Make Your Snacks Count
The snacks you choose can go a long way in helping to ensure that you get a good variety of foods for maximum nutritional benefit. By selecting snacks from the food group you generally have the hardest time getting enough daily servings, you not only satisfy your hunger but also give your body and your baby the fuel they need. Remember, it isn't just about eating enough food to feed you and your baby. Its about eating a good variety of nutrient packed foods to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.
Protein:
If you find protein foods are the hardest for you to work into your menus, try some of these snack ideas:
Mixed Nuts
Deviled Eggs
Bean Soup
Bean Dip
Deli slices of turkey or chicken breast
Protein Shake or Bar
Dairy:
Having trouble getting enough dairy in your diet? Make sure you get the calcium and other nutrients you need by using these snack ideas. And as an added bonus, dairy foods are a good source of protein as well:
Cheese Sticks
Cheese and Crackers
Yogurt with dried fruit or nuts
Cottage Cheese with fruit
Instant Pudding
Fruits and Vegetables:
If your are not eating a rainbow of foods every day, you are not getting the most out of your fruits and vegetables. Each type of produce has its own secret formula of nutrients that cannot be copied with supplements. Here are a few ideas for sneaking in some more color as a snack:
Mix frozen fruit with juice in your blender for a fruit smoothie
Keep a tray of cut up vegetables in the refrigerator
Vegetable Soup
Many fruits are easily portable and delicious eaten raw
Grains:
If you find all you eat from the grain group is dry cereal and pasta, you may benefit from trying some of these snacks:
Bran Muffins
Toasted English Muffin
Air-Popped Popcorn
Whole-grain crackers
Granola Bars
You May Also Be Interested In:Explore ways exercise in pregnancy can help you stay healthy. Finding out how to tell if labor has started. The Coach's Notebook helps you master comfort measures for labor. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about pregnancy and locate childbirth professionals. Virtual Labor Game lets you practice your new labor skills. |
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