Pregnancy can be quite a hungry experience! I’m hungry all the time regardless of if my body is housing tiny people or not. But I especially need quick, easy and healthy pregnancy snacks now that I have three (almost four!) kids to keep myself and them happy throughout our busy day.
What Makes for Healthy Pregnancy Snacks?
When you are pregnant you need extra nutrition to support your growing body and sweet baby. In the first trimester you don’t need any additional calories whereas in the second and third trimesters you’ll need about 300 additional calories. Most of those calories should come from healthy sources of carbs, fat, and protein! Each of these snacks is well balanced with each making them great go-to’s versus something like a bag of cheetos or snickers bar. Though, there is a time and a place for these foods they shouldn’t take up the bulk of your diet.
How Much Prep Time do These Healthy Pregnancy Snacks Take?
Most of these snacks can be made in 10 minutes or less! I know between work, taking care of other babies, and general life that us moms do not have a lot of time, especially to ourselves. Each of these snacks are yummy, satisfying, and kid friendly, too.
Are All These Healthy Pregnancy Snacks Homemade?
No, not everyone is homemade but many are! If you simply don’t have time to make the homemade ones yourself there are store bought options. You can buy hard boiled eggs from the store, pre-chopped celery and carrots, and even individual packs of nut butters to save some time.
1. Power Pair
Carrots and peanut butter. Fruit slices and healthy yogurt dip. Celery, peanut butter and raisins (aka ants on a log). Apple slices with a side of healthy trail mix. Cucumbers and roasted red pepper hummus.
Often times when we think of a healthy snack what may come to mind is an apple or carrot slices. While those are indeed good for you they will leave you feeling hungry on their own if not paired with a fat and/or protein. This is especially important if you are looking for healthy pregnancy snacks as you need more protein to support a growing baby and mom!
2. Banana Bread Muffins
You can’t go wrong with banana bread muffins. If you have some overripe bananas on hand these are sure to be whipped up in a snap. Swapping a few ingredients for healthier ones can make these a really satisfying snack during pregnancy and beyond. White whole wheat flour instead of all purpose, organic grass fed butter, maple syrup or honey in place of sugar. I found a great recipe here.
3. Fruit Smoothie with Protein Powder and Greens
Simply blend frozen bananas, berries, and/or mangos with a handful of spinach and vanilla protein powder for a quick and satisfying pick me up. Such a delicious and refreshing snack especially if you are pregnant in the summer like I have been three times!
4. Yogurt and granola fruit parfait
Yogurt is high in protein and sure to help you feel satisfied till your next meal. I liked to get plain yogurt and add my own maple syrup or honey to sweeten. Add your favorite granola and some fresh berries for a filling snack. I’m also known to add some chocolate chips to the mix. It makes it feel like a treat!
5. Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs are super easy to prepare at the beginning of a busy week for quick energy. Add a little salt and pepper or turn them into egg salad and put it on a slice of toast.
6. Homemade Energy Bars
I love making these instead of buying the pricey granola or protein bars from the store though those can come in handy in a pinch. Combining oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and a touch of salt make for a sweet and protein filled snack.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Making sweet potatoes for dinner one night? Throw in some extra to have a quick snack on hand the rest of the week. I like to slice them into fourths placing them flesh side down, drizzle the skins with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake at 350 for about an hour. They become caramelized and oh so delicious, you can even eat the skins!
8. String Cheese or Babybelle with Crackers
Cheese and crackers is a great quick snack! I’m not sure many would argue with that. If you are experiencing nausea this snack can be especially helpful as crackers are easy on the stomach and the cheese with provide some much needed protein.
9. Homemade Popcorn
Popcorn can actually be healthy! If you make it on the stove top or use an air popper you are in control of what goes on top. Make sure to get non-gmo kernels as corn is one of the most modified vegetables out there. Use coconut oil, or avocado oil for best results. Then add grass-fed melted butter (if you wish) and salt to taste. In five minutes you have a quick and healthy snack.
10. Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter and Bananas
Rice cakes are also easily digestible for a queasy tummy and the bananas will add some potassium, vitamin b6 (which can aid in nausea), and fiber. A nut butter made with 100% nuts (stay away from added oils and sugar) will add healthy fats and protein.
11. Oatmeal and fruit
Oatmeal is not just for breakfast. It’s packed with fiber to help keep things regular and gives your body the energy it needs throughout the day. Toppings are virtually endless helping you to add some fat and protein to this carb heavy snack (nothing wrong with carbs we just want everything to be balanced). Top with nut butter, yogurt, or even your favorite protein powder.
12. Toast with Nut Butter, Chocolate Chips and Strawberries
I like to use Ezekiel bread and almond butter for a nice change sometimes. Pairing it with some chocolate chips and sliced fruit make for a delicious quick snack.
13. Homemade Trail Mix
Healthy homemade trail mix is a go-to in our house. My kids love that there are dried fruit and chocolate chips and they even help me make it. First, take about one cup of mixed nuts (or you could just use one). Then, add some seeds (pumpkin or sunflower). Finally, add some dried fruit and chocolate chips. For even more fun you could add pretzels, popcorn, or even mini marshmallows.
14. Larabars (Store Bought or Homemade)
I love larabars for their simple ingredients and quick convenience as most grocery stores carry them. They’re so simple you can even make them at home! I haven’t made them from scratch yet but one of these days I will. Here’s a recipe that looks great.
15. Charcuterie Snack Plate
If you prepare ahead of time you can make an easy, satisfying and oh so elegant charcuterie snack plate! Sliced veggies, grapes, deli cuts, cheese slices, crackers and dip make for the perfect combo of fats, carbs and protein. Add a bubbly soda water, some relaxing music and you will have a fancy little date with yourself (or your kids!).
Do you have any healthy pregnancy snacks to add here? Leave your favorites down below!
Pin 20 Healthy Pregnancy Snacks for later
One of my favorite pregnancy snacks has been avocado on sourdough toast! I like to add a little salt and lemon juice on top as well! ????