Food cravings are very common during pregnancy. Expecting mothers end up indulging in food more than usual and put on unwanted weight. A healthy way to kill these cravings is by snacking on healthy seeds. Seeds are low in calories and help you stay fit while nourishing you with the minerals and nutrients they contain.

11 Healthy Seeds to Eat During pregnancy

1. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are amazing source of protein and omega fatty acids. You can munch on them on their own or soak them in water and drink them. You can also add them in milk and make healthy pudding out of them. They keep you fuller for longer and control your cravings hence.

Read More: 11 Benefits of Eating Chia Seeds during Pregnancy

2. Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds  are rich in iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous which are essential for healthy blood and bones. They are also essential for healthy development of the baby’s nervous system. However, sesame is known to have heat inducing properties so it should not be consumed daily. An occasional dose of sesame seeds is good enough.

3. Musk melon seeds

Do you enjoy eating musk melon? Make most of this amazing fruit then. Once you’re done eating the flesh of the fruit, dry the seeds and store them in a container. Snack on them whenever you are hungry. Musk melon seeds keep you energized without the extra calories.

4. Pumpkin seeds

Nausea and vomiting are the most common signs of pregnancy. Keep them away with a handful pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in protein and minerals that are essential for you and your baby.

5. Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are powerhouse of iron and one of the healthiest snacks you can choose during your pregnancy. Iron is very essential for the baby during the third trimester and sunflower seeds will definitely be a great supplement during that phase.

6. Cumin seeds

Like sunflower seeds, cumin seeds are also rich in iron and help in bone formation of the foetus. Consume them on their own or use them while cooking to make most of these seeds. Cumin seeds also help in treating insomnia. With its antiviral properties, it helps you to have a strong immunity. It also boosts the immunity of your little one.

7. Watermelon seeds

Watermelon is refreshing fruit and cools your system. But why let the seeds go waste when they can be as nutritious as the flesh itself. Watermelon seeds are rich in Vitamin C and allow better iron absorption. It also helps in building a strong immunity for the foetus as well. Water melon seeds are also known to reduce stress and symptoms of depression in expectant mothers.

8. Almonds

Almonds are packed in vitamins, omega fatty acids and minerals that are essential for pregnancy. Almonds also help in healthy growth and development of the motor skills of the baby. You can also consume almond milk or almond cookies as snacks. Almonds are known to improve serotonin levels in the body. This promotes healthy sleep and relieves stress. Almonds also give strength and stamina to expectant mothers to carry out daily activities without any impact on the baby.

9. Peanuts

Peanuts contain 10 essential amino acids which are very important for healthy brain cells. It is healthy for both mother and child. In the foetus it stimulates the growth of brain cells and promotes healthy nervous system. You can eat them salted, lightly fried or in different dishes like cakes, pastries or cookies.

10. Beans

Beans are rich in protein and zinc and are essential for a healthy pregnancy. They promote healthy growth of baby and reduce the risk of prolonged labour, premature birth and low birth weight of the baby. There are different types of beans available- there are red kidney beans, white kidney beans, peas, lentils, soybeans and many more.

Read More: Health Benefits of Beans for Babies

11. Lotus Seeds

Lotus seeds are extremely healthy for the mental and physical growth of babies. Expectant mothers shouldn’t skip lotus seeds as they also nourish them with calcium, phosphorus and protein. You can consume them fresh or dried.

Seeds are extremely healthy snack options as they keep you full without the excess pregnancy weight. Seeds are free from any kind of salt or sugar making them perfect for diet-conscious mothers. If you don’t like having them alone, you can mix them in cakes, smoothies or salads. You can purchase them from any supermarket or make them at home. Make sure you’re buying organic seeds and not the chemically processed ones. The chemically-processed seeds will have pollutants which can be extremely unhealthy for the baby.