How I’m Nourishing My Body in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Entering the third trimester has been such a special (and humbling!) season. There is something so incredible about knowing your body is growing and sustaining an entire little human, but there is also no denying that the final stretch of pregnancy can bring a whole new level of exhaustion.
As I’ve gotten further along, I’ve really been focusing on going back to the basics that I somewhat lacked during the second trimester: nourishing foods, staying hydrated, and giving my body the support it needs during this final stretch before meeting our baby.
My goal hasn’t been perfection. Some days I have more energy to cook from scratch, some days pregnancy fatigue wins and I need something simple, and some days I need my husband to do it all. I’ve found that keeping nutrient dense staples on hand makes it so much easier to continue caring for myself even on the harder days.
Here are some of the foods and habits I’ve been leaning on most in my third trimester.
Bone Broth: A Simple Nourishing Staple
Bone broth has been one of my favorite ways to add extra nourishment into my day. I love having it warm as a simple drink or using it as a base when cooking.
It’s such an easy thing to keep on hand, especially during pregnancy when meals don’t always sound appealing or when I’m too tired for anything complicated. It’s comforting, simple, and a great way to add extra flavor and nutrients to everyday meals. I have been having a hard time wanting water lately and I can’t splurge on Dr. Pepper forever!!
Quality Proteins: Ribeyes, Ground Beef & Chicken Thighs
Protein has been a huge focus for me throughout pregnancy, especially as my body has worked so hard growing our baby.
Some of my favorite protein staples have been:
- Grass-fed ribeyes
- Ground beef
- Chicken thighs
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt
I love meals that are satisfying and keep me full, and these foods make it easy to build simple meals without needing a ton of ingredients.
A juicy ribeye with a sweet potato and a seasonal vegetable is one of my favorite nourishing meals lately. Ground beef is another staple because it’s so versatile — tacos, bowls with jasmine rice, pasta dishes, and easy skillet meals have all been regulars in our kitchen. Every single day for lunch I have a ground beef bowl and jasmine rice! Easiest meal prep and I know that it is properly fueling me.
Chicken thighs have also been a go-to because they’re flavorful, easy to prepare, and make great leftovers. They are so easy to prep ahead and marinate in Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, seasonings, and another type of sauce that we are feeling that day.
Eggs, Whole Milk & Greek Yogurt
Breakfast and snacks have been especially important during the third trimester because I’ve noticed I feel much better when I’m consistently fueling my body.
Eggs have been a simple way to add protein in the morning, whether paired with my perfect sourdough toast recipe or added into a bigger breakfast.
Whole milk and Greek yogurt have also been staples. I love Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit, especially blackberries, and it makes an easy snack when I need something quick.
Fresh Sourdough Bread: My Pregnancy Staple
If you know me, you know sourdough has a permanent place in our home.
One thing I’ve loved about maintaining a sourdough starter during pregnancy is that it gives me a homemade staple that feels special but is still realistic, even during seasons of low energy.
My go-to sourdough bread recipe is simple enough that I can still make it even when third trimester fatigue hits. Having fresh bread available makes meals so much easier:
- Sourdough toast with eggs
- Sandwiches with quality ingredients
- Toast alongside soups or bone broth
- A simple snack with butter or Greek yogurt
There is something so comforting about knowing I can make nourishing food from simple ingredients at home.
Fresh Fruits & Hydrating Foods
Summer pregnancy has definitely made hydration and refreshing foods a priority.
Some of my favorites lately:
Blackberries
These have been one of my favorite fruits during pregnancy. They’re sweet, refreshing, and easy to add to yogurt or eat by themselves.
Watermelon
A summer pregnancy essential! Watermelon has been one of the easiest ways to stay hydrated when plain water gets boring.
Cucumbers
I have been craving cucumbers constantly. They are crisp, refreshing, and the perfect easy snack.
Dates
Dates have become another staple as I prepare for the final weeks of pregnancy. They’re an easy naturally sweet snack and satisfy my sweet tooth while still feeling nourishing.
My favorite way to make them is by putting a bit of natural crunchy peanut butter in the middle and melting some dark chocolate chips (love Just Date brand!) with some coconut oil, drizzling on top and finishing with a dash of sea salt.
Electrolytes + Lots of Water
Hydration has been one of the biggest things I’ve focused on during this hot summer pregnancy.
I’ve been drinking plenty of water throughout the day, but adding electrolytes has been a game changer — especially on hotter days.
The Clean Simple Eats freeze pop flavor has been my favorite lately. It feels like a fun summer treat while helping me stay consistent with hydration.
Other Pregnancy Favorites
A few other foods that have been making regular appearances:
- Jasmine rice for an easy, comforting carbohydrate
- Sweet potatoes
- Sourdough pasta for quick meals
- Homemade sourdough tortillas
- Seasonal fruits
- Simple homemade meals that don’t require a lot of effort
Nourishing My Body for the Final Stretch
The third trimester has taught me that nourishment doesn’t always have to be complicated. Sometimes it looks like a homemade meal with quality ingredients, and sometimes it looks like a quick snack eaten during a tired afternoon.
This season is about supporting my body as it does something incredible. I’m trying to listen to what I need, stay consistent with the basics, and prepare myself for the transition into motherhood.
My hope is that these simple, nourishing habits carry into postpartum as I continue caring for myself and our baby.
Simple food. A slower home. Taking care of the body that is doing the work.
That’s what this season is all about.