Choosing healthy snacks is as important as the healthy meals that you plan. Healthy snacks can help you add those extra calories and nutrients you need during pregnancy as well as give you a boost of energy when you need it and take the edge off hunger in between meals. Contrary to popular belief, snacking can be part of a healthful eating plan. To keep blood sugar levels under control, it is ideal to go no longer than three or four hours between meals. The key to sensible snacking is the type and amount of food that you choose. Mindless snacking or nibbling on high-fat, high-calorie foods can lead to trouble in the form of unwanted and empty calories as well as loads of fat and sugar.

To make snacking a healthy part of your diet, choose snacks that are lower in fat and rich in nutrients. Make snacks count, instead of thinking of them as an “extra.” Eat snacks well ahead of mealtime, and eat smaller portions of your snacks as opposed to big ones. Also, plan your snacks ahead of time. Good snack ideas include the following:

• Half a whole-wheat bagel or an apple topped with peanut butter

• Celery stalks with low-fat cream cheese

• Low-fat fruited yogurt topped with low-fat granola cereal

• Low-fat cottage cheese topped with fresh fruit

• Fresh fruit

• Light microwave popcorn (for extra flavor, toss with a small amount of low-fat Parmesan cheese or garlic powder)

• Pita bread stuffed with fresh veggies and low-fat ranch dressing

• Low-fat string cheese and crackers

• Raisins and rice cakes

These are only a few ideas! Use your creativity, and choose foods that you like.