Two Snacks: Healthy Ways to Control Cravings During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is not a step to overdo sweets or heavy snacks. Read on to learn how to eat healthy snacks during pregnancy and optimize nutrition.

Julie sat down at a large bowl of ice cream with chocolate chip cookies. His plan was to kill two birds with one stone. The ice cream was an attractive way to meet your calcium needs of the day and offered him the extra calories you should eat each pregnancy. "Now as two," he said.

In fact, pregnant women only need about 100 extra calories per day in the first quarter and 300 more per day in the second and third quarters. A single serving of half cup of ice cream good quality, which are about 250 calories, easily meets this requirement in a few quick spoonfuls.

While it is true that the body has a lot of work to do, pregnancy does not give the freedom to eat unlimited food and allows to ignore salt intake and fat. Weight gain beyond suggesting the doctor may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Over time, both your health and your baby may be at risk.

The art of eating healthy snacks

Most pregnancy guidelines recommend smaller portions, with snacks in between meals rather than three large meals a day. As the baby grows, it becomes more difficult to eat too much at once. Overeating can cause gas, heartburn, belching and stomach upset at any stage of the process.

In addition, healthy snacks can help control cravings between meals and provide extra nutrients you need without committing excesses. However, you must choose wisely. Not much food to add 100 to 300 calories a day to your diet is needed. A simple but well-planned afternoon or evening snack can represent the right amount of calories and nutrition.

Healthy snacks for moms

Observe the following attractive snacks. They offer a variety of whole grains, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. These foods contain calcium, iron, folic acid and fiber: all are important nutrients during pregnancy for both mother and baby developing.

Sweet... yummy!

Toasted English muffin buttered whole wheat with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter and sliced banana
A large baked apple halves cover with eight nuts and cinnamon
1 cup chocolate milk and a banana
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt or cottage cheese with 1 percent fat, with the addition of 1 cup diced fresh fruit and 2 tablespoons walnuts or almonds
Fruit smoothie with 1 cup of skim milk, 1 cup fresh berries and ¾ cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 package of oatmeal with cinnamon and maple syrup quick cooking, made with skim milk instead of water

Crunchy cravings

Two large rice crackers and cinnamon spread with 1 or 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
A large bowl of bean soup with four whole grain crackers
A large sliced apple (with skin) with 10 to 12 Minigalletas flavored rice
1/4 cup hummus, six to eight whole-grain crackers and carrot sticks and celery
Eight whole-grain crackers with 2 ounces of lean cheddar cheese and a cup of shredded red or yellow pepper
Homemade mixture of nuts with almonds or cashews 20, 2 tablespoons of raisins and a cup of whole grain

Of course, indulge occasionally is allowed. This is part of any diet plan, whether or not pregnant. The aim is to set an overall eating pattern that is well balanced. Implement healthy snacking can create good habits that will last beyond pregnancy.