Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • Podcasts
  • Kindred
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      Do you struggle to put your kiddo to bed—or keep them there? Read on to find out how to sleep train toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    When sex coincides with your most fertile days, your chances of getting pregnant increase. Get to know each phase of your cycle to help you conceive (or avoid) a pregnancy.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the signs of approaching labor, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    From Bridgerton to travel destinations, learn what's inspiring the baby name trends of 2022.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn't need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids' birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
    • Moms Run the World
    • The Stay at Home Guide
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects. Bonus: Each one can double as a homemade gift for someone special!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • Podcasts

    Podcasts

    • We Are Family Podcast
    • That New Mom Life Podcast
    • Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
  • Kindred
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Pregnancy
  3. My Pregnant Body
  4. Pregnancy Nutrition
  5. Healthy Snacks for Moms to Be

Healthy Snacks for Moms to Be

By Stephanie Karpinske September 10, 2014
Skip gallery slides
Pin
How to Eat Healthy During Pregnancy: Making a Healthy Snack
When hunger strikes between meals, it's tempting to grab a bag of chips or a candy bar. But healthy homemade snacks can be just as quick and easy as those prepackaged options. Try these nutrient-packed treats.
Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Better-for-You Nachos

Healthy nachos

Restaurant nachos are loaded with calories, fat, and sodium, but you can make a healthier version at home whenever you're craving chips and cheese. Just take a handful of baked tortilla chips, sprinkle on a little shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and microwave a few seconds until the cheese melts. Top with a little jarred salsa (which is generally fat-free and low in calories) and you have a delicious snack in minutes. Have a few more minutes? Make your own salsa with fresh tomatoes.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

High-Fiber Cereal, Milk, & Berries

cereal with fruit

Almost all cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, making them a simple snack that provides lots of nutrients. And if you don't like drinking milk, pouring it over cereal will help you get the calcium both you and your baby need. When buying cereal, choose one that's high in fiber and made with whole grains. Basic cereals are best since those with crunchy clusters or sweet coatings tend to be higher in fat, calories, and sugar. Top the cereal with fresh berries for additional vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

How to Eat Healthy During Pregnancy: Making a Healthy Snack

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie

Fruit Smoothie

Smoothies you buy at your local store are often high in sugar and low in fruit. Whip up your own at home using nonfat yogurt and your choice of fruit and you'll get a healthy serving of protein, calcium, and other important nutrients. Frozen fruit will give your smoothie a thicker texture, so use fresh fruit if you like a thinner consistency. And don't go overboard on the juice. The calories and sugar in juice -- even 100 percent fruit juice -- can add up quickly.

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apple and Cheese

Swiss cheese and apple

An apple a day is good for everyone, including pregnant women. Apples are a great source of both insoluble fiber, which fights constipation, and soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. All that fiber also keeps you full. Add in a small slice of protein-rich cheese for an even more satisfying snack. When buying apples, you might want to consider organic apples since the regular ones tend to have lots of pesticide residue on the skin.

  • Get more information on pesticides and fresh produce

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet Potato Chips

When you crave something crunchy with a hint of sweetness, these homemade chips will do the trick. They're coated in a little cinnamon and sugar instead of salt, and then baked, which makes them much lower in sodium and fat than regular potato chips. Plus you'll reap the many health benefits of sweet potatoes, including fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and B6.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mango Cubes

Slices of mango in a clear jar
Credit: David Prince

A cup of this tender, colorful fruit has just over 100 calories, making it a tasty snack when you want something sweet. In fact, most of its calories come from its naturally high sugar content. In addition to a sweet taste, you'll also get 3 grams of fiber per cup of mango, along with vitamin A and a good amount of vitamin C. A known antioxidant, vitamin C is important for the building and repair of body tissue and also helps support a healthy immune system.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Potato with Toppers

baked potato

Potatoes are another smart portable snack. They're easy to make in the microwave but can also be eaten cold. The potato skin is high in insoluble fiber so can help with constipation. Potatoes also have potassium, folate, and iron. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and plays a role in brain development. Vitamin C, another nutrient in the potato, helps your body better absorb iron -- yet another reason to eat potatoes. Instead of using butter or sour cream to top your potato, try plain nonfat yogurt and a sprinkle of chives.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Yogurt with Cereal

yogurt with cereal

Rich in calcium and protein, yogurt is a nearly perfect pregnancy food. Some yogurts contain live active cultures, which are beneficial bacteria that are believed to enhance digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and boost the immune system. Choose low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt since flavored yogurts tend to be high in sugar. Stir in a little cinnamon for flavor, then add a crunchy cereal topper. Choose whole grain cereals that have at least 5 grams of fiber per serving and less than 6 grams of sugar. Sugar, including high-fructose corn syrup, maltose, dextrose, and honey, shouldn't be one of the first few ingredients.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oatmeal & Raisins

oatmeal with raisins

You don't have to save oatmeal for breakfast. It's great any time of the day. Full of heart-healthy soluble fiber, oatmeal is portable and easy to make. Just add water or milk and microwave. Avoid flavored instant oatmeal, which is high in sugar and may have artificial flavors and/or colors. Instead, flavor your oats with raisins, which have fiber and potassium, a mineral that regulates fluid balance in the body and helps nerves and muscles work properly.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Wheat English Muffin

