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September 6, 2017 by Krista

30+ Healthy & Low-Prep Snack Ideas for the Busy, Pregnant Mom

Anyone who has ever been pregnant knows there’s a lot of information on eating healthy while you’re growing that little babe. The do list, the don’t list, the healthy recipes and even how often you should eat and drink. But sometimes all of that is easier said than done. I get that, really I do. When you’re eating every couple of hours or less, it can be hard to plan all that out. Eating that often means you need lots of snack ideas that are low-prep or you’ll be in the kitchen for the remainder of your pregnancy. I’ve got just what you need…

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS DURING PREGNANCY

I’m 8 months pregnant with my 3rd baby. I’m not a newbie to this pregnancy thing.

This wasn’t an unforeseen complication. It could have been prevented.

I know all the do’s and don’t’s. I know the importance of staying hydrated and fed.

But, last week I ended up spending about four hours in the hospital.

It was a busy morning getting Big J off to preschool and Little J had absconded with about half my breakfast… because, it’s always better off Mommy’s plate, or something. I was so busy I didn’t realize what I was depriving myself – and my baby – of. Food. Fuel.

Healthy, Low-Prep Snacks for Expecting Moms. 30+ delicious and simple snacks that will keep your energy up during pregnancy.

PRIORITIES DON’T HAVE TO BE TIME CONSUMING

It can be so easy to get so busy that things just slip by us. Mom life is a busy life. It can happen to any of us. So, learn from my oversight, my busy mistake, my imperfect mom life.

And keep this list of healthy, low-prep snack ideas on hand for the next time you make out your grocery list or just need some ideas.

It’s the perfect solution when nothing really sounds good. Or maybe you’re so full of baby, you don’t feel hungry. Whatever the case, pregnancy can be hard enough – let’s make it a little easier.

Healthy, Low-Prep Snack ideas for Pregnant Moms. When you're eating every couple hours or less, it can be exhausting to plan out all that food. Make pregnancy a little simpler with these easy, healthy snacking ideas that are good for you and baby!

After some research and brush up from all those health classes I took once upon a time, I came up with a list of snacks that are easy to make with little to no prep and are healthy.  I’ve divided them into categories: high in iron, high in calcium and high in protein. Some of them appear in more than one section.

 

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Healthy, Low-Prep Snack ideas that are Rich in Protein

Snack Ideas High in Protein

– Cottage Cheese and Fruit
– Jerky (choose a low-sodium, low-sugar brand or make your own)
– Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix
– Eggs
– Deli Meat (choose one low in sodium and preservatives.  Put it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to be safe, if you’re pregnant)
– Protein Shakes or Bars
– Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (here’s a Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie recipe, a Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Cookie recipe and a Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal cookie recipe – try them all! The cranberry almond is my favorite though. And hang on to these after baby is born. Oatmeal can give you a boost while you’re lactating too!)
– Hummus and Veggie Dippers
– Cheese and Crackers
– Chocolate Milk
– Greek Yogurt and Fruit
– Peanut Butter or other nut butter (low-fat and crunchy is best)
– Soy Nuts
– Roasted Edamame
– Tuna (eat sparingly while pregnant)
– Lentils (a yummy, pre-cooked bean salad, perhaps?)
– Oatmeal (pre-packaged flavored packets are super simple and quick!)

 

Healthy, Low-Prep Snack ideas that are Rich in Calcium

Snack Ideas High in Calcium

– Leafy Greens
– Low-fat Cheese
– Milk
– Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
– Broccoli
– Okra
– Green Beans
– Almonds
– Fortified Cereals
– Fortified Orange Juice
– Soybeans
– Enriched breads
– Oranges
– Oatmeal
– Milkshake
– Omelette
– Cream Cheese on Enriched Bagel

 

Healthy, Low-Prep Snack ideas that are Rich in Iron

Snack Ideas High in Iron

* If you eat high vitamin C foods with these, your body will better absorb the iron.

