Superfoods for pregnancy: super snacks

During pregnancy our calorie needs increase, so it's no surprise as there are times during pregnancy when you feel positively ravenous. However, it's best to make every bite count with these nutritious snacks that won't blow your calorie budget. They're also super-easy to take to work, or have ready in the fridge whenever the urge to much appears.

1 Cheese and wholegrain crackers

Cheese is rich in protein and calcium, so is a great choice for a snack - particularly when it's combined with wholegrain crackers. Check the label to find a low salt, fat and sugar version - ideally with as few ingredients as possible. Or you can make your own crackers by crisping lebanese bread in the oven and breaking it into cracker-sized morsels.

Best bets: 30g of hard cheese such as a vintage cheddar

2. nuts and seeds

A small handful of nuts or seeds offers essential minerals, vitamins and a protein boost too. Nuts and seeds are also a great source of essential fats that your body needs for great skin and hair - and that your baby needs too.

Best bets: Almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts

3. Dip and vegie sticks

A little tub of hommous, tzatziki or guacamole with some carrot, capsicum or cucumber sticks will satisfy hunger pangs in a delicious and nutritious way.

Best bets: go for dark coloured veggies such as red capsicum, or purple carrots if you can find the. The richer the colour, the greater the nutritional value.

4. Fruit salad

A piece of fresh fruit makes a great pregnancy snack. Choose a wide variety of fruit each week, every different colour offers different vitamins and minerals, and fruit's also a great source of fibre.

Best bets: Bananas are great for potassium, citrus and strawberries for vitamin C, berries for anti-oxidants. Eat whatever's in season for the best flavour.

5. A hard-boiled egg or tin of tuna in springwater

An afternoon snack of protein power is the best way to nip the 3pm slump - and it's far more effective than a chocolate bar or a caffeine hit (much healthier too!) Protein is the perfect snack for pregnancy - it fills you up for longer and provides the perfect building block for your baby.