Morning Starters: Breakfasts for Pregnancy
August 31, 2020
They say it’s the “most important meal of the day.” For expecting moms, breakfast can be especially important for combating morning sickness, providing energy, and ensuring you and your baby are getting balanced nutrition. However, preparing a healthy and delicious breakfast every morning isn’t always easy, especially for busy moms (and moms-to-be) who are on the go. That’s why we’ve compiled a few great options for starting your day off right!Breakfasts You Can Make Ahead
These recipes may be perfect for moms who like to plan ahead. Make a big batch to get you through the week and then separate it into individual servings for each day.
- Apple Oatmeal Bars, courtesy of thekitchn.com.
- These yummy cinnamon-apple and oatmeal breakfast bars are baked in one large dish and then cut into single squares. They’ll store in an airtight container for one week or in the freezer for up to three months!
- Mini Greek Frittatas, courtesy of thespruceeats.com.
- Perfectly portable, these mini frittatas (which are kind of like omelets) are made in muffin tins and packed with mouth-watering Greek herbs and cheese. These are also great for using up leftover fresh veggies like onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos, courtesy of TasteOfHome.com.
- Breakfast burritos are great for making in batches and freezing individually. When you’re ready to eat, simply take one from the freezer, microwave it, and enjoy!
Keeping It Simple
You don’t have to break out the baking dishes and blender to make a good breakfast. Sometimes keeping it simple is best, especially if you struggle with morning sickness. Eating something light as soon as you get out of bed can help keep morning sickness at bay, but you may want to avoid heavy, greasy foods. Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola
- Fruit is a great source of vitamins and fiber. Fruit can also help you stay hydrated and satisfy your craving for something sweet. Pair your favorite fresh fruits with a cup of Greek yogurt topped with granola for a nicely balanced breakfast.
- Bagels and cream cheese (or other toppings)
- Bagels are super easy to prepare. You just pop them in the toaster, spread on your favorite topping, and eat. The drawback is that bagels are typically high in refined carbs and low on protein. If you enjoy eating a bagel now and then, opt for whole-grain bagels over the ones made exclusively from refined wheat flour. Whole grains are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.1
- Smoothies
- Combine your favorite fruits, veggies, and other flavorful ingredients and blend them to make quick and simple smoothies. There are countless recipes available online; try to find ones that are rich in protein, fiber, calcium, and iron.
Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth
Craving something sweet to start your day? Here are a few ideas and recipes for delicious (and still pretty healthy) dessert-inspired breakfasts:
- Almond Joy Breakfast Bake, courtesy of runningwithspoons.com
- This candy bar-inspired recipe is gluten-free, refined-sugar-free and vegan! Who says dessert for breakfast is unhealthy?
- Five-Minute Chocolate Oatmeal, courtesy of chocolatecoveredkatie.com
- This one’s perfect for chocoholics! Although it may taste like dessert, this quick recipe using rolled oats is a great source of iron and folate, two nutrients that are important for a healthy pregnancy.2-3
Talk to Your Doctor for More Info
If you have specific dietary concerns, or if you’re suffering from a poor appetite during your pregnancy, be sure to discuss these issues with your doctor. He or she may recommend adding a prenatal vitamin supplement to your daily routine if you aren’t taking one already. Remember, maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough nutrients is critical for keeping you and your baby healthy while pregnant.
Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.