Below are just some of the simple snacks that can keep you satisfied during pregnancy.
BAKED POTATOES
The humble spud, it's so versatile and the perfect comfort food. Potatoes contain vitamin C which can help to combat iron deficiency, and the skin contains fibre which helps the digestive system. For a tasty snack try baked potatoes with the topping of your choice. Try replacing butter with a healthier alternative like cottage cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.
AVOCADO AND CRISPBREAD
Crispbread has a reputation as being dull but, if you add a little mashed avocado as a topping then it’s tasty and nutritious. Avocados are a great choice for pregnant women due to their high content of healthy fats, folate and potassium.
EGGS AND WHOLE GRAIN BREAD
Containing almost all the nutrients the body needs, eggs are excellent for increasing overall nutrient intake. Egg yolk contains vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption and helps your baby’s bones and teeth to grow strong. They also contain choline, which may help the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. Have your egg scrambled or boiled - either is fine – but remember that the egg should be cooked so both the white and yolk is solid to avoid any potential bouts of salmonella. Serve on wholegrain toast and for the perfect weekend brunch add some salmon and spinach.
CEREAL, MILK AND BERRIES
Cereal can be a low fat and low sugar snack, and you can fortify it with even more goodness by adding milk and organic berries or chopped apples to the mix. Blackberries, raspberries and blueberries contain vitamin C, potassium, folate and fibre, while apples contain plenty of fibre.
Avoid cereals which have added sugar as they can negate the health benefits of the meal.
Milk is good for you and the baby, as it contains calcium which aids in bone growth. Try semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, as they contain all the nutritional benefits of milk but with less of the saturated fat. Make sure that whatever milk you consume is pasteurised, as this process kills any nasty bacteria.