With energy boosting foods during early pregnancy, you’ll feel like your old self again and have more energy for mom & baby. Here’s a list of foods to help you get that extra boost of energy through the day You’re eating right during early pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. You’ll want to look out especially for foods that are full of energy and easy to digest. Reach for foods like whole grains, which have lots of B vitamins and give you the energy you need without being too high in sugar or artificial sweeteners. Fruits and vegetables also provide fiber, which helps make digestion easier, plus vitamins such as A and C that healthy infants need during their earliest days.

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Fortified Breakfast Cereal

You knew folate was important before conception and during your first few weeks of pregnancy, but your needs for the B vitamin stay high the whole nine months. Experts advise getting 400 micrograms per day through vitamin supplements or fortified foods (breakfast cereal is an easy way to do it, since many brands contain 400 micrograms per bowl), and another 200 micrograms through foods that are naturally high in folate, such as asparagus and black-eyed peas.

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Dried Beans & Lentils

All women need 10 extra grams of protein a day during pregnancy (for a total of at least 60 grams); beans and lentils are an excellent source, with about 15 grams per cup. They’re also high in fiber, which helps to combat constipation. And 1 cup of cooked lentils meets half of your daily folate requirement. “Add them to rice dishes and salads,” suggests Lola O’Rourke, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

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7 Power Foods for a Healthy Pregnancy

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Broccoli

It’s not only packed with nutrients that are necessary for a healthy pregnancy – such as calcium and folate – but broccoli is also rich in fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants. And since it contains plenty of vitamin C, this popular green vegetable will help your body absorb iron when it’s eaten with an iron-rich food, such as whole wheat pasta or brown rice.

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Nonfat Milk

Your body absorbs roughly twice as much calcium from foods while you’re pregnant, so your daily needs remain the same. But since most of us get too little calcium to begin with, drinking more nonfat milk is a smart move. Each 8-ounce glass supplies about 30 percent of the recommended dietary allowance of 1,000 milligrams.

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How to Eat Healthy During Pregnancy: Making a Healthy Lunch

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Bananas

Bananas are rich in potassium and offer quick energy to fight off pregnancy fatigue. “They’re also easy on your stomach if you’re nauseated,” says O’Rourke. Slice them up into cereal or whip one into a breakfast smoothie with yogurt, berries, ice, and a splash of orange juice.

 Quick and Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Pregnancy

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Lean Meat

Your daily iron needs double during pregnancy, so it’s important to include plenty of iron-rich foods now. “If you don’t have good iron stores, you’re more likely to feel tired,” warns Jo Ann Hattner, RD, a dietitian in Palo Alto, California. Meat delivers a form of iron that’s easily absorbed by your body.

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Cheese

Soft cheeses are off-limits, but varieties such as cheddar and mozzarella can be a big help in meeting your calcium requirements – each ounce contains between 150 and 200 milligrams. Cheese is also high in protein.

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Eggs

Many women develop aversions to meat while pregnant. Eggs are an excellent alternative protein source, since they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs, says Hattner. There’s nothing better for a quick dinner than an omelet with lots of chopped vegetables and a bit of cheese. If cooking aromas make you feel sick, hard-boil a batch of eggs to keep on hand in the refrigerator: Eat them whole for grab-and-go breakfasts and snacks, or chop them up into green salads.

 What’s Safe to Eat When You’re Pregnant — And What’s Not

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Oatmeal

It’s easy to get your day off to an energizing start by trading in your usual morning bagel or muffin for a bowl of oatmeal a few times a week. Why? Complex carbohydrates like oatmeal keep you satisfied longer, and the oat bran it contains can help lower your cholesterol levels. Instead of buying high-sugar flavored oatmeal, cook up the plain kind and swirl in a teaspoon or two of maple syrup or jelly.

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How to Eat Healthy During Pregnancy: Making a Healthy Dinner

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Healthy eating is especially important during pregnancy. Here’s what to eat when pregnant.

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Leafy Greens

Cooked spinach has high levels of folate and iron, and kale and turnip greens are both good calcium sources. Increase the nutrient value of your salads by passing up traditional iceberg in favor of darker-colored lettuces (the deep colors signal higher vitamin content). You can also add greens to a sandwich or stir them into soups and pasta dishes.

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Whole-Grain Bread

By swapping your traditional white bread for a whole-grain variety, you can make sure you’re consuming the recommended 20 to 35 daily grams of fiber (scan labels to find a loaf that offers at least 2 grams of fiber per slice). Whole-grain bread also supplies you with a good share of your iron and zinc.

