit tea, coffee, and soft drinks during pregnancy. You can instead choose herbal and decaf options.
Instant Noodles:
- Instant noodles might be convenient pregnancy snacks, but they are not the best choice for pregnant women. They are usually high in sodium and artificial preservatives and deep-fried, which is not good for both the baby and the mother.
- You can always swap them for healthy soup or homemade noodles, which are not fried or contain any other added preservatives.
Conclusion
Pregnancy can feel like a non-stop roller coaster with all the ups and downs, pregnancy cravings, and the constant search for the perfect snack. But remember, it's all about balance and listening to your body.
Pregnancy craving list are endless, but you can think of this time as an excellent opportunity to enjoy a variety of snacks that support both you and the baby.
Choose healthy snacks during pregnancy that are safe and beneficial, allowing you to satisfy cravings while maintaining a balanced diet.
The snacks you choose now can shape your baby’s health from the start. Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of a little one growing inside you.
We have good news for you: The above-mentioned good snacks to eat are all available at AsmitA Organic Farms, one of the leading organic brands in India.
So, now you don’t have to go to the grocery store. Just order it from our website, and we will deliver it right at your doorstep. Happy snacking, and enjoy this beautiful phase of life!
FAQs
1. Can I eat spicy snacks during pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat spicy snacks if you enjoy them, but be mindful that they might cause heartburn or indigestion. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
2. How often should I snack during pregnancy?
It's a good idea to have small, frequent snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and avoid nausea. Aim for three meals and two to three healthy snacks for pregnancy daily.
3. Are dried fruits a good snack option?
Yes, dried fruits can be great healthy snacks during pregnancy as they are nutrient-dense. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as they can be high in sugar.
4. I'm craving junk food, what can I do?
Try to find healthier alternatives that satisfy your cravings. For example, if you crave chips, opt for AsmitA Organic Farms’ brown rice chips or roasted chickpeas.
5. How do I handle cravings for cold foods or drinks?
Smoothies, frozen yogurt, and fruit popsicles can be great options for cold cravings. Just ensure they are made from healthy ingredients using natural sweeteners.