Are you worried about the rising blood sugar levels during pregnancy and in search of some healthy protein snacks to manage your gestational diabetes? Making dietary and lifestyle changes during your pregnancy journey with gestational diabetes can be quite challenging. One thing that can be helpful is increasing your protein intake with healthy pregnancy snacks to keep your high blood sugar levels balanced.
Good protein intake also helps maintain your optimal energy levels during pregnancy and the optimal growth and development of your baby.
The good news is that we will go through a comprehensive list of ideas for good protein snacks for gestational diabetes specifically tailored to improve your nutrition and keep your blood sugar low during this critical period.
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36 Protein-Loaded Snack Ideas to Keep Your Blood Glucose Levels Stable
It’s hard coming up with what to eat during pregnancy, but even harder when you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes! We’ve got you covered with some snacks that you don’t have to feel guilty about.
If you haven’t taken the glucose test yet, you may want to read this on how to pass the gestational diabetes test!
Remember if you have gestational diabetes look for snacks that:
- are high in protein – in general look for snacks that have above 10 g of protein per serving
- clean eating friendly snacks – the fewer additives and preservatives the better when growing a baby, so stick to a generally clean diet
- include best foods for pregnancy – snacking on these extra nourishing foods is an easy way to ensure you get all the nutrition you and your baby need during the crucial time.
Now on to the snacks that are high in protein!
1 – Whole-grain pita chips with black bean dip
A delicious and fiber-rich snack that offers a decent amount of plant-based protein and a good amount of healthy carbohydrates too.
2 – Fresh berries with cottage cheese or cream cheese
This combination is a blend of protein, vitamin C, and antioxidants to keep you energized and feeling full for longer. Full-fat dairy is a great source of calcium and healthy fats needed in higher amounts during pregnancy.
3 – Protein pancakes with some Greek yogurt
A tasty and fulfilling snack choice that consolidates the goodness of protein and probiotics.
4 – Tuna salad lettuce wraps
A light yet satisfying snack option that delivers a considerable amount of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. I like to make a big batch of tuna salad at the beginning of the week and keep it in the fridge for a quick snack. Pre-wash the lettuce wraps and place them in a gallon ziplock with a couple of paper towels. Then when hunger strikes just scoop and eat!
Read more Meal Prep Tips for Busy Moms here!
5 – Pregnancy protein balls
An easy nutrient-dense snack, Pregnancy Protein Balls are specifically intended to give an additional protein boost. They also have date fruit, which helps you prepare for labor. Eat 1-2 energy bites per snacking session and you are good to go.
6 – Celery sticks with peanut butter
An easy healthful snack that combines the goodness of fiber and protein too.
7 – Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of almonds
This snack offers a delightful combination of protein and healthy fats. Greek yogurt also contains probiotics and calcium enhancing digestion and bone development. And is fairly easy to whip up!
8 – Protein smoothie with almond butter and spinach
A nutritious and refreshing drink to keep you hydrated, energetic and well-nourished. This can be your bedtime snack or pre-breakfast option. Replace your high-sugar processed fruit juice or soft drinks with this.
Find more pregnancy smoothie recipes here!
9 – Roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds
A crunchy and nutrient-rich snack that is plentiful in protein and important minerals too. Pumpkin seeds not only offer a decent source of protein but also contain significant nutrients like magnesium and zinc, contributing to your baby’s muscles and immunity.
10 – Hard-boiled eggs
A portable and convenient snack that is a good source of protein of high-quality and extremely healthy food. It will keep you energized for longer periods and give you essential nutrients, like choline and vitamin D, which help with calcium absorption and support your unborn baby’s bone development. I loved boiled eggs during my pregnancy with a dash of sea salt.
Check out these healthy snack box ideas with lots of combinations that use boiled eggs.
12 – Sliced turkey roll-ups
A basic and fulfilling bite that gives a decent dose of lean protein and offers one of the best snacks for pregnancy too.
13 – Protein bars
A fast and simple choice that gives a significant amount of protein in a convenient bundle package. Check food labels and search for protein bars with natural ingredients and keep away from those with added sugars or artificial sweeteners to guarantee you are consuming a healthy and nutritious bite that upholds the general development of your baby and your health.
14 – Hummus and carrot sticks
Hummus is a fiber-rich and protein-loaded snack that enhances good digestion and keeps low blood sugar levels.
15 – Energy Bites
Energy bites are the perfect protein snack that serves as one of the good options for gestational diabetes snacks. There are so many combinations that you can make! Try these recipes I collected of the best energy bites.
16 – Whole-grain toast with smoked salmon
A tasty and protein-rich snack that gives essential omega-3 unsaturated fats. Smoked salmon is a flavorful wellspring of protein and supplies significant nutrients like vitamin B12 and potassium, adding to the healthy overall pregnancy experience.
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17 – Beef jerky or Turkey jerky
One of my favorite simple, convenient, and savory snack options that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
18 – Edamame
A delectable plant-based protein choice that also gives other essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. You can enjoy roasted edamame beans too. It will be a protein-stuffed crunchy snack that gives important nutrients and a satisfying texture.
