Getting adequate nutrition becomes quite a challenge during the final weeks of pregnancy.  Not only do you feel as big as a house but the baby is squishing everything including your stomach, which makes it very difficult to eat a big meal.  During the final weeks of pregnancy it is much easier to just eat several smalls meals a day instead of the regular 3 meals.  You may feel like you are snacking all day long by doing this but if you make nutritious choices you are doing yourself and the baby good.  

Here are some great healthy snack ideas as you try to get enough to eat and adequate nutrition during those last few weeks of your pregnancy.

  • Fruit.  Having bite sized pieces of fruit to snack on during the day is a healthy way to curb those sweet tooth cravings. 
  • Dried fruit and nuts. 
  • Cheese can help with your intake of both calcium and protein.
  • Crackers, especially those high in fiber and whole grains.  You can add a little protein and calcium by spreading peanut butter or cream cheese on the crackers.
  • Cottage cheese and fruit.  This is a great idea for lunch.  You get lots of good energy creating protein in a light meal that won't weigh you down.
  • Chicken or tuna salad on whole grain bread that is high in fiber.  (Remember to watch your intake of tuna though and follow your doctor's recommendations)
  • A fresh salad with light dressing.  Choice lots of in season veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (whatever you like and is in season).  You can even add some turkey, ham, or other meat to make a meal of it.
  • Cereal.  You can snack on dry cereal or have a bowl with milk for any meal.
  • Anything that tickles your fancy, is light, and provides good nutrition.

Preparing for the day ahead of time is a good way to avoid snacking on empty calorie, high fat, poor nutrition foods.  Have all the bite sized portions available and snack away.  If you have any particular cravings think of healthy ways to curb those cravings like fruit for sweet cravings, crackers and cheese for salty cravings, etc.  The nice thing about learning how to snack well during your pregnancy is that the lessons your learn will likely carry over into your postpartum period making it much easier to shed that baby weight!

If you are concerned that you are not getting adequate nutrition at any time during your pregnancy talk to your doctor.  They can evaluate you and determine if you perhaps need to meet with a nutritionist.

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