Smart Food Choices for Better Snacking
Chances are, when you first found out you were pregnant your baby was smaller than your fist, and even as he or she grows you only need about 200-300 extra calories a day during your pregnancy. That’s the same as having one or two extra snacks a day. Just make sure to choose healthy options.
Should I follow those cravings?
Listen to your body’s cues so you know the difference between hunger and cravings. When hungry, try to satisfy that hunger with healthy options that also satisfy what you’ve been craving that day. Here are some simple snacks that may do the trick:
If you want something sweet:
1 piece of fresh fruit, a cup of fruit canned in juice, or ¼ cup of dried fruit
A simple smoothie made from a whole orange, a half cup of berries and a little yogurt
1 cup cereal with ½ cup low-fat milk, topped with bananas, berries or peaches
Cereal, fruit and yogurt parfait
If you want something salty:
A sliced tart apple dipped in peanut butter
1/4 cup of nuts
7 All-Bran™ crackers and 1 low-fat string cheese or salsa
1/2 cup of broth-based vegetable soup and a few crackers
If you want something crunchy:
1 cup baby carrots or bell peppers with low-fat dip or hummus
2 cups light popcorn sprinkled with Italian seasoning or a mixture of chili powder, cumin and a dash of salt
Jicama sticks sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice
2 Keebler® Graham Crackers
If you want something more like a meal:
½ high-fiber bagel topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese
1 mini pita with 2 slices lean turkey, low-fat cheese and tomato slices
1/4 cup of water-packed tuna mixed with 1/2 tsp. low-fat mayonnaise on All-Bran™ crackers
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