Pickles and ice cream at midnight? A sudden obsession with salty chips? Pregnancy cravings can be oddly specific, completely unpredictable, and impossible to ignore. While indulging every now and then is part of the fun, finding a balance between satisfying those cravings and nourishing your body (and baby) is key.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between satisfying those urges and eating well—it’s all about balance. With a few smart swaps and mindful choices, you can enjoy your favourite treats while still getting the nutrients you need—because growing a tiny human is hard work, and you deserve to enjoy every bite along the way.
To manage your cravings, the Enfamil publication states that you eat a healthy balanced breakfast, such as leftovers, soups, or toast. It is stated that you make it a treat with healthy ingredients like bananas, walnuts, or burgers, and add a side salad for nutritional calories.
The above source further suggests that you avoid making unhealthy treats a constant habit, and try making healthy swaps at meals. When craving something sweet, it is advised that you try dark chocolate-dipped fruit, kale chips for crunchy snacks, or baked brown rice crackers with hummus. “You can swap out unhealthy choices for more nutrient-rich options, such as baked oatmeal instead of danishes, or a tortellini broccoli salad instead of a giant plate of spaghetti. If that spaghetti is really calling your name though, swap white pasta for whole wheat, and add (or blend) some veggies into the pasta sauce.”
According to Pregnancy Birth Baby, pregnant women should avoid certain foods that may trigger morning sickness, such as fatty, rich, and spicy foods, raw dairy products, soft cheeses, raw eggs, and undercooked meat. These foods are believed to contain harmful bacteria.
Also see: How to heal from a pregnancy loss
