The sheer bliss of bringing a new life into this world is a feeling only an expectant mother can best understand. With preparations like baby showers starting in full swing, pregnant women need to pay special attention to their diet during this 9-month journey. Instead of eating nutritious meals filled with protein, folic acid, iodine and iron, many pregnant women often fall prey to cravings for sweets, desserts, junk food and carbohydrate foods, which are not good for their health.
To curb these pregnancy-induced cravings, there are certain snack alternatives that pregnant women love to indulge in. They are as follows:
Poha
Poha, popularly called flattened rice, can be transformed into a healthy snack by adding chopped vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, onions, beans or roasted peanuts. You can even add a splash of lime juice to the dish for flavor and also because it contains the goodness of Vitamin C.
Wholemeal buns
Sandwiches are always a go-to solution when you’re feeling those hunger pangs. Add layers of tomatoes, lettuce and a slice of cheese while topping it off with some ketchup and black pepper, and you’ve got yourself a delicious snack. You can also add some cooked chicken to your sandwich for extra flavor.
Cooked eggs
Boiled eggs are a great snack for any time of the day. These give you instant satiety of your appetite, as well as much-needed energy and nutrients. Besides being a great source of protein, they also have a nutritious ingredient called choline that helps the baby’s brain development. If you don’t like boiled eggs, you can also enjoy a plate of scrambled eggs or fried eggs.
Nutty snack
Nuts are the perfect choice if you’re looking for something convenient and crunchy. You can choose from different types of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, pistachios or walnuts. Protein, fiber, good fats and minerals are abundant in nuts. They are crucial during pregnancy as they contain minerals that aid in the mother’s muscle recovery and enable the child’s brain development.
Yoghurt smoothie
A yogurt smoothie is an excellent option when you’re in the mood for something cold and refreshing. These are quite easy to prepare and you can experiment with different flavors based on your cravings. Yogurt smoothies are also very nutritious as this drink contains a lot of calcium, which is necessary for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Moreover, it is a rich source of protein, which further promotes a baby’s overall growth.
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