The Easter holiday, with its egg hunts, candy-filled baskets, and festive feasts can feel like a minefield for expectant moms.

With a little bit of planning and preparation, however, you can still enjoy the holiday while keeping both you and your baby healthy.

Stick with Whole Foods

One of the easiest ways to make sure you’re eating healthy during the Easter holiday is to focus on whole foods. That means avoiding processed foods such as candy, desserts, and other sweet treats.

Instead, choose fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can be harmful to a developing fetus. While it can be tempting to join in with friends and family and have a beer or glass of wine during the Easter festivities, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether while you’re expecting.

Choose Skinless Poultry and Fish

Meat and fish are great sources of protein, but it’s essential to choose high-quality versions.

Skinless poultry, such as chicken or turkey, and fish such as salmon, trout, and tilapia are excellent protein sources that are also low in harmful mercury and other toxins.

Pass on the Soft Cheese

Soft cheeses like brie, feta, and goat cheese can contain listeria bacteria, which can harm the developing fetus. Avoiding these types of cheese during pregnancy is recommended. Instead, stick to hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Fruit

It’s hard to resist those sweet Easter treats, but there are healthy ways to indulge. Fresh fruit such as berries, apples, or bananas can help satisfy your sweet cravings while providing essential vitamins and fiber.

Stay Hydrated

It’s essential to stay hydrated when you’re pregnant, especially if you’re attending Easter activities outdoors. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself and your baby properly hydrated.

Watch the Caffeine Intake

Too much caffeine can be harmful to a developing fetus. Try to limit your caffeine intake and aim for coffee, tea, and other caffeine-containing beverages with no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day.

That’s equivalent to about one or two cups of coffee.

Avoid Raw Eggs and Undercooked Meat

Raw eggs and undercooked meat can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Make sure any meat is fully cooked, and avoid dishes containing raw eggs.

Choosing Healthy Easter Snacks

The Easter holiday can be filled with tempting treats that can make it hard to stick to a healthy diet. Making smart snack choices and preparing ahead of time can help keep you on track. Here are a few healthy Easter snack ideas:.

Deviled Eggs: Swap the mayonnaise for low-fat Greek yogurt and add a few slices of avocado for a healthy twist on this Easter classic.
Veggie Baskets: Serve fresh cut veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes with low-fat ranch dressing or hummus for dipping.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and can be made ahead of time for an easy snack option.
Fruit Salad: Mix your favorite fruits together for a refreshing and healthy snack.

Conclusion

With a little bit of planning and preparation, it’s possible to enjoy the Easter holiday while keeping both you and your baby healthy.

Stick with whole foods, avoid alcohol, choose skinless poultry and fish, pass on the soft cheese, satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit, stay hydrated, watch your caffeine intake, and avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat. By making smart snack choices and preparing ahead of time, you can indulge in healthy Easter snacks and enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.