It's Good to Snack

You may think of snacks as a nutritional no-no, but dietitians actually encourage pregnant women to eat three snacks along with their three meals each day. Eating six mini-meals instead of three large meals helps prevent heartburn and keeps blood sugar levels stable.

Snacking doesn't mean heading to the candy machine for a chocolate bar. Your three snacks a day--between breakfast and lunch, between lunch and dinner, and before bedtime (if it doesn't cause indigestion)--are three more opportunities for you to eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Here are some nutritious, delicious snacks that you can enjoy:

• Yogurt with granola and fresh fruit
• A frozen 100-percent-juice bar
• Low-fat cheese and whole wheat crackers
• Carrot sticks with low-fat ranch dressing for dipping
• Red, green, and yellow bell peppers with salsa for dipping
• Whole wheat bagel with 100-percent-fruit spread
• Apple slices with peanut butter
• Whole wheat waffle topped with fresh strawberries

Originally published in You & Your Baby: Pregnancy.

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