– Raisins and Peanuts
– Whole Grain Cereal
– Jerky
– Protein Bars and Shakes
– Meat (Chicken, Beef, Fish – Add these to meals or salads)
– Dark Chocolate (at least 80%)
– Dried Apricots
– Potatoes
– Quinoa
– Beans (black, kidney – on Nachos made with whole grain chips and low-fat cheese or in a salad)
– Broccoli
– Enriched Pasta
– Rice
– Artichokes
– Dried Fruits

 

What’s your favorite, easy snack?  Give me your ideas in the comments!

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March 6, 2014 by Krista

Big Sibling Kits {From the Baby}

So, you’re expecting a sweet new baby. Congratulations! But, do you have other children already? Are you worried about upsetting your family dynamic when your new babe is born? Because that dynamic WILL be turned upside and inside out. But, it’s okay. I’ve got something to help you make the transition while you figure out a new family dynamic: Big Sibling Kits.

When I first started putting together our Big Sibling Kits, I thought I had three to four weeks before my baby would be making his grand entrance. Plenty of time to get everything all made, constructed and organized and get this awesome post all written up to share.  And then life happened and our little man showed up Sunday afternoon. As in four days ago. Surprise!

So, instead of spending the last three days polishing up some fabulous Big Brother Kits for my older boys and an awesome post for Lisa at Mabey She Made It and Melanie at Craft Cupboard‘s fun series, I spent it snuggling with one of the cutest little dudes I know, popping pain killers right on schedule and explaining to my older boys for the billumteenth time that they need to tone down their hurricane force energy, wash their hands (yes, again!), and keep their kisses to the top of Baby Brother’s head. While I had intended to have the kits ready to go with my older boys to my mom’s while our new baby made his entrance into the world, that didn’t happen. But they’ve been a LIFESAVER over the past few days.

When my middle baby, Little J, was about to join our family I was concerned about how his big bro would handle the adjustment. There’s always some adjusting when a new member joins the family. So, this time, to help ease the change, I planned to give my older boys Big Brother Kits – from the baby.  You can’t hate someone who comes with presents, right?  Right?  Please let me be right…

BIG SIBLING KITS
Big Sibling Gifts from the New Baby

What’s Inside Our Big Sibling Kits?

Obviously, you should adapt these things to fit your kids’ needs and interests.  These are just to help give you some ideas if you decide to put together similar kits.  Of course, my list is based on young boys… that’s what I have.  My kids are both very active and ages 4.5 and 2.  Older kids or little girls might not want the same things.

**Please note, links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I will get a small portion of any purchase you make through the link. Your cost is not changed in any way and your support helps me keep this site running. I only recommend things I personally love and hope you will too. Thank you!


– Bubbles. Personally, I prefer a Bubble Machine (we like this one) since my kids aren’t old enough to blow the bubbles themselves.
– Puzzles. I found Dollar Tree had 24 piece puzzles in a variety of themes.  But I know my boys would love this giant undersea floor puzzle too).


– Books. We love Little Critter books and when I found “The New Baby” on Amazon, I got that for my boys.  We also love the Osborne touchy-feely books. There is one titled “That’s Not My Baby” but it was hard to find. I did eventually find a boy version on eBay. The Berenstein Bears also have a “New Baby” story that we enjoy.

– Snacks. I did get a little sweeter snacks than I normal give them on any one given day, but they’ll be with grandma, so why not, right? Turn the tables a little and let her see what it’s like when she sends my kids home with cookies and fruit snacks at 8pm… Only joking. Mostly.

– Coloring Books. I chose to get Color Wonder products. I really like these mini-markers because they fit in my little one’s hands so well. We use Color Wonder products a lot when we’re out and I love not having to worry about big messes! And there’s a huge variety of Color Wonder coloring books and paper to choose from.
– Felt Road. I first made this for Big J like two summers ago and he has loving played with it ever since. Now, both my boys love it! They can split up the track pieces or share them. Don’t forget to include a car or two for each kid too!

