Eatin' for Two (or more)

Derek (for the record Derek is Dreux's daddy and my wonderous boyfriend) and I have probably read every article made to man on what to expect when you are "expecting". From Baby Center Apps to countless episodes of Baby Story, we wanted to make sure we were well prepared. But as I've read, and took a few notes of my own, I decided to provide a few tips of my own.

Working like crazy and still eating a healthy balanced meal can be difficult. Many sites would suggest all these wonderful healthy snack choices such as low fat string cheeses and nuts. While these are great snack choices, lets me honest, these get old and HELLO we are pregnant...we need a little more. Just reember we can eat pretty much anything, in moderations of course.

While I'm not a nutritionist or doctor, I will suggest 5 healthy, yet tasty, snacks that worked for me.

1.) PRETZELS! During my first trimester I was EXTRMEMLY sick. Pretzels seemed to be the only thing to settle my stomach, which can be attributed to the salt. However, before you divulge in a huge bag of pretzels, take note that these snacks can be very salty and can cause preclamsia, or high blood pressure. Eat in moderation or select unsalted brands. They are also a good substitue for chips.

2.) FRUIT! I absolutely love fruit and ate ALOT during my pregnancy. Apples, strawberries, bananas, grapes, cherries, plums, pears, peaches, you name it! I had an aversion to pineapples while pregnant however, and I was devistated. Some women can "develop" certain aversions while preganant. If this happens, take note and avoid it. These can be signs that the baby doens't like what you are eating. Try frozen grapes, they make great snacks, especially if you are having a summer baby. Also fruit cups travel well, but watch out for fruit cups with heavy syrup.

3.) OATMEAL! My fav! Oatmeal is filled with all kinds of goodies. Make sure you read the labels and invest in ones fortified with fiber. (Which also helps with that pregnancy annoyance we like to call constipation). Top it off with bananas or Craisons (dried cranberries). My favorite was Maple Brown Sugar oatmeal with craisons. You can also do regular oatmeal and add fruit and/or brown sugar as opposed to adding bleached white sugar.

4.) GINGER SNAPS and OATMEAL RAISON COOKIES! Every now and then we need a little more! Ginger snaps and oatmeal raison cookies were my fav. Both healthy and give you and baby a little treat. Ginger snaps also help settle nauseous tummies.

5.) CARROTS AND DIP. This snack is very easy to pack and very tasty. Pair baby carrots with your favorite veggie dip. My fav: carrots and ranch dressing.