 A Week of Delicious Pregnancy Meals and Snacks

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Oranges

They’re packed with vitamin C, folate, and fiber, and since they’re nearly 90 percent water, they’ll also help you meet your daily fluid needs (skimping on your fluid intake can leave you feeling fatigued).

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Nuts & Nut Butters

Fat is critical for your baby’s brain development and it also helps keep you fuller longer. Experts recommend replacing some saturated fats (such as those found in meat and butter) with unsaturated, a form of heart-healthy fat found in nuts. But because they are high in fat and calories, stick to 1-ounce servings of nuts and 2-tablespoon servings of nut butters. There is one caveat, however. If you have any sort of allergy, experts recommend that you avoid highly allergenic foods, such as peanuts, during your pregnancy; some data suggests that babies can be sensitized to certain foods in utero, raising their risk of food allergies later on in childhood.

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Soy Foods

It’s perfectly safe to follow your vegetarian eating plan while you’re pregnant – as long as you’re diligent about getting necessary nutrients such as protein (your doctor or a dietitian can help you devise a healthy plan). So be sure to include foods like tofu, which packs 10 grams of protein per half cup.

 Prenatal Diet: The Best Foods for Baby Brain Development

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Dried Fruit

It’s a tasty, portable snack that’s especially helpful when you’re craving something sweet. Choose dried fruits such as apricots, cherries, and cranberries (which can also help to prevent urinary tract infections), but stay away from dried bananas, since they’re processed in oil and loaded with fat.

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Figs

There’s a whopping 5 grams of fiber in just 1 cup of dried figs. Plus, figs are a great nondairy source of calcium; one serving contains about a quarter of your daily needs (1,000 milligrams). And while your teeth may not appreciate the high sugar content, they will benefit from the potassium, phosphorus and magnesium in figs. These tooth-supporting nutrients aren’t just great for your own mouth; they are essential to the 32 teeth forming below the gums in your growing baby’s mouth.

Figs are also a good source of iron. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, especially during pregnancy, thanks to the increase in your blood volume and growing demands by the baby for iron to produce millions of red blood cells. Stewed figs contain about 3 milligrams of iron (about 10 percent of your daily recommended intake) in 1 cup. The same number of figs will also provide your body with 23 micrograms of vitamin K, which is needed for proper blood clotting and bone formation.

 Why The First 1,000 Days Really Matter

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Chives

Seen as a garnish, chives tend to be overlooked. But, these small, mild-tasting green onions are a source of folate (the synthetic form is folic acid), iron, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium. Folic acid may be the most important nutrient of the first trimester. Without it, your baby has an increased risk for structural defects that could be fatal. There are 6.4 micrograms of folate per 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives.

For proper iron absorption, your body needs vitamin C. Chives give you both – about 3.5 milligrams of vitamin C and 0.1 milligrams of iron per 2 tablespoons. Plus, your sprinkle of chives has about 12 milligrams of magnesium; this mineral can help alleviate constipation, a common symptom during pregnancy. In fact, magnesium is involved in more than 300 cellular reactions, making it very important to your health and your growing baby’s.

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Leeks

Leeks are the vegetable equivalent of a super multivitamin-mineral tablet. They are a nondairy source of calcium (55 milligrams per cup), which is essential for the development of your baby’s bones. Plus, calcium may help combat some common symptoms of pregnancy, including irritability, insomnia and back and leg pains. One serving of leeks also contains close to 60 micrograms of folate as well as 0.2 milligrams of vitamin B6 (about 10 percent of your RDA), which is necessary for your body to metabolize energy from the carbohydrates, fats and proteins in your diet. There’s also evidence that vitamin B6 can help alleviate morning sickness.

There’s more: In one serving of leeks, there are 40 micrograms of vitamin K, 2 micrograms of iron, and 0.4 micrograms of manganese. Vitamin K is needed for proper blood-clot formation and healthy bone growth; and manganese helps support normal skeletal development in the baby.

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Artichokes

Feeling sluggish? Reach for an artichoke. This vegetable is a great non-meat source of iron, which is an energizing nutrient. A medium boiled artichoke has about 1 milligram of iron (about 12 percent of your recommended daily intake). There’s another energizing nutrient in artichokes: folate. (A medium-size artichoke has 100 micrograms.) Besides helping to prevent birth defects, folate helps your body metabolize proteins, the building blocks for the hormones and enzymes that help your body keep going.