– Play dough. I usually make my own play dough because it’s so cheap and easy. But, when I buy play dough, I really love the Play-Doh party packs. They have just the right amount of dough for little hands, there’s lots of colors to choose from, and they come with their own containers.
– Sidewalk Chalk.  We’ve been having a pretty mild winter so far and the boys are loving the chance to play outside more than usual.  I found a set at Dollar Tree and split it between my two boys.  They like to draw with chalk on paper too.  Dip the chalk in water first before drawing for more vivid colors and less dust.
– Big Brother Shirts. Confession: I actually made these and that’s how we announced to Grandma and Grandpa that we were expecting another baby. My boys love their “brudder shirts”. No time or desire to make your own? That’s okay, here’s some cute big brother shirts and big sister shirts that will show up right on your doorstep. You don’t even have to put on pants!

– Printable Sandwich Shop.  This is more Big J’s speed, something he can do on the days he doesn’t feel like he needs to nap.  It’s totally cute and you can’t beat FREE.  Get your copy at Kid’s Activities Blog.
– Wooden or Paper Dolls.  I’ve done a few of these for Big J so we can practice sequencing (First, put on shirt, then pants, last is shoes) and familiarity with dressing himself.  Google “printable paper dolls” or find some super cute sets on Babalisme Blog.  I really like these ones, as they aren’t excessively girly. This wooden dress-up bear set is fun too. Little J likes that they are magnetic and easy to dress!
– Mini Experiment Kit.  This is a super toned-down version of the Kid’s Experiment Kit.  Basically, the experiments that take only a few minutes and minimal supplies.  Sparkle bottles or snow globes would also be a good project to do with preschoolers and early elementary aged kids, if you’ve got half an hour and the patience to deal with glitter.

– Story Tiles. These are the same idea as the story stones I made Big J, but smaller and, more importantly, lighter. Little J is going through a phase of throwing things. As long as your kiddo doesn’t put everything in their mouth, this is a great alternative.  You can use sharpies to draw on the tiles or get fancy with a woodburning tool.  I used Scrabble tiles, because I have a cupboard full.

– Memory Game.  I chose some photos from the past year or so and printed two copies of each.  Then I cut those out and glued them to scrapbook paper and laminated the cards.  I hole punched the cards and they can be stored on a binder ring.
– Personalized Go Fish Game.  You can play this game with the same cards you make for Memory.  Just deal them out instead of laying them face-down on the floor.  Then take turns trying to make matches.  Make simpler cards for your younger kiddos – a single photo of dad, mom, grandma, grandpa, etc rather than multiple photos with mom and dad in them.

I ended up putting mostly store bought items in our kits, and that’s perfectly fine. My boys thought they’d hit the jackpot with all the new goodies in their bags.  I had planned to do up cute little canvas bags with “Big Brother” on them – but instead I fell back on some bags we had around the house.

This post was written by Krista and originally appeared on While He Was Napping.

February 20, 2014 by Krista

The Best Baby Shower Ideas

 

Hey there! Thanks for visiting! Let’s talk about baby showers.

They seem to be a love it or hate it kind of thing. What about you, do you love them or not? I’m in the NOT category for the most part. I find them awkward.

Can you relate? Are you planning a baby shower and want something more than “name the candy bar in the diaper” game. Or how about the game where you guess how many inches it takes to get around mommy’s tummy? Eek. Not my idea of a good time.

If you are looking for baby shower ideas that will be fun, memorable, and aren’t the same shower games you’ve played at every baby shower you’ve ever been to, keep reading.

These are ideas that everyone one will love, even the mom who doesn’t love being the center of attention.

 

Can your guests get through the whole shower without saying “baby”? There’s a fun game to find out if they are up to the task. Do your party-goers know how much babies cost? Find out with a Price is Right game – Baby Edition.

Baby shower games can be awkward and embarrassing. My sister-in-law had a game at her shower where everyone cut off a length of ribbon they thought would fit around mom and baby. So, if the ribbon isn’t long enough you lose, if it’s too long you just called a pregnant woman fat…

I’m small, so by the time I hit 6 months people are asking me if I’m “due any day now”… It’s uncomfortable and doesn’t really make me feel that great. Don’t put Mom on the spot! Celebrate with her, not her belly. Yes, celebrate the baby that will soon be welcomed to Earth, but celebrate mom too!
With these games, everyone will have a good time!

BABY SHOWER MATCHING GAMES:

  • Baby Animal Names Game. Test your party-goers zoology knowledge by asking players to name the baby versions of each animal. Grab the printable from Printable Baby.

