Healthy Snacks to Eat During Pregnancy

Eating healthy is a primary focus of most women during pregnancy. Indian women especially are blessed when it comes to making meal choices, as a traditional Indian diet is well-balanced in terms of taste & nutrition. 

While there are many options available for the main meals, women often find themselves perplexed during those untimely hunger episodes when all they want is a delicious yet healthy snack.

As opposed to the common misconception you don't need to eat for two during pregnancy. However, you want to gain a steady weight while making healthy food choices during your pregnancy. It is easy to simply open a pack of chips or devour a candy bar when those snack cravings strike. Although this is alright once in a while, you want to keep your pantry stocked with healthy items to whip up a quick snack when you are hungry. 

If you are confused about healthy yet yummy snacks, you are in the right place. The choices are endless, and we are here to help you make good ones. Let us look at some scrumptious snacks that won't make you feel guilty afterwards and will also satisfy your pregnancy cravings perfectly.

16 Healthy Snacks to Eat During Pregnancy

1. Peanut Chaat: Peanuts are rich in folic acid, proteins, healthy fats and other nutrients. Mix them with different vegetables to add the goodness of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Mix in your favourite chutneys, spices, and a squeeze of lemon juice, and you got yourself the perfect sweet, tangy, and spicy chaat that is yummy and healthy.
2. Vegetable Cutlet: Mix vegetable cutlets are a great Indian snack that is highly customisable as per your choice. Mix together all your favourite vegetables and spices, shape them into cutlets, coat them with breadcrumbs and shallow fry or air-fry. Enjoy these goodies with green chutney. The best part is you can make them in advance and freeze them. This will solve your search for healthy snacks during pregnancy. Similar choices may include Kala chana or Rajma kebabs.
3. Oats Banana Pancake: If you are looking for some sweet yet healthy snacks to eat during pregnancy, oats banana pancakes are a perfect choice. Mix together one egg, ¼ cup powdered oats, one banana, baking powder, and some milk to make these nutritious yet delectable pancakes.
4. Curd rice: If you have some leftover white rice, you can quickly whip up this yummy dish to cool your cravings on a hot day. Mix some leftover rice with yoghurt and add grated cucumber and carrots. Set aside for 10 minutes. Temper by heating some ghee and adding asafoetida, dried red chillies, mustard seeds and curry leaves. 
5. Mini idlis: Fermented foods are highly nutritious. Idlis with coconut chutney are the perfect comfort food that has healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates to keep you satisfied.
6. Dhokla: Dhokla, another fermented food, is also one of the best healthy snacks for pregnant women. Dhoklas are low in calories but high in probiotics, protein content, and of course, taste. You can even increase their nutritional value by adding grated vegetables to the batter.
7. Mixed Nut Laddoo or Peanut Chikki: This is another great way to satisfy your sweet cravings. As Indians, we have a wide variety of nutritious laddoo recipes available; be it rava coconut laddoo, ragi badam laddoo, or besan laddoo, the choices are endless. The ghee and nuts provide healthy fats. You can add your choice of sweeteners like dates or jaggery to add to the health benefits. Peanut Chikki can also be a good option to treat your sweet cravings. These desserts should be eaten in portioned amounts. Also, if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, talk to your doctor or dietician about how much and what type of sweets are allowed for you.
8. Bhel Puri: Puffed rice, or Murmura, is a light snack used to make Bhel Puri. You can mix a ton of toppings to make it tasty yet healthy. 
9. Fruits Chaat/Salad: Fruit chaat or a fruit salad also works as a great pregnancy snack. It is full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. You can also add soaked chia seeds or nuts to make it tastier and healthier.
10. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: Hummus is one of the most nutritious dips. It is full of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Cut vegetables like cucumber, carrots, beetroot, and calcium into sticks. Dip them in hummus for a nutritious and high-fibre snack.
11. Fresh Fruits: If you are searching for a quick pregnancy snack without going through much hassle, fresh fruits are amazing. They help satisfy your cravings while providing great nutrition. You can even opt for mixed fruit smoothies if you are in the mood for something cold and refreshing.
12. Sprouts salad: Sprouts are high in nutrition content and are great for you and your baby. Sprouts are easily digestible and low in calories. They have a high protein content and work great in salads and chaats. Add some grilled paneer to your salad or chaats for added protein.
13. Roasted Chana or Peanuts: Having roasted chana or peanuts around the house is great for times when hunger strikes suddenly. 
14. Chole Chaat: Chickpeas are a rich source of dietary fibre, folate, magnesium, potassium and iron, making their easy-to-make chaat a healthy snack.
15. Egg salad: Egg carries all the nutrients essential for your pregnancy. You can quickly whip up a boiled egg salad for a fast snack. You can make homemade mayonnaise or use Greek yoghurt dressing for a healthier alternative.
16. Grilled Chicken Whole Wheat Sandwich: Chicken works as a great source of lean protein. Make a healthy sandwich using wholewheat bread, leftover or freshly grilled chicken and a choice of vegetables. You can even add a slice of cheese and elevate the taste of the sandwich with green chutney for a yummy evening snack during pregnancy.

These are just a few options for healthy yet appetising items ideal as afternoon or evening snacks during pregnancy. You can always customise these snacks based on your preferences, allergies, and nutritional requirements. 

We hope these snack ideas will work for you, and you will not have to turn to junk food when those crazy cravings strike!

Dr. Ms Sunitha

Dietician

Musheerabad, Hyderabad