Easy Snack Ideas for Moms
I get asked all the time for healthy snack ideas. This is an area a lot of us struggle with! I was honestly never much of a snacker, and I generally think it’s best to aim for three nourishing and satisfying meals a day, with maybe one snack in between. I don’t generally recommend snacking all day because giving your digestive system a break is important.
That said, things changed when I was pregnant with my first and again with this one, especially in the second trimester. I also feel like a bottomless pit when breastfeeding. Sometimes I even woke up in the middle of the night so hungry that I had to grab a small snack before I could fall back asleep.
When it comes to snacks, I recommend including at least two of the three macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) to help keep things balanced. And remember, a snack is a snack, not a meal, so be mindful of portion sizes. If you’re constantly snacking outside of pregnancy, it might be worth looking at your meals to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients and that they’re balanced.
Snacking during pregnancy can actually be helpful. Small, frequent meals can help with nausea in the first trimester and can also ease heartburn later on. While breastfeeding, your body needs about 300 extra calories a day, so snacks are a great way to stay nourished and maintain your milk supply. Read on for some of my go-to snacks, as well as what I suggest when you want to socialize but don’t want the effects of alcohol!
Here are some of my favorite easy snacks:
Sliced banana with a thin spread of peanut butter and mini chocolate chips (freeze for a treat!)
Cheese & fiber-rich crackers (seed crackers can be a good option), paired with a fruit or veggie
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a thin slice of bread
Hummus with celery or carrot sticks
Nut and fruit mix (I like adding a few dark chocolate pieces!)
Greek yogurt with cinnamon and honey, with apple slices for dipping
Cheese stick with a side of fruit
Edamame
Popcorn with toppings: nutritional yeast, olive oil & chili powder. Or thyme & parmesan. Or rosemary & Parmesan
Caprese salad: mozzarella balls, tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic glaze
Smoothie
Applesauce
Frozen grapes
Yogurt with granola
Chia seed pudding
Toast with hummus, sliced cucumber, olive oil, salt, and pepper
Plantain chips with guacamole
Hard-boiled egg with a sliced avocado topped with salt & pepper
Apples tossed in cinnamon and lightly sautéed
Non-Alcoholic Drink Options
I also get asked a lot about drinking alcohol once you have kids - while I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine, having kids means you need to be ready for anything, and I think non-alcoholic options are a better choice. Pique’s Vesper is a great choice for moms who want to socialize but not have the effects of alcohol. Vesper is a non-alcoholic adaptogenic aperitif that can help to relieve tension and promote relaxation. It’s made with certified organic botanicals and includes no alcohol, no added sugar, and no artificial sweeteners. Some of the benefits of Vesper include:
Ingredients to help soothe the nervous system. L-theanine, tart cherry, elderflower and lemon balm work together to help create a relaxed mood without the effects of alcohol.
A subtle uplift in your mood. Gentian root, which is from flowering alpine plants, gives you a little euphoria boost - perfect for when you need a break!
Vesper is a great way to wind down - just mix with sparkling water and enjoy! Enjoy 15% off when you subscribe using this link: https://piquelife.com/weilvesper
What are some of your favorite healthy snacks to make? Share in the comments!
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These are great! Thank you 😊