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Home › Articles › Eating For Two › Eating for Energy

Eating for Energy

How to Overcome Exhaustion During Pregnancy

By Melissa Granberry

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Get Moving!

Remember what you learned in high school physics? Energy makes energy. "Being active is key to increasing your energy and improving your metabolism," Hohol says. Talk to your doctor about activities you can participate in, such as walking or swimming.

New Moms

Good nutrition does not stop after pregnancy. Keep your energy level up by eating healthy foods, especially if you are nursing. "I still make sure that I have some healthy snacks around the house," Martin-Dressing says. "I'm busier than ever with nursing the baby right before I leave for work."

She likes to keep bananas in stock to grab and go. "If they get brown, I put them in the freezer and use them for smoothies, which can be made the night before and put in a 'to go' cup." Martin-Dressing also recommends stocking up on snack-size items that you can grab quickly when sitting down to nurse. "These are great if you have older children," she says. "They can grab a snack and sit down with you while you feed the baby. They don't feel left out of the process."

So if you feel like laying your head down on your desk and taking a quick nap, try reaching for an apple before dozing off. It may just give you the boost of energy you need to have a productive, energetic day.

Energy Enhancers

Need some help combining proteins, carbohydrates and fats? Here are some suggestions from Hohol, Andrews and Martin-Dressing:

  • Homemade trail mix – Combine your favorite cereal, nuts, raisins, dried fruit and keep stored in baggies.
  • Peanut butter and apple slices
  • Crackers and cheese
  • Cottage cheese with tomato slices or fruit
  • Low-fat yogurt with granola
  • Eggs or peanut butter on toast
  • Boiled eggs. These can be made the night before for "breakfast on the go."

The Perfect Hard-boiled Egg

Gently put eggs in the bottom of a large pot. Add enough warm water just to cover the eggs. Turn on heat and bring water to a boil, then immediately turn off heat. (Boiling the eggs will make them rubbery.) Let eggs sit in the water until done: soft-boiled eggs two to four minutes, hard-boiled eggs 15 to 18 minutes. Drain and let them cool completely.

Apple Smiles

Who says kids should have all the fun? This recipe provides two of the "energy enhancers" listed above – and will keep you smiling!

1 medium red apple, cored and sliced
Peanut butter
Miniature marshmallows

Spread one side of an apple slice with some of the peanut butter. Place three or four marshmallows in the peanut butter to make "teeth." Top the marshmallows with another apple slice. Squeeze carefully to stick together. Serve with a glass of milk or orange juice for a healthy snack.


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