During your pregnancy, you may suffer from constipation, which can be alleviated with some extra fiber in your diet. Artichokes are wonderful sources of fiber, with 10 grams each. And they’re often recommended to soothe indigestion, another common pregnancy complaint.

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Pumpkin Seeds

Part of the healing that occurs on a regular basis in your body during pregnancy is the repair of muscles. As your uterus grows, your back, abdominal and hip muscles are required to stretch in new ways. With sufficient protein in your diet, these muscles will be better armed to keep up with their new tasks. Adding pumpkin seeds to your diet will help boost your intake of protein; there are 5 grams of protein per serving. These tasty seeds also contains sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and many other minerals involved in muscle health and hydration. One of the most important minerals required for healing is zinc –1 cup of pumpkin seeds provides close to half of your daily needs.

One serving of pumpkin seeds contains more than 25 percent of your recommended daily intake of magnesium, which helps speed your ability to use carbohydrates, fats and proteins as sources of energy. Pumpkin seeds are also a vegetarian source of iron, with about 2 milligrams per cup.

 The Best Healthy Breakfasts to Eat During Pregnancy

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Tahini

A paste made from sesame seeds, tahini contains all of sesame’s nutrients, including healthy oils called omega-6 fatty acids. A few tablespoons of tahini contain more than 6 grams of the fats, which are required for proper cell integrity and healthy nervous and immune system function.

Proper development of your milk glands, placenta, and uterus is also dependent on having sufficient levels of healthy fats in your body. Tahini is also a good source of thiamin, phosphorus, copper and manganese, all key to your baby’s healthy development.

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Basil

Basil is a pregnancy superfood. This fresh herb is a good source of protein, vitamin E, riboflavin, and niacin; plus, it’s a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese.

Basil is also packed with iron, vital for keeping your energy levels up; calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth; and folate, vital for many processes, including fetal cell growth and division. (One serving of basil has 20 micrograms of this B vitamin.) Whenever possible, choose fresh basil, because it contains more of these nutrients than dried basil.

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Herring

Herring contains 2 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per 3 1/2-ounce serving, giving it one of the highest concentrations of fish oil of any seafood. Plus, as a small, cold-water fish with low levels of such contaminants as mercury, it’s a no-brainer choice for pregnant women.

A high dietary intake (more than 2 grams a day) of DHA during pregnancy has been found to support brain development in the womb. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women with higher blood levels of fish oil had babies with better sleep patterns in the first 48 hours following delivery compared with women with lower levels.

Experts have hypothesized that an infant’s sleep reflects the maturity of his nervous system, so adding fish into your diet can help your baby’s brain mature and help you get much-needed sleep after labor.

 Fish Oil During Pregnancy

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Molasses

Sweet, sticky and packed with sugar, molasses is not the type of food you want to start spooning onto every dish. But molasses has a few hidden nutritional gems, including magnesium, manganese (1 tablespoon has 15 percent of your daily needs) and vitamin B6.

Manganese is an essential mineral that plays a role in normal bone development, and that’s important for your growing baby. Vitamin B6 plays a role in your sodium-phosphorus balance, which determines how much water you have in your body. And potassium is another mineral involved in water retention. Getting enough vitamin B6 and potassium may help shrink your swollen feet and ankles. Molasses has about 290 milligrams (8 percent of your daily needs) of potassium and 0.1 milligrams (7 percent of your RDA) of vitamin B6 per tablespoon.

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Red Bell Peppers

One red bell pepper delivers nearly three times as much vitamin C as an orange! The nutrient is famous for keeping the immune system in fighting form, a benefit that’s particularly helpful in pregnancy, which can cause kinks in a woman’s immune system. Vitamin C’s antioxidant powers may also promote fetal brain development and help your body absorb much-needed iron. So power up a stir-fry or salad with bell peppers, stat.

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Sweet Potatoes

Baked, roasted, or mashed—just one of these tubers delivers more than 400 percent of your day’s vitamin A! Plus, sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber (even more so with the skin on!) and energizing complex carbs that fill you up for few calories.

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Yogurt

Just one cup of plain yogurt earns you 30 percent of your daily calcium requirement. Yogurt is often fortified with probiotics, good gut bacteria that may reduce your baby’s risk for developing eczema or other allergies later in life. Go for the plain varieties and sweeten with some fruit and cinnamon or ginger.

Eating the right kinds of foods to keep you energized and nourished during pregnancy can help set you up for a healthy and happy second trimester (and beyond!).

