Healthy snacks while pregnant

[real13]

I’m 11 weeks pregnant and I’m absolutely starving all the time.

I find that I end up snacking on junk instead of good food.

could you give me some ideas of healthy snacks for pregnancy. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options also welcome!!

Thank you

Rice cakes with peanut butter
hummus and oat cakes
greek yogurt and berries
fruit
crudites
nuts

I hear you! 12 weeks pregnant and eating constantly!

• crackers with avocado and either cream cheese or feta
• berries and Greek yoghurt
• mix of nuts and dried fruits
• Veg sticks and hummus
• salads (I love a Greek salad).

these are some of the healthier snacks I’m having. But there’s also a lot of crisps and chocolate!

I’ve also started adding quinoa to my salads for lunch which is definitely helping to keep me full for longer.

I couldn't get enough of red apples and peanut butter!!
Other strong contenders: popcorn, berries, veggies and hummus, cheese (yes, lumps of cheese 😂), nuts, yoghurts, smoothies.

For meal ideas I'd have something small before work like a yoghurt or smoothie. And then brought second main breakfast (😅) to work as had early starts. Usually boiled eggs and brown bread was a go to.
Lunch: salad/sambo/soup/dinner leftovers, handful of nuts, fruit.
Dinners could be anything under the sun but focus on your lean protein snd veggies, and measure out your portion of carbs if possible is the advice I was given by a pregnancy dietitian I know.

Bananas or home made full fat milk banana milkshakes
Wholemeal toast or oatcakes with peanut or almond butter or mashed avocado
Humous and crudités with wholewheat wraps, toast or pita or ryvita
Greek yoghurt with chopped nuts, berries with low sugar granola or honey sprinkled on top
Wholewheat bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon or tuna or egg mayo.

I massively craved protein and veg when pregnant. I had fish almost every day, having not even liked it before I got pregnant.

Smoothies are a great way to get a ton of fruit and veg into you. Spinach, avocado, banana, apple, berries etc. Pop some Greek yogurt in there as well to make it more filling.
Also Greek yogurt with fruit and a bit of granola, honey and top with some flaxseed and chia seeds for added omega which is great for baby’s development.
You could also try making your own protein balls as a snack.
A lunch I’ve been enjoying Bagels or Thins with hummus and chopped up cucumber and peppers on.

Thanks so much for the ideas!!

Protein based stuff and fruit. Greek yogurt is good.
I like PP also had a fair amount of peanut butter as I love the stuff and had been told (probably untrue) that consuming it in pregnancy reduced the risk of an allergy child. I was taking no risks - bought a jar immediately 🤣🤣
Kiddo now doesn’t like it! Oh well more for me!

Remember that you’re not eating for two, it’s a myth. Try to control your calories especially you’re bothered about putting on “baby weight”

fruit is also full of sugar. I would aim for more protein and complex carbs in your meals.

The Gestational Diabetes UK website has tons of healthy/low sugar snack recipes including for things like cakes and brownies 😍Hopefully you won't get GD but I found even my non-diabetic partner enjoyed the snacks I made 😀

www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/recipe-index/

Totally normal to feel like a bottomless pit at 11 weeks. Your body is working overtime. For snacks, try things that combine protein + healthy fats so you stay full longer. Greek yogurt with berries, apple slices with peanut butter, cottage cheese bowls, or trail mix (nuts, seeds, dark choc, dried fruit). If you like Asian-style food, some companies like Tian Wei Signature even create Chinese postpartum and prenatal meals that focus on balanced nutrition, so that could be future inspo too!