Pregnancy is a crucial phase of a woman’s life. Apart from taking the necessary precautions, a pregnant woman should follow a healthy diet that provides adequate nutrition to her and the growing baby. Pregnancy is often accompanied by high cholesterol levels in the blood to provide the essential nutrients to the growing fetus, and the cholesterol levels return to normal within a few weeks after delivery.
When it comes to managing high cholesterol during pregnancy, increasing physical activity, taking omega-3 supplements, and opting for foods with healthy fats can help. Here are some guilt-free snack options for pregnant women with high cholesterol:
- Walnuts
Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that support the healthy functioning of the heart and brain. They also aid fetal brain and eye development, making them a guilt-free snack option for pregnant women with high cholesterol. - Egg yolks
Egg yolks contain omega-3 fatty acids and necessary nutrients that help support the overall health of a pregnant woman as well as the growing fetus. Eggs are good for heart health and also keep cholesterol in check. When looking for guilt-free snacks for high cholesterol, egg yolks are a must-have. - Avocados
Avocados have monounsaturated fats that help alleviate bad cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart conditions. They also provide necessary nutrients for the development and maintenance of cells in the body. Avocados support fetal development and heart health as well, and they keep one fuller for longer. - Quinoa salad
If a pregnant woman is craving carbs, quinoa is a healthy option. This superfood is packed with proteins, vitamins B and E, folate, antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients. The proteins and fiber in the grain help support healthy cholesterol levels in pregnant women. Chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, mint, salt, and pepper can be added to boiled quinoa to make one of the most nutritious and guilt-free snacks for high cholesterol during pregnancy. - Berries
When it comes to snacks for high cholesterol, there’s nothing better than delicious and nutritious berries. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are loaded with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Pregnant women can snack on them at any time of the day, or they can add a handful of them to pancakes or cereals. - Peanuts and peanut butter
Peanuts contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help alleviate bad cholesterol levels, while also maintaining the good cholesterol levels. Peanuts also contain folate, which is an important nutrient for pregnant women. - Roasted sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, potassium, fiber, and several other nutrients. Fiber helps reduce LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood, making sweet potatoes ideal during pregnancy. They also boost immunity, brain function, gut health, and vision. Simply topping roasted sweet potato slices with low-fat yogurt and cherries or blueberries can make for a delicious snack.
These are some easy-to-make and healthy guilt-free snacks for high cholesterol for managing hunger pangs during pregnancy. Women can also snack on baked broccoli, apple oatmeal bars, low-fat yogurt, spinach balls, almonds, and hazelnuts.