What Can Boost Energy During Pregnancy

Pregnant women need more energy for the prenatal care of their child. Women who consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals will find a great boost in energy. The need for energy is high during pregnancy due to weight gain, blood volume increase and the stress of labor.

A lack of energy during pregnancy is a common frustration experienced by many expecting mothers.  The extent to which you experience a lack of energy will vary from woman to woman and may be different from pregnancy to pregnancy. The first trimester is most commonly when a lack of energy is experienced; however, it is also common during the third trimester.  Many women report that they feel less tired during the second trimester.

Lack of Energy During the First Trimester

A lack of energy during pregnancy is often triggered by the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy.  The primary hormone affecting this change in energy levels is progesterone.  In addition, the increased blood flow during pregnancy decreases your blood pressure, and this is also thought to be a contributing factor to lower energy levels during the first trimester.

Your emotional health and wellness may also lead you to experience a lack of energy while pregnant. Stress, mood swings, or anxiety, which all tend to increase with the onset of pregnancy, can cause you to feel mentally exhausted. Unfortunately, each of these factors is a normal part of pregnancy, which makes a lack of energy normal as well.

Lack of Energy During the Second Trimester

More than likely you will have noticed an increase in your energy levels as the second-trimester approaches. However, do not give yourself a hard time if you are one of the many women who continue to experience a lack of energy while pregnant in the second trimester.
An increase in energy levels during the second trimester is often what leads expecting mothers to take advantage of this time by baby planning, setting up the nursery, and shopping for things your baby will need.

Lack of Energy During the Third Trimester

Experiencing a lack of energy during the third trimester should be anticipated. Your baby is really growing, your body is changing, and you are having to exert more energy to get things done. This extra effort will easily drain your existent energy and leave you feeling tired or exhausted. Getting adequate sleep may also be more challenging as your body changes and your baby grows.
The lack of quality sleep can leave you with less energy and feeling tired.

How to Manage a Lack of Energy During Pregnancy

There are a few things you can do to help counteract a lack of energy. You may find that some of these tips work for you, but more than likely you will want to incorporate all possible steps to give you the best chance for feeling more energetic.
Here are steps you can take:

Sleep, Naps, and Rest

Give yourself the freedom to take naps or bed rest as you experience these moments of low energy while pregnant. Go to bed early or sleep in. If you are working, you might take your lunch hour or breaks for quick cat naps.

Change Your Schedule

Limit activities or give yourself the freedom to say “no” to new responsibilities. You can also speak to your boss about possibly shortening your day or extending an afternoon break for more rest.

Alter Exercise Plans

Exercise is good for both you and your baby. However, it is possible that you are overdoing it and draining your energy. You might find changing your exercise routine or limiting some of your workouts increases your energy. Talk to your healthcare provider before you quit exercising as the benefits likely outweigh a drain on energy levels.

Eat Healthily

Well balanced nutrition also contributes to energy levels. Nutrients such as protein, iron and the calories that come with them invest in your energy levels. Eating unhealthy or eating an abundance of carbohydrates and starches can reduce your energy.

Foods To Boost Energy While Pregnant

What to eat and drink to stay energized during pregnancy. Small changes to your daily routine can help keep you feeling energized during a time when it’s easy to feel tired. Start your day right with breakfast and take a break in the afternoon to hydrate. The right diet, plenty of sleep and exercise will all help boost energy levels while you’re pregnant.

If you are pregnant, you know that it is a draining experience physically. We understand that weakness in a pregnant woman is a common condition. As their body is changing, they may feel more tired than usual. Part of this is because they are carrying extra weight. To help out, we will look at possible solutions to make it easier and keep up energy levels throughout the day.

1. Sleeping Schedule

Sleeping is the best way to reduce stress, have energy, and a healthy body during pregnancy. The amount and quality of sleep that you get during pregnancy will have a great effect on both your overall mood and physical health. Health experts recommend that mothers need sleep for at least seven hours per night. While you sleep, your body works at repairing and rebuilding itself. To get enough hours of sleep, you may have to shift your schedule or try new sleep habits.

2. Exercise

Exercise is important for both the mother and the baby. Exercising can help to reduce fatigue boost energy while pregnant. It can prevent excessive weight gain and improve posture. Regular exercise is also known to reduce nausea and reduce aches and pains. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, exercise during pregnancy can serve many benefits. However, before start doing an exercise, do consult your doctor. It will help to ensure that the exercise is safe for you.