English muffin

Top half of a whole wheat English muffin with a thin slice of your favorite cheese. The cheese will help you meet your protein needs, which are almost 50 percent higher during pregnancy. Cheese is also high in calcium -- another nutrient that's especially important during pregnancy. You could also try topping your muffin with some honey and your favorite fruit. Most English muffins and other breads are fortified with iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, and the whole wheat version will also have several grams of fiber. When buying bread products, always check the label -- whole wheat flour should be listed as the first ingredient.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled egg
Credit: Blaine Moats

Portable and high in protein, hard-cooked eggs are a great snack when you're on the go. If you're an egg white-only type of gal, now's the time to eat that yolk. While the white is high in protein, the yolk is full of valuable nutrients, including choline, which plays a role in fetal brain and nervous system development, and folate, which helps prevent neural tube defects. Cook up a batch of eggs once a week so you can easily grab one when time is short.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Toasted Almonds

toasted almonds

Almonds are nutritional powerhouses filled with fiber, protein, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. They're rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals and have good amounts of nutrients such as fiber, iron, and calcium that are especially important for pregnant women. You can eat almonds raw but their flavor really comes out if you toast them in the oven for just a few minutes. Combine with dried cranberries for a tasty trail mix or just grab a handful when hunger strikes.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Half a Banana

Half a banana

Bananas are naturally higher in sugar than some other fruits, which makes them a little higher in calories as well. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't eat them. Bananas give you a good dose of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps form red blood cells, and some studies have shown that it may help with morning sickness. Roll your banana in a little wheat germ and you'll get additional B vitamins, the antioxidant vitamin E, and fiber.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Carrot Chips & Dip

carrot and dip

Rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene, carrots satisfy the need to crunch without resorting to high-fat chips. For convenience, choose baby carrots or carrot chips. To make a healthy dip, stir some ranch dip mix into low-fat sour cream. Serve with the carrots, and presto -- you have chips and dip without all the calories and fat.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dried Apricots

dried apricots
Credit: Yunhee Kim

Apricots are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gives the fruit its bright orange color. In the body, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A -- a vitamin that helps develop and maintain healthy teeth, bones, and skin. Apricots are delicious when eaten fresh but are usually only available in the spring. Dried apricots are available year-round, so keep some on hand for when you crave something sweet. And for a special dessert, top them with a little melted dark chocolate.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cottage Cheese with Sliced Veggies

Cottage Cheese and Vegetables
Credit: Alexey Borodin / Shutterstock

If you're so over yogurt, it might be time to revisit this dairy-aisle friend. In a single 5-ounce serving, you'll get up to 20 grams of protein along with around 125 milligrams of bone-strengthening calcium. Look for a variety with minimal sodium to keep your recommended daily intake in check, and pair it with your favorite veggie or salad for an extra nutritional boost.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lentil Salad with Whole-Grain Pita Chips

Lentil Salad
Credit: Robert Jacobs

Mix together 1/4 cup of protein-laden cooked lentils, 1/2 an avocado (diced), and a few tablespoons of salsa for a super-quick dip that has about 5 grams of protein and is delicious with a handful of pita chips. Sick of avocado? Switch in some grilled chicken.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Tomatoes with Parmesan

Foap-Roasted_Tomatoes-700x.jpg

This pizza-inspired snack manages to be a little sweet, a little salty, and a whole lot of delicious. Each serving contains 3 grams of protein, as well as vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Stephanie Karpinske

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 Better-for-You Nachos
    2 of 19 High-Fiber Cereal, Milk, & Berries
    3 of 19 How to Eat Healthy During Pregnancy: Making a Healthy Snack
    4 of 19 Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie
    5 of 19 Apple and Cheese
    6 of 19 Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Chips
    7 of 19 Mango Cubes
    8 of 19 Baked Potato with Toppers
    9 of 19 Yogurt with Cereal
    10 of 19 Oatmeal & Raisins
    11 of 19 Whole Wheat English Muffin
    12 of 19 Hard-Boiled Eggs
    13 of 19 Toasted Almonds
    14 of 19 Half a Banana
    15 of 19 Carrot Chips & Dip
    16 of 19 Dried Apricots
    17 of 19 Cottage Cheese with Sliced Veggies
    18 of 19 Lentil Salad with Whole-Grain Pita Chips
    19 of 19 Roasted Tomatoes with Parmesan

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Parents. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Healthy Snacks for Moms to Be
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.