19 – Greek yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and granola
Yogurt parfaits are a fun and healthy protein-rich snack that is good to make ahead. Use 16 oz mason jars or small plastic containers and layer yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola. Choose fruits with low sugar levels. Store in the fridge for whenever hunger strikes.
20 – Goji Berries
A surprisingly high protein snack – Goji berries are a good source of protein that can help keep your blood sugar levels in normal range too. You can snack on them by the handful or on top of yogurt, cereal, or in trail mix.
21 – String cheese
An easy and convenient grab-and-go choice that is a good source of protein. String cheese is a fast and simple protein snack that gives phosphorous and calcium supporting the improvement of your growing baby’s bones.
22- RXBAR, Chocolate Sea Salt Flavor
A protein bar with few ingredients and no additional sugars is ideal for a quick snack. Give them a try here.
23 – Chicken or turkey meatballs
Not your average snack, but when pregnant anything yummy, flavorful, nutrient-dense, and protein-rich can be a snack! Try meatballs all alone, or if you like paired with a dipping sauce.
24 – Roasted chickpeas
A crunchy and tasty snack that offers plenty of protein and significant grams of fiber too.
25 – Trail mix with nuts and seeds
A healthy and versatile snack with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats that boost your energy to snack on throughout your pregnancy journey. But choose your trail mix wisely!
Look for mixes with nuts like walnuts, almonds, cashews, or Brazil nuts. Skip the raisins and candy versions as they can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.
26 – Tofu sticks
A plant-based protein choice that serves as a great option both as an appetizer or a yummy snack for vegetarian or vegan moms with gestational diabetes.
27 – Almond milk chia pudding
A rich creamy and nutritious snack option or a wonderful treat that offers a good amount of plant-based protein. Make it sugar-free and also remember to avoid too much sugar throughout your pregnancy. Check out my recipe below!
28 – Parmesan crisps with Goat’s Cheese
This satisfying and nutritious snack combination offers a good balance of essential nutrients and protein. These parmesan crisps are a favorite alternative to chips!
29 – Oatmeal with a protein powder scoop
A nourishing and hearty snack that offers a decent amount of protein and complex carbohydrates. Oats is a filling and energy-boosting choice that gives essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, supporting the sound development of your baby’s red blood cells and nervous system. These pregnancy oatmeal recipes include overnight oats, oatmeal bowls, and baked oatmeal – all good snack options.
30 – Protein Shake
Among the many different snack ideas, a basic and convenient option you can go for daily to increase your protein consumption is a protein shake. Simple mix with your favorite type of milk and you have a quick filling snack. Check out this list of the best protein shakes for pregnancy for some safe options.
31 – Leftover meat slices
They are a quick and easy snack option that is low in carbohydrates but has high protein content. Grilled chicken or slow cooker beef roast are my favorites for grab-and-go snacks. Just slice it after dinner and put it into small containers for later.
32 – Whole grain crackers and sardines
This was a favorite pregnancy snack of mine. It’s a tasty protein-rich snack that supplies healthy and beneficial omega-3 unsaturated fats. Whole-grain crackers are fiber-rich and this combination can help keep you feeling full for longer too.
33 – Chicken salad lettuce wraps
A protein-stuffed refreshing choice that is ideal for a light yet satisfying snack. Chicken is a lean protein choice that gives essential nutrients such as selenium and niacin, supporting the sound development of your baby’s cells and immunity.
34 – Bean salad with different vegetables
A vivid and fiber-rich snack that conveys a significant amount of protein and other essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Adding olive oil will give you healthy fats too. Remember to choose non-starchy raw vegetables like bell peppers, baby carrots, cabbage, etc only as starchy ones can increase your blood sugar levels.
35 – Air-popped popcorns
This low-calorie, high-fiber snack also gives you almost 4 grams of protein in its 1-ounce serving. Make sure it is not salted or heavily buttered to avoid high blood pressure and stay on your goal of making healthy choices.
36 – Apple slices with almond butter
This combination gives you a refreshing snack with healthy fats and protein. You can also make it with sun butter or cashew butter. Just having a handful of almonds is also a good snack option serving as a great source of protein.
A few things to Remember about Protein Snacks for Gestational Diabetes
Working on your insulin resistance and blood sugar control during pregnancy is essential for both your health and the well-being of your baby. By integrating these protein-rich healthy snacks into everyday daily routines, pregnant women can partake in various delicious and nutritious choices that will assist them with remaining energized and fulfilled over the day.
Remember to keep the portion sizes in mind for each snack and don’t overdo it.
Also, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian for customized healthy diet suggestions and personalized meal plans.
Wishing you a healthy pregnancy with these gestational diabetes snacks!
More on Healthy Pregnancy
Our goal here at Birth Eat Love is to make it easier for you to eat healthy during pregnancy and motherhood. Find more resources below to help you on your journey!
Healthy Pregnancy Drinks (besides water!)
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