For nausea, try bland, easily digestible snacks like crackers, toast, or ginger candies. To combat fatigue, opt for snacks with protein and complex carbohydrates, such as yogurt with granola or apple slices with peanut butter.
Pregnancy can bring on both nausea and fatigue, often due to hormonal changes and increased metabolic demands. Certain snacks can help alleviate these symptoms.
Nausea: Bland, dry foods are often well-tolerated. Crackers, plain toast, dry cereal, and rice cakes can help settle the stomach. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea remedy, so ginger candies, ginger ale (in moderation due to sugar content), or ginger tea can be beneficial. Small, frequent meals and snacks are generally better than large meals.
Fatigue: Fatigue during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal shifts, increased blood volume, and the energy required to support a growing baby. Snacks that provide sustained energy are ideal. These include:
Protein-rich snacks: Yogurt (especially Greek yogurt), hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, and a handful of nuts provide protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels and provides sustained energy.
Complex carbohydrates: Whole-grain crackers, oatmeal, fruits (like apples or bananas), and vegetables (like carrot sticks) offer fiber and nutrients for longer-lasting energy.
Combinations: Pairing protein and complex carbohydrates is often the most effective. Examples include apple slices with peanut butter, whole-wheat toast with avocado, or yogurt with granola.
Staying hydrated is also crucial for managing both nausea and fatigue. Water, herbal teas, and clear broths can help.
Keep a stash of your go-to snacks readily available, such as on your nightstand or in your purse, so you can address nausea or fatigue quickly before it worsens.