Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important to your health and your baby. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can lead to dangerous complications; and a diet high in sugar can potentially lead to an oversize baby, which causes its own issues as well. The problem is you are dealing with hormones that affect your appetite and your cravings. Combine those factors with a busy schedule and it becomes extremely difficult to stick to a healthy diet. The solution is a proactive approach with a little bit of planning and preparation.
The first step is to think about the types of foods you crave. Do you go for crunch, such as potato chips? You can counter that craving with crunchy, home baked apple chips. Do you dream about chocolate all day? Indulge in a creamy, calcium packed glass of chocolate milk. Make your own or keep a few mini chocolate Milk Chugs in the fridge for when the craving hits. If you like sweet things in general, fresh fruit like strawberries might be your answer.
The second step is to make your alternatives just as crave-able through creativity and presentation, as well as convenience. An uncut melon sitting in the fridge isn’t going to look like a great alternative to an oversize bowl of ice cream. Instead, spend some time cutting up several fresh fruits, toss them together and fill several parfait cups. Top with a small amount of whipped cream and refrigerate. A fruit parfait is definitely more appetizing than an uncut melon, and you’ll be much more likely to eat the fruit if it looks delicious and is ready to eat in an instant. Bake healthy treats and package them individually so you can throw one in your bag when you’re running out the door. Save money and time by filling up several reusable bottles with water (flavored or plain) and sticking them in the refrigerator. Whenever you are running errands, grab a bottle and you’ll be less likely to hit the drive-through later in the day when you get thirsty. The key is to prepare tasty, healthy snacks and beverages ahead of time so that they will be convenient to enjoy later when you don’t have time.