Baby Shower Games - Name that Baby

  • Don’t say “Baby”. The player with the most clothes pins is the big momma on campus! How long can your guests last at a party celebrating a baby without talking about it?! Find the details on The D Spot.
Baby Shower Games - Don't Say Baby
  • Do your guests know how much it costs to have a baby? Find out with The Price is Right – Baby Shower Edition! Find it on Fugal Fanatic.
Baby Shower Games - Price is Right
  •  Candy Match Up. Can you match these candies with the baby related words? Is 100 Grand the hospital bill or the college fund? Find this instant download printable game on Etsy.
Baby Shower Games - Candy Match

 

MORE BABY SHOWER GAMES:
  • This is a fun game if you’re going to have mom open her gifts during the party. Add a little more thrill to watching someone else get all the gifts. Get the printable at Frugal Fanatic.
  •  I think this is such a fun momento for mom! How fun would it be to see which of your friends is the closest? You can decide how much info to give your guests. Keep it vague with nothing but the due date or divulge some clues. Did any siblings come early? Are there any stats you want to share? Baby’s last estimated weight, for example… Don’t forget to have Mom make a prediction too!
Delivery Date Prediction Calendar at While Wearing Heels
  • Nursery Rhyme Quiz time. Who knows their nursery rhymes and lullabies? I love that this one is all about what you know, not how lucky you are. I have terrible luck.
Nursery Rhyme Quiz via Paper Passion Designs on Etsy
  •  Every momma would love to get a whole list of well wishes for her sweet little babe. A variation that might be fun would be for each mom to share her best piece of mom advice with the mom-to-be. We did something similar when I got married and it’s super fun to look back and see what people thought was the most important thing to share.
Wishes for Baby via Stockberry Studio on Etsy
  •  This is similar to the prediction calendar and my add-on idea above, and SOO much more in depth. These would be a fun addition to the baby book.
Baby Stats Predictions via SL Design Team on Etsy

 

BABY SHOWER GUEST BOOKS:
How many times have you looked at the guest book from your wedding? Or your graduation party? Or any other time you’ve had a guest book? These guest books aren’t even books and they are perfect to hang in baby’s room. That onesie is absolutely awesome!
Autograph Onesie Guest “Book” via Life and Baby

Personalized Balloon Guest “Book” via Say Anything Design on Etsy

 

 

BABY SHOWER GAME PRIZES:
Are games worth playing if there isn’t a cool prize? Of course, but cool prizes make it even better, right? This is a prize that anyone would want right?!

From My Shower to Your Shower Scented Bath Soap via Ginger Grey Soaps on Etsy

I also saw a prize pack that included travel sized shower gels, bubble bath and a loofah, but couldn’t find the original photo source so it’s not included.  Definitely a cute idea though.

BABY SHOWER INVITATIONS:

“Bring a book instead of a card” via Moments That Take
This isn’t a new idea, it’s been around for years and popular especially in the last few; however, I really liked the wording of this request.  Of all the ones I read, this is probably the one I’d actually get a book for.

 

Although, I also liked the wording of this request via Cupid Designs on Etsy, stating the book didn’t have to be new.

 

BaBy-Que Shower (invite via Sunshine Parties on Etsy)
No reason Dad shouldn’t get to party too.
I actually REALLY love this idea and if I ever have another baby shower,
it will be a co-ed BaBy-Que. Daddy helped bring about this miracle too!
Do you have any great baby shower games you love to play? Did someone give you a super awesome guest book? Share it below in the comments!

 

 

 

This post was written by Krista and originally appeared on While He Was Napping.

I'm Krista. Ringleader here on While He Was Napping, wife to my handsome Mr. Right & momma to my THREE energetic boys, Big J (9), Little J (6) & Little N (4). We FINALLY added a beautiful little girl to our family last December.

I’m knee-deep in Tonka trucks & Thomas trains. I survive our crazy days with Vanilla Coke, Sonic slushies, sweet snuggles and little giggles. When I tuck them in tight & kiss them good night, I get a little time to create & just be me.


It all happened
while (s)he was napping
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