Julie Jones, Author at Mama Bird Box Blog

5 Healthy Snacks for the Pregnant Mom

5-healthy-snacks-for-the-pregnant-mom-mama-bird-box-gifts-for-pregnancy

It can be a challenge to remember to/want to eat healthily while you’re pregnant. When the cravings strike they strike hard. We’ve rounded up five healthy and quick snacks to help keep you and baby satisfied throughout the day. Scroll down for the list!

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

fruit and yogurt parfait - 5 healthy snacks for the pregnant mom - mama bird box - gifts for pregnancy

A healthy way to get a bowl packed full of fruit and all the healthy benefits of a good yogurt. Simply layer a good quality yogurt, assorted fruit, and granola (this granola is so tasty and has one whole serving of vegetables!). The calcium and protein are fantastic for your growing baby and the yogurt is packed full of live active cultures to boost your overall health!

Beanitos Baked: Mac n’ Cheese

beanitos baked mac n'cheese - 5 healthy snacks for the pregnant mom - mama bird box - gifts for pregnancy

There’s a reason we include these in one of our Mama Bird Boxes… not only are they a healthy alternative to those greasy potato chips, the Mac n’ Cheese flavor tastes just like Cheetos. That’s a guilt-free snack we can really get behind! Grab a pack here and try for yourself!

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Chips and Guacamole

guacamole - 5 healthy snacks for the pregnant mom - mama bird box - gifts for pregnancy — photo: Marcus Nilsson

We are head over heels for these baked sweet potato chips and visit here to get your guac on with this special celery spiked guacamole recipe!

Homemade Hummus and Veggies

homemade-hummus-5-healthy-snacks-for-the-pregnant-mom-mama-bird-box-gifts-for-pregnancy — Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food styling by Anna Stockwell

This classic snack is so stinking easy and affordable to make at home… so why not give it a whirl? Not a chickpea fan? No problem. Here’s a lesson on making hummus with any kind of bean!

Apple and Cheese

apples and cheese homemade-hummus-5-healthy-snacks-for-the-pregnant-mom-mama-bird-box-gifts-for-pregnancy

Easy and classic. Try subbing in new fancy cheeses to find your favorite!

What’s your favorite healthy snack to keep you going throughout the day? Tell us in the comments below!

Introducing the Mama Bird Community on Facebook

We are so pleased to announce the Mama Bird Facebook Community.

Here pregnant and postpartum mamas can find encouragement, support, and advice from one another as well as from our featured pregnancy experts from time to time. We want this to be a safe and uplifting place for you, mama!

Join us in the sisterhood!

A Calm & Centered Pregnancy | How Yoga Can Benefit Pregnancy

a calm and centered pregnancy | the power of yoga during pregnancy | mama bird box

We’ve teamed up with Mommies in Spanglish to discuss how yoga can positively impact your pregnancy journey! Keep reading as they discuss ways to incorporate yoga into your routine and the positive impact it can have on your pregnancy.

I have been blessed to have a great pregnancy experience thus far and wanted to continue this positive energy in practicing prenatal yoga. Mama Bird Box has curated a special box to help mamas continue with a calm and centered pregnancy. I particularly enjoyed this easy at home prenatal yoga sequence and massage ball that have helped me with my form and stretching.

Here is how I found yoga to help during labor: Prenatal yoga addresses the physical challenges inherent to pregnancy, such as a shifted center of gravity and lower back pain. These moves will help alleviate aches and build strength in your legs, back and abdominals to prepare you for giving birth. Yoga also can ease labor and delivery, with moves that relax the hip muscles and use gravity to your advantage.

Consider yoga a way to get physically stronger and emotionally healthier during pregnancy. Even if you’ve never done yoga before, the modified moves taught in prenatal yoga are both safe and beneficial to expectant moms. Plus, women with difficult pregnancies may find comfort in yoga’s gentle motions and breathing.

a calm and centered pregnancy | the power of yoga during pregnancy | mama bird box

Standing Mountain
To warm up your muscles, most yoga sequences start with this pose: Stand with feet farther than hip-width apart, knees slightly bent and toes pointed straight ahead, your palms touching at “heart center” (in front of your chest). Close your eyes and breathe deeply

1. Inhale and sweep your arms out and overhead, bending back slightly.
2. Exhale and stand upright, returning your hands to your heart center.
Repeating for 10 full breaths.

a calm and centered pregnancy | the power of yoga during pregnancy | mama bird box

Stretching is extremely important during pregnancy, as our muscles and joints start to shift. With these stretches, I am helping my body get more acclimated to the movement and adjustments of my muscles. This is especially beneficial during labor.

Child’s Pose (Cat/Cow Sequence)
1. Kneel on all fours, abdominals drawn in. Inhale and gently arch your back, tipping your tailbone up, eyes looking up toward the sky.

2. Exhale and round your back as you tuck your chin in toward your chest (previous slide).

3. Sit back on your heels into Child’s Pose and relax for 1 breath (this slide).

Repeat sequence 10 times. Remain in Child’s Pose for 5 slow breaths to cool down.

You can use this move during labor.

a calm and centered pregnancy | the power of yoga during pregnancy | mama bird box

Most importantly, I have found that prenatal yoga has helped me meditate and keep a calm sense of self. It is so important to clear your head as much during your pregnancy because there are so many changes going on as it is. For me, making sure that I stay calm and centered has only amplified my pregnancy experience and helped me enjoy this journey!

I would love to here how other mama’s stay relaxed and calm throughout their pregnancy?

Namaste xo,

Stephanie