Pregnancy hunger is a struggle sometimes! You are hungrier than usual (if you’re not feeling nauseous that is) but you also want to be mindful about what you’re eating to be sure you’re giving baby good nutrients. So it’s always been important to me to keep some snacks on hand that are healthy but also yummy and EASY. Especially now that I also have a toddler. Simple and easy are key when trying to manage pregnancy and a one year old. I’ve rounded up a few of my go-to snack options here to hopefully make your snack life easier.
No Prep Snacks
- Lara Bars- I love these for an on the go options! tons of flavor, none of the junk you don’t want. **Be mindful of sugar content if you have gestational diabetes as the primary ingredient is dates which are high in sugar**
- Clementines- I think I ate my body weight in these when pregnant with my first and while I don’t crave them as much this go around, they are still a staple snack because I can throw one in the diaper bag on the way out the door to have when I need it.
- Nuts- I prefer pistachios or cashews but whatever nuts you want work! I recommend buying a large amount at Costco or Sam’s to save on cost and then you can grab a handful when you need a boost or throw a handful in a baggie to take on the go.
- Cheese Stick- a string cheese is always a good quick, easy snack that can be taken on the go or to tide you over till dinner at home.
Low Prep Snacks
- Hard Boiled Eggs- Once you make these, they are pretty much a no prep, grab and go snack but obviously the actual hard boiling does require some prep. But I make mine at the beginning of the week and then can have them throughout the week when I need a protein boost or more filling snack.
- Hummus and a dipper- I like pita or cucumbers for mine, but use whatever you want! Not as portable as some other options but a great snack nonetheless. And you can get so many flavors so you won’t get bored of it, you can just switch flavors! I like the plain and the Boar’s Head Sweet Chili Garlic.
- Cottage Cheese- I like mine plain or with fruit on top. They do make pre-portioned ones of these which can also make it no prep! Cottage cheese has a good amount of protein too which is a huge plus, since I’m always trying to get more protein in when pregnant.
- Sweet Treat– Greek yogurt mixed with peanut butter and chocolate chips. This is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth! It tastes like cookie dough! You can use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt but definitely use Greek because the thicker texture is key. Mix in a heaping spoonful of peanut butter and stir then add a handful of chocolate chips, delicious!
If this list of healthy snacks is making you feel guilty about the bag of Cheetos in your hand let me stop you right there. I wrote part of this while eating a piece of chocolate cake in my bed. And have had more of a sweet tooth with this pregnancy than I thought possible. But I try and go for balance. Keeping snacks like these on hand mean I feel better when I’m reaching for the m&ms after dinner.
If you ave any more great snack ideas, share them with us here!