Many women experience food cravings while pregnant. These cravings are often for chocolate, ice-cream, meat, cheese, and salty snacks foods.
Many doctors believe that hunger can be a nutritional issue. Your body may be telling you what it wants to eat. It could be that your body is craving salty food as your blood volume grows. Your body may need more vitamin C if you crave fruit. Sometimes the message is lost in transit to the brain. If you are craving sweets, instead of reaching for berries or fruits, you may reach for a snicker bar.
Food Cravings: Tips for Fighting Them
It is normal for pregnant women to crave food, but they need to know how to manage these cravings to maintain proper nutrition. A pregnant woman should know their limits when it comes to overeating, especially if the food is of little or no nutritional value.
A good Breakfast will help you start the day on a healthy note and prevent cravings in the afternoon. A nutritious breakfast might include yogurt, fresh fruits, whole grain bagels with jam and orange juice. Instead of French fries, you can use soy crisps. Try frozen yogurt instead of ice-cream. You can snack on frozen grapes if you want to indulge in some candy. You can satisfy your craving for salt by eating pretzels or rice cakes. Fruit juice and sparkling water are a good substitute for soda.
Consider the small. You don’t need a large bar of chocolate to satisfy your craving. You can satisfy your chocolate craving with a snack-size bar. You can have a brownie if you like, but don’t eat it all. It’s okay to indulge in your sweet tooth, as long as it isn’t too much.
Avoid drops in blood glucose which could cause food cravings. Divide food into six small, satisfying meals to help.
Dairy products are rich in proteins and calcium as well as several other nutrients. These are the foods that women most want to eat during pregnancy.
Focus on foods with lower calories. If you want super-premium frozen yogurt, try low-fat fudge bar or frozen yogurt. Other frozen treats with fewer calories include frozen fruit bars, frozen sherbet and sorbet.
Regular physical exercise is recommended (as prescribed by your doctor).
Attention to your emotional requirements. Many women have mood swings during pregnancy. You might be tempted by food to comfort yourself. Talk to someone who will be supportive and encouraging throughout your pregnancy.
You are not a bad person for giving in to your pregnancy cravings. It is also not something that you should feel guilty or shame about. Cravings during pregnancy are normal and you should not deny yourself. You may even resent your pregnancy if you do. You can indulge when you like, but make sure to make smart choices and keep everything in moderation.
These Cravings Are Not Healthy
Avoid food that is considered a health risk for pregnant women or developing babies. They include:
Undercooked meat and seafood can be eaten raw
Unpasteurized Milk and all foods made with it including Brie, Camembert and Mexican-style cheeses.
Unpasteurized juice
Raw vegetable sprouts including clover, radish, and alfalfa
Herbal tea
Alcohol
You should call your doctor if you find yourself craving dirt or soil. These substances are not only harmful to eat, but they may also be a sign that you have anemia. Pica is the name for these bizarre cravings, which can be harmful to both mother or child.
Remember that a healthy pregnant is a result of a good diet. It is important that women eat well-balanced meals to meet the needs of their growing baby.
