During pregnancy, it is crucial to have a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients to support the growth and development of the baby. Snacks are an essential part of any diet, but pregnant women should choose healthy snack options that are packed with nutrition. In India, many traditional snacks are not only delicious but also nutritious. In this article, we will be discussing some of the best Indian snacks to eat during pregnancy, with the addition of quinoa to make them even healthier.

Masala Quinoa Chips

Masala quinoa chips are a tasty and healthy snack for pregnant women. Quinoa is a great source of protein, fibre, and essential amino acids, making it an excellent addition to any diet. To make masala quinoa chips, you will need quinoa flour, spices like cumin, coriander, red chilli powder, and a little oil. Mix the quinoa flour and spices, add water to form a dough, then roll it out and cut it into chips. Bake the chips in the oven until crispy, and enjoy with a dip of your choice.

Quinoa Bhel

Bhel is a popular Indian snack made with puffed rice, vegetables, and a tangy tamarind sauce. To make quinoa bhel, replace the puffed rice with cooked quinoa, and add chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Add some chaat masala, lemon juice, and tamarind sauce to give it a tangy flavour. Quinoa bhel is a tasty and healthy snack perfect for pregnant women looking for a quick and easy snack.

Quinoa and Vegetable Cutlets

Cutlets are a popular snack in India and can be made with various ingredients. To make quinoa and vegetable cutlets, you will need cooked quinoa, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans. Mix all the ingredients, shape them into patties, and then fry them in a little bit of oil until they are golden brown. Quinoa and vegetable cutlets are a great snack option for pregnant women because they are packed with nutrients and can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for later.

Quinoa Crisps

Quinoa crisps are a healthy and crunchy snack that pregnant women can enjoy on the go. You will need cooked quinoa, cheese, and spices like paprika and garlic powder to make quinoa crisps. Mix all the ingredients, shape them into small balls, and then bake them in the oven until they are crispy. Quinoa crisps are a great alternative to potato chips. They are a perfect snack for pregnant women looking for something crunchy and delicious.

Quinoa Upma

Upma is a traditional Indian breakfast dish made with semolina. Still, it can be made with quinoa instead to make it even healthier. To make quinoa upma, you will need cooked quinoa, vegetables like onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric. Saute the vegetables in oil, add the cooked quinoa and spices, and cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined. Quinoa upma is a nutritious and filling snack that pregnant women can enjoy any time of the day.

Quinoa Chivda

Chivda is a popular snack in India that is made with puffed rice, nuts, and spices. To make quinoa chivda, replace the puffed rice with cooked quinoa, and add nuts like cashews and almonds

Quinoa chips and crisps are also great options for healthy snacking during pregnancy. They are a good source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. Quinoa chips are made by baking or frying thinly sliced quinoa, while quinoa crisps are made by popping quinoa like popcorn.

You can also add quinoa to traditional Indian snacks like samosas, chivda, or khakhra for an added boost of nutrition. You can make quinoa chivda by mixing cooked quinoa with roasted peanuts, chillies, and spices like cumin and coriander. Quinoa samosas can be made by stuffing a mixture of cooked quinoa, potatoes, and peas into a samosa pastry and baking or frying until golden brown. Quinoa khakhras can be made by mixing quinoa flour with other flours like wheat or chickpea flour and rolling them into thin, crispy crackers.

Incorporating quinoa into your pregnancy diet can be a great way to add variety and nutrition to your snacking routine. However, it’s important to remember that quinoa should not be the sole source of nutrition for you and your growing baby. Be sure to balance your quinoa intake with various other healthy foods, and always consult your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.

Conclusion

Eating healthy snacks during pregnancy is important to provide the necessary nutrients for both the mother and the growing baby. Indian snacks are delicious and offer a wide range of options. Adding quinoa to these snacks can provide added nutrition and variety to the snacking routine. However, it is important to remember to balance the intake of quinoa with other healthy foods and consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to the diet. Some quick and easy snack ideas for pregnant moms on the go are fruit salad, yoghurt parfait, trail mix, vegetable sticks with hummus, quinoa chips or crisps, and quinoa samosas or khakhras. These snacks are nutritious and convenient for busy moms who are always on the go.

By incorporating healthy snacks into your pregnancy diet, you can help ensure that you and your baby get the nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy and beyond. So, consider these snack ideas the next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy bite.