3. Drink Water

A pregnant woman must be aware of the fact that she is going to have to drink a lot more throughout pregnancy than the amount of daily fluid she would normally drink. It is because dehydration is a common occurrence for most pregnant women. During pregnancy, the body loses a lot of fluid, and women tend to feel dizzy. In extreme cases, they might faint due to it. Dehydration leads to low energy levels and weakness in the pregnant woman. Thus, the health benefits of water are good for both the baby and the mother.

4. Eat Energy Foods

The pregnant mother’s body consumes a lot of energy and requires more energy from food. Thus energy foods for pregnant women are essential as their body requires more strength to support the baby and its growing development. Eating healthy will not only help you feel nourished, energized, and energized, but it will benefit your baby too. Foods that are rich in protein and nutrients will enable you to push on through the day with more vigor.

5. Limit Caffeine

Too much caffeine can cause several health problems during pregnancy. So, it is better to be aware of how much caffeine do you need during pregnancy. Most professionals recommend that pregnant women should not consume caffeine more than 300mg. Moreover, caffeine during pregnancy can also cause babies to be more irritable and affect the way women sleep. Thus, for a healthy pregnancy, avoid taking caffeine in the form of tea and other drinks.

6. Eat Frequent Snacks

Eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day helps to keep energy levels high for pregnant women. It is important because, during this time, the body requires extra nutrition for both the mother and the unborn baby. This additional energy can only be produced by additional food intake. To consume more calories, women have to eat supplementary food and boost energy while pregnant.

7. Avoid Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are the enemy while pregnant. The reason for this is that spicy food causes you to lose fluids, which is not good for the baby. Some experts say spicy foods can also cause a miscarriage, so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible when you are expecting. These may even cause heartburn, upset stomach and indigestion, and a kick to the bladder. Thus, it is important to eat well during your pregnancy for the health of you and your baby.

8. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks during pregnancy can be of great help if you have a low energy level while pregnant. You can prepare to have healthy drinks during Pregnancy at home as well. Homemade energy drinks will ensure that you are not intaking any harmful ingredients. These energy drinks are a good source of nutrition for pregnant women. Plus, homemade energy drinks are affordable, easy to make, and have no harmful chemicals or preservatives.

9. Minimize Stress

Stress can keep you from getting the rest that you need to be healthy. While the changes to the body can be a challenge during pregnancy, there are ways for an expecting mom to reduce stress and increase energy levels. Stress reduction exercises are a great way to minimize stress during pregnancy. Moreover, practicing yoga or playing relaxing music can help. You can also choose to enjoy time with family and friends and meditation to stay happy.

10. Have Natural Energy Boosters

Natural energy boosters during pregnancy can help to increase your energy. You must add green vegetables, fresh fruits to your diet. This will ensure that you are getting enough amount of nutrition. Eating Nuts, oatmeal, spinach, sweet potatoes can help you to stay energized and fight against fatigue. Additionally, to avoid weakness in pregnant women, foods that are rich in fiber and iron can help a lot. Adding whole grains, milk to your diet are some natural ways to boost up your energy during pregnancy.

11. Relax And Take Rest

Rest is essential during pregnancy. The growing baby, your body, and your mind need rest to become more energized. The pregnant woman should have some stress-free moments so that she can take rest adequately. This is because taking rest is a way to keep your body relaxed and refreshed. Relaxation helps you think better, sleep soundly, and reduces stress. So, to retain and boost energy while pregnant make sure you are taking care of yourself properly.

Combining the health benefits of essential fatty acids, this supplement is designed to boost energy and help you sleep. It’s also safe to take while breastfeeding, which is great news for new moms! You are getting more physically and emotionally exhausted as your pregnancy progresses. However, you are also coming to the last trimester which means your body is finally able to grow that little baby inside of you! Take advantage of this time by fueling yourself with foods that will boost your energy and help keep you strong while pregnant.

When you’re pregnant, energy levels can fluctuate quite a bit. While it’s important to take care of yourself and make sure you’re eating enough during this time, it’s also important to choose the right kinds of foods to boost energy — especially late in the day when you might be feeling low. Here are some healthy snacks that will give you an extra boost of energy without going overboard on calories or sugars. If you’re feeling fatigued, a little sluggish and generally not your usual self, you’re not alone. While pregnant women are supposed to get more sleep — and rest when they can — this doesn’t always happen for many reasons. If your energy level is tanking, try one or all of these food options to restore your vitality so you can feel renewed and energized again.