What makes you choose the foods you eat?

• Taste
• Convenience
• Nutrient content

One of the nicest things about life is eating. However, choosing foods that are yummy, easy and nutritious can be a challenge, especially when pregnant. Imagine how helpful it would be to have a list of specific foods that hit the marks for taste, convenience and nutrient content.

Look no further for real foods pregnant women crave. Check out the mom-approved food list on the next few screens:

What to eat when you want a sweet:

• Dried apricots or dried cranberries
• Oatmeal with milk and a sprinkle of brown sugar
• Bananas - frozen or fresh - dipped in dark chocolate
• Yogurt with mandarin oranges
• All fruit smoothies
• Juicy oranges
• Strawberries or raspberries on cottage cheese with a drizzle of honey
• Frozen grapes, dates or prunes
• Yogurt with cocoa powder or pears

What to eat when you want a filling treat:

• A handful of nuts
• Red pepper and guacamole
• Apple slices with peanut butter
• Carrots and cucumbers with hummus
• Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese
• Hard cooked eggs
• Mashed beans - any kind - on tortillas, along with salsa and a sprinkling of cheese
• Canned chickpeas with a mixture of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, parsley and vinaigrette
• A slice of cheese
• Frozen edamame
• Avocado with salt, pepper and an optional dash of cayenne pepper

What to eat when you want some meat:

• Turkey or chicken
• Ground beef with less than 15% fat
• Pork tenderloin or loin chop
• Round chuck or sirloin beef cuts
• Cook it until well done
• Three ounces of meat - about the size of your palm - is a good serving

What to eat when you want some heat: Add salsa, siracha, chili or cayenne power to your favorite foods. Skip the heat if you suffer from heartburn.

Reach for apples, bananas, dates or figs. Corn, Brussels sprouts and carrots may be helpful, too, as well as bran cereal and whole-wheat bread.

Which of these tips will help you choose mom-approved foods this week

• Create a shopping list. Buy mom-approved foods so you have them on hand.
• Enjoy mom-approved foods with your family. Family is all about laughing, hugging, loving, caring and eating mom-approved foods together.