Healthy Pregnancy Chatpata Snacks- Chaats

Continuing our previous article 'Quick and Healthy Snacks During Pregnancy,' here are some more healthy snacks, which are good for pregnant women.

Table of Contents

• Corn Chaat
• Sweet Potato Chaat/Chips
• Chickpea Chaat

#Corn Chaat- Healthy Pregnancy Snacks

Rich in vitamin A, B6, and fiber, corn is the most loved snack during pregnancy. The benefits of eating corn during pregnancy include:

• Gives relief from constipation
• Lessens the risk of neonatal defects
• Increases memory power of both mother and the unborn child
• Keeps the baby's eyes healthy
• Prevent several types of cancer, including breast cancer
• Keeps your skin healthy
• Improves your immunity
• Increases good cholesterol (HDL) in the body
• Minimizes the risk of spina bifida and other neural malformations in the child
• Prevents muscular degeneration in the baby after birth
• Ensures proper physiological functioning
• Prevents anemia
• Helps build a baby's muscle and nervous system
• Ensures the healthy development of skin and mucous membrane in the baby

Nutritional Value of Corn

Consuming 100 grams of corn gives you:

• Calories: 96
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Sugars: 4.5 g
• Protein: 3.4 g
• Fiber: 2.4 g
• Fat: 1.5 g
• Omega-3: 0.02g
• Omega-6: 0.59g
• Water: 73%

Is it safe to eat corn during pregnancy?

Eating corn is safe and healthy for both you and your unborn baby. However, make sure you do not over-consume it, as excessive consumption might lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion.

Also Read: Coconut Water in Pregnancy – Benefits, Side Effects & More

How much corn should I eat during pregnancy?

It depends on the form you are consuming corn in:

• Sweet corn: up to 3 small cups.
• Cornflakes: 2-3 small cups.
• Popcorn: 1 medium-size cup once in a while.

Corn products to eat and avoid during pregnancy:

The following forms of corn should not be consumed during pregnancy:

• Canned Corn (risk of BPA)
• Corn Oil (high in fat and calories)
• Corn Starch (only carbohydrates)
• Corn Syrup (high in sugars)
• Popcorn with salt, butter, or sugar (contain sodium and trans fat) - should be an occasional treat only.

And the best form of corn for pregnancy are:

• Fresh or frozen corn cob
• Sweet Corn (boiled corn cob or corn kernels)
• Plain popcorn with moderate salt and butter - high in fiber
• Baby Corn - healthy and nutritious
• Cornflakes in moderation

Also Read: Healthy Pregnancy Snack- Smoothies

How to prepare corn chaat for pregnancy?

Boil some corn kernels and keep them aside. Add cumin seeds and little oil in a vessel and let the mixture crackle. Then add boiled corn kernels, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and sprinkle some rock salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, and your corn chaat is ready.

Alternatively, you can also try corn on the cob with a sprinkling of lemon juice and chaat masala, or make popcorn by using an air popper or placing corn kernels in a paper bag in the oven. Don't forget to add a small amount of salt and butter for extra flavor.

Some other ways to consume corn during pregnancy are:

• Eat grilled or barbecued corn directly from the cob.
• Add to soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, toast, pizzas, and rice dishes.
• Consume boiled corn with a seasoning of your choice.

Things to Remember:

Take the following precautions while consuming corn during pregnancy:

• Keep the corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Avoid overeating corn if you have heart issues.
• Do not store corn for more than two days as it loses its freshness.
• Avoid canned corn. Instead, go for a fresh or frozen one.
• Never go for corns that are sold on the roadside.
• Avoid sprinkling artificial sweeteners or flavors on the corn kernels.
• Make sure to buy fresh corn with husk.
• Try pulling off the husk and piercing the kernel to check the freshness.
• Make sure the husk has a fresh green color while buying.
• Refrain from removing the husk to preserve the freshness.
• Consume the corn within a few days from its buying.

