Pregnancy Protein - Need Suggestions!

southrnchic479

Just beginning 2nd trimester so nausea and food aversions have lifted and I am back at it with meal planning and exercising.

I am trying to ensure adequate amounts of protein for baby, but options seem severely limited now that baby is on board!

Lunch meat is out of the question for the risk of Listeria (unless heated). Tuna (chunk light, NOT albacore) is ok but with stipulation - up to 12 oz a week (that's 3 servings).

Any other grab-and-go protein options for lunches? I walk to Publix almost every day at work so I'm really looking for something I can pick up there. I'm trying to avoid processed as much as I can (Smart Ones, Lean Cuisine, etc.). They are convenient but I don't want to rely on them if there are other healthier options.

I snack on mozzarella string cheeses, greek yogurt, fruit, trail mix on occasion (the protein payout isn't usually THAT great and I don't want to OD on it LOL!). Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

rj0150684

You’ll get plenty of fat along with it (which might also be a good thing) but hard boiled eggs are pretty high in protein, they travel and keep well and they’re very nutrient dense.

kellynrwood

Peanuts are a great source of protein and travel easily. Also, a serving of Tuna is 2 ounces (2 per can), so that is 3 cans of tuna a week, which is actually more than I can even stomach (when I was pregnant with my first the limit was 1 can per week). Beans, boneless/skinless chicken breasts and some fish are great options, and you can actually buy pre-cooked chicken breasts in packages at the store (make sure to check the label for preservatives). I am also addicted to all natural Chicken Apple Sausages. I don't think you can get them pre-cooked, but you might even be able to cook them by microwaving them raw. The ones I get don't have any preservatives or additives in them (Al Fresco brand). My midwife in my second pregnancy said lunch meat was ok cold, as long as it came from somewhere reputable (like, not from a gas station), but lunch meat is also packed with fillers and preservatives that are pretty nasty. I had my second son 15 months ago, and at cold lunch meat incessantly through it. If you are still worried about Listeria, its really not bad out of the microwave (I did that for my first pregnancy).