Let’s talk about first trimester. It’s hard. Arguably the worst trimester (for me anyways). Your usual meals and snacks don’t sound good. So you basically have to come up with a whole new menu. And have to eat every 2 hours. Except just the thought of food makes you want to throw up. So you’re caught between a rock and a hard place. Because you don’t want to eat. But you have to eat. If you want the nausea to go away. But coming up with a snack with more sustenance than saltine crackers feels nearly impossible. Anyone else?
Let me help! I have created a list of easy, high protein pregnancy snack ideas to help YOU make it through your first trimester. Obviously everyone’s pregnancy cravings and aversions are different, so you might not love all of these ideas. But I hope at least one or two of these are just what you need!!
1. Greek Yogurt + Protein Powder
This is so easy and delicious. Mix Greek yogurt (Aldi has a great Organic one!) with your favorite protein powder (my fav is Just Ingredients) and that’s it! So easy and plain and yummy. If that’s too boring for you, add in some fruit or granola (or both). An amazing high protein snack.
2. Apples + Natural Peanut Butter
Simple and delicious. There’s actually research showing that apples can help with nausea! According to Everyday Health, the fiber helps slow down digestion, which can ease digestion. Fiber also may help clear chemicals (that cause nausea) out of your system. (Everyday Health) Adding the peanut butter will help you stay satiated a little longer. I’m a fan of crunchy, this is a great one!
3. Hard Boiled Eggs
These are plain and easy to make. Also high in protein and so many nutrients specifically important during pregnancy! Pasture raised is the way to go if it’s in your budget! According to Lily Nichols, eggs are rich in choline, DHA (an omega-3 fat), and B-vitamins – all helpful for brain development. Choline acts very similarly to folate (which you more likely have heard of) and specifically plays a huge role in preventing neural tube defects and the health of your placenta! Eggs are also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K! (Lily Nichols)
4. Toast + Natural Peanut Butter (+Bananas if you’re into that)
Toast is just an easy thing to eat during pregnancy. It’s plain and easy to make. I generally stick with sour dough because it’s easier for your body to digest. This is a great brand!! Ultimately look for something with minimal ingredients that you can actually read! Adding peanut butter (or even just butter) will give you some good fat to help sustain you a little longer!
5. Veggies + Hummus
Chickpeas have a surprising amount of protein and fiber! Both of which can leave you full longer. This is also a pretty simple snack to grab and go. I will say, most hummus has added seed oil, so I just make my own! This is my go-to recipe (I leave out the cumin!)
6. Cottage Cheese
You’ll either love this or hate this. But it’s super plain and high in protein and fat! I specifically love the Brand Good Culture – this one with double cream is my personal fav.
7. Smoothies
Smoothies are great because you can blend a lot of nutrient rich foods in them but can easily hide the taste. I generally add fruit, spinach, protein powder (if you want to try Just Ingredients, use AlexaBontrager for 10% off at checkout!) and whole milk to mine! Simple and delicious.
8. Avocado Toast
I pretty much ate this every morning for breakfast during my first trimester. Sour dough toast with butter, avocado, and eggs. Nutrient packed but pretty bland. It would make a great afternoon snack for you as well.
9. String Cheese
Super easy to grab and go! Also a solid source of protein and fat.
10. Cereal + Milk
Don’t sass me yet. I’m talking good cereal. Organic. Made with real ingredients. I love these corn flakes. Or Seven Sunday’s brand cereal!! The chocolate is my fav. Both of these are made without seed oils and are naturally sweetened. Add some grass fed whole milk. And even some bananas or strawberries. Chef’s kiss. This is a very satisfying and honestly good for you snack.
Bonus Ideas
Okay and here are just a couple bonus pregnancy snack ideas that aren’t necessarily protein rich, but are easy and can help get you through.
11. Frozen Green Grapes + Lemon Juice
So satisfying. Just cut the grapes in half, sprinkle lemon juice on them, and freeze!
12. Rice Cakes
The plainest thing you could possibly eat. But at least it’s food. And it’s clean! You could add almond butter too! I also make a really yummy sweet treat with them – spread on a layer of peanut butter, freeze. Then melt chocolate and coconut oil together and spread a layer on top, freeze!! It’s so yum.
13. Raspberry Leaf Tea
Okay this is not a snack. But it was a lifesaver. I feel like I always had a weird taste in my mouth so the tea was a nice way to get rid of that. I would just make a pitcher of it and keep it in the fridge to grab when I needed. Get fancy with it and add some honey and lemon juice, or just drink it plain (on ice of course).
That’s All
I hope this is helpful to you! And that you find a couple takeaway pregnancy snack ideas for your first trimester. I know it’s hard, but you can do this!! Just remember, you’ll get to hold your sweet babe in your arms at the end of this and it will be SO worth it. You are going to be an amazing mama!! I’d love to hear your thoughts on my list!! Comment below your favorite pregnancy snacks, I’m always here for new ideas.
A Note
I’m not a medical doctor, so check with your doctor about any pregnancy snack ideas you’re unsure about!
Sources
https://lilynicholsrdn.com/research-backed-benefits-eating-eggs-pregnancy
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