Roasted Healthy Pregnancy Snacks

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

• Roasted Makhanas
• Roasted Peanuts
• Mix of Peanuts, Puffed Rice & Bengal Gram

#Roasted Makhanas- Healthy Pregnancy Snacks

Roasted Makhanas (Lotus Seeds) are low in sodium but a great source of protein and magnesium. Some notable benefits of eating roasted makhanas during pregnancy include:

• Support bone health
• Helps maintain blood pressure
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Regulates your appetite
• Ensures healthy pregnancy weight gain
• Promotes heart health
• Helps you sleep better
• Detoxifies your body
• Improves digestive health
• Helps prevent skin inflammation

Nutritional Value of Roasted Makhanas:

100 g of roasted makhanas contain:

• Calories: 347
• Carbohydrates: 76.9 g
• Fiber: 14.5 g
• Protein: 9.7 g
• Fats: 0.1 g
• Potassium: 171 mg
• Phosphorous: 90 mg
• Magnesium: 26 mg
• Calcium: 20 mg
• Sodium: 0.75 mg
• Iron: 1.4 mg

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

Is it safe to eat roasted makhanas during pregnancy?

Yes. It is safe to consume the right amount of roasted makhana during pregnancy. Avoid excessive consumption as it can cause constipation, gas, and bloating.

How much roasted makhanas to eat during pregnancy?

Eat one to two handfuls of roasted makhanas daily to satisfy your hunger in between meals during pregnancy.

How to make a roasted makhana recipe for pregnancy?

Mix 100 grams of makhanas with little ghee and roast the mixture in a traditional chestnut pan or oven for a few minutes. Sprinkle some rock salt, black pepper powder, cumin powder, and your crispy roasted Makhanas are ready to eat.

Tips for Roasted Makhanas

• Use a broad or deep non-stick pan to roast makhanas well.
• Stir continuously for uniform roasting.
• Cool completely before storing or serving to get the perfect crunchiness.
• Apart from munching on the go, you can also store Roasted Makhanas in an air-tight container for as long as 15 days.

Precautions:

• Many people are allergic to makhanas. If you see any allergic symptoms, consult your physician before consumption.
• If you’re already suffering from constipation, avoid makhanas altogether.

Also Read: Healthy Pregnancy Indian Snacks

#Roasted Peanuts- Healthy Pregnancy Snacks

An easy-to-carry snack with loads of iron, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids to satisfy your hunger pangs! Pair it with a nutritious and healthy drink of your choice.

The benefits of consuming peanuts during pregnancy include:

• Protects your body from flu and other common ailments
• Acts as a natural cure for skin irritations and soreness
• Boost healthy bone development in the unborn baby
• Relieves constipation issues
• Prevents and cures anemia
• Reduces the risk of gestational diabetes
• Prevents preeclampsia
• Promotes optimal development of baby's brain
• Helps control blood pressure
• Minimizes the risk of stress and depression
• Supports healthy skin during pregnancy
• Lowers the risk of unnecessary weight gain

Nutritional Value of Peanuts:

Nutrients present in 100g of peanuts are as follows:

• Calories: 567
• Fat: 49.2 grams
• Protein: 25.8 grams
• Carbs: 16.1 grams
• Omega-6: 15.56 grams
• Fiber: 8.5 grams
• Sugar: 4.7 grams
• Water: 7%

Is it safe to eat peanuts during pregnancy?

Yes, eating peanuts is safe during pregnancy if you are not allergic to them. You should avoid consuming them if:

• You have kidney stones
• You are prone to varicose veins
• You are overweight
• You have digestion issues, such as loose stools or vomiting

If you're allergic to peanuts or consume them in excess, you may experience the following side effects:

• A cough; runny or blocked nose
• Swollen lips and throat
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Itchy skin or rash
• Sore, red, and itchy eyes
• Itchy throat and tongue
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Food poisoning
• Stomach irritation
• Increase blood pressure

Also Read: Healthy Pregnancy Snack- Smoothies

How much peanuts should I eat a day during pregnancy?

The recommended daily servings for pregnant women are a fistful of peanuts, i.e., 60-100 grams.

Different ways to add peanuts to your pregnancy diet:

There are numerous ways peanuts can be included in your pregnancy diet:

• Dip spring rolls into Thai peanut sauce.
• Top your yogurt with peanuts.
• Make a peanut butter and banana sandwich.
• Add peanuts to your stir fry or noodles dish.
• Bake peanuts into cookies or pies.
• Mix peanuts into a trail mix.
• Toss peanuts in a salad.
• Add peanut butter to hummus.
• Boil peanuts with the skin on in a bit of water and salt.
• Add peanuts to oatmeal or any cereal as a topping.
• Fry peanuts in a bit of oil to make them allergen-free.

# Mix of Peanuts, Puffed Rice & Bengal Gram- Healthy Pregnancy Snacks

A healthy and versatile snack that is very easy to make and light on the stomach. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals.

The benefits of eating puffed rice during pregnancy include:

• Prevents constipation
• Regulates blood pressure
• Ensures healthy pregnancy weight gain
• Improves digestion
• Boosts immunity
• Strengthens bones
• Keeps the skin healthy
• Provides energy
• Saves you from skin-related problems

Nutritional Value of Puffed Rice:

Also commonly known as murmura, kurmura, or mamra, puffed rice is a cereal prepared from rice. A cup of puffed grain (approx. 14 g) contains:

• Calories: 33
• Carbs: 10 g
• Fat: 0.01 g
• Fiber: 0.04 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Iron: 0.92 mg
• Folate: 21.6 mcg
• Vitamin B1: 0.02 mg
• Vitamin B3: 0.57 mg
• Phosphorus: 21 mg

Is it safe to eat puffed rice during pregnancy?

Puffed rice is safe to consume and should be an internal part of your pregnant diet. However, eat it in moderation as excessive consumption may lead to gestational diabetes due to its high glycemic index.

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

How much puffed rice should I eat during pregnancy?

A small bowl (approx. 100g) of puffed rice is enough to fuel up your body with energy during pregnancy.

How to prepare puffed rice for pregnancy?

Mix roasted peanuts, roasted Bengal gram, and puffed rice together. Sprinkle some salt over the mixture. You can also add some chopped vegetables to make them more nutritious.

Store the mixture in an airtight container and grab a handful when you feel hungry.