Also Read: Healthy Pregnancy Indian Snacks

#Sweet Potato Chaat/Chips- Healthy Pregnancy Snacks

Sweet potatoes contain significant amounts of Vitamin A, C, B6, potassium, and fiber. The benefits of eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy include:

• Keeps you full longer
• Reduces blood sugar spikes
• Improves digestive health; prevents constipation
• Helps develop bones and organs of the fetus
• Normalizes your blood pressure
• Assists in the formation of the brain and nervous system in the fetus
• Prevents the risk of spinal cord defects in the baby
• Helps manage stress levels
• Minimizes the risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Improves your vision
• Strengthens immune system

Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes:

100 grams of raw sweet potatoes contain the following nutrients:

• Calories: 86
• Carbs: 20.1 grams
• Sugar: 4.2 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 1.6 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Water: 77%

Are sweet potatoes safe to consume during pregnancy?

Yes, sweet potatoes are safe to consume during pregnancy. However, if you have a history of chronic kidney diseases, they may increase your risk of kidney stone formation due to high amounts of oxalate content.

Moreover, if you have diabetes or are overweight, you should avoid consuming sweet potatoes as the high amounts of starch may cause you gas, diarrhea, and other health complications.

How many sweet potatoes should I consume during pregnancy?

When you're pregnant, aim for only 2-3 medium-sized sweet potatoes a day.

How to eat sweet potatoes during pregnancy?

• Chop and boil some sweet potatoes. Then add chopped coriander, green chilies, onion, cumin powder, grated ginger, lemon juice, and rock salt to a bowl. Pour chopped and boiled sweet potato slices over it and mix well. Your chaat is ready.
• You can also grate the sweet potato into thin slices to make crispy chips using cinnamon and sugar, which can also be stored for later use.

Also Read: Roasted Healthy Pregnancy Snacks

#Chickpea Chaat- Healthy Pregnancy Snacks

Chickpeas (chole or Kabuli chana) are a tasty and nutritious snack for pregnant women to get calcium, iron, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. The health benefits of chickpeas for pregnant women include:

• Keeps your appetite under control
• Promotes healthy weight gain during pregnancy
• Keeps your stomach full longer
• Improves your bone health
• Prevents spikes in blood sugar levels and saves you from Gestational diabetes
• Reduce your risk of certain types of cancer
• Prevents high blood pressure
• Improves your digestive health and prevents constipation
• Prevents neural tube defects in the growing baby
• Helps in the formation of bones and teeth in the baby
• Cuts down cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease
• Prevents Iron deficiency anemia
• Promotes overall fetus development
• Boosts your energy levels
• Plays a vital role in your baby's brain development

Nutritional Value of Chickpeas:

One serving of 28-gram chickpeas contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 46
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Carbs: 8 grams
• Iron: 4% of the RDI (Recommended Daily Allowance)
• Copper: 5% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 5% of the RDI
• Folate: 12% of the RDI
• Manganese: 14% of the RDI

Is it safe to eat Chickpeas during pregnancy?

Yes. Chickpeas are healthy and safe to consume during pregnancy, as long as they are well cooked and eaten in moderation.

How much Chickpeas should I eat during pregnancy?

Chickpeas can sometimes be gassy, so keep the quantity up to one small cup daily to avoid digestive issues during pregnancy.

How to make Chickpeas Chaat for pregnancy?

Mix boiled chickpeas with freshly chopped vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, green chilies, cucumber, capsicum, broccoli, coriander, and bell peppers. Sprinkle some salt and lime juice, and you're all done.

Alternatively, you can mash boiled chickpeas with tahini paste, garlic, a few drops of olive oil, and lime juice to make hummus, which you can eat with whole wheat bread or cucumber and carrot sticks.

Some other ways to add chickpeas to your pregnancy diet include:

• Add boiled chickpeas to soups.
• Rost the boiled chickpeas with a little bit of oil and spices.
• Prepare chickpeas curry and have it with rice or chapati.
• Make a protein-rich salad with boiled chickpeas, vegetables, sprouts and squeeze some lemon on it.

Also Read: Sprouts in Pregnancy – Benefits, nutritional value & More

Tips to safely consume chickpeas during pregnancy

Although chickpeas are nutrient-rich, you should keep the following things in mind while consuming them during pregnancy:

• If you are allergic to legumes, avoid having chickpeas.
• If you are suffering from diarrhea or any other stomach problem, avoid eating chickpeas.
• Overeating chickpeas can cause you an upset stomach. Also, if you consume them regularly, you may experience gas, bloating, or stomach ache.
• Wash the chickpeas properly and leave them overnight in a bowl of water until they become soft before you cook them. This will kill any harmful bacteria and help reduce the cooking time.