Get a handle on your pregnancy cravings with these tips and tricks. Discover how to manage your cravings in a healthy way. Take control of your pregnancy journey today!
Pregnancy cravings are a common experience even though the exact cause of these cravings is not well understood. Some of the most popular theories include:
- Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone increase, which can affect the sense of smell and taste, leading to cravings for certain foods.
- Nutrient deficiencies: You may crave specific foods because your body is telling you that it needs certain nutrients that are not being met by your regular diet. For example, you may crave ice cream or other dairy products because you are deficient in calcium.
- Psychological factors: Pregnancy can be an emotional time, and cravings can be a way of satisfying emotional needs as well as physical ones. For example, you may crave comfort foods that you associate with happy childhood memories.
- Increased appetite: Pregnancy can increase a woman’s appetite, leading her to crave foods that she may not have been interested in before.
- Changes in the sense of smell and taste: During pregnancy, you may become more sensitive to certain smells and tastes, leading you to crave foods that you may not have found appealing before.
Top 5 Tips to Manage Pregnancy Cravings and Stay Healthy
- Incorporate healthy substitutes: Instead of giving in to unhealthy cravings, try to find healthier substitutes. For instance, if you crave something sweet, opt for fresh fruit instead of candy or ice cream.
- Keep healthy snacks handy: Keep healthy snacks, like nuts, dried fruits, or sliced veggies, readily available to munch on when cravings strike.
- Stay hydrated: Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and curb cravings.
- Practice mindful eating: Slow down and take time to savor and enjoy your meals. Mindful eating can help you tune into your body’s hunger signals and prevent overeating.
- Plan ahead: Planning meals and snacks in advance can help you make healthier choices and avoid giving in to cravings on impulse. Make a grocery list and stick to it to avoid buying tempting but unhealthy foods.
It is important to remember that cravings are a normal, and even a fun part of pregnancy. As long as you are making healthy food choices and listening to your body’s needs.
Which cravings have you experienced? Come and share with us in the members area and don’t be surprised if you realise you’re not alone or join our monthly live Q and A sessions where you can “Ask the Midwife” (that’s me BTW!)
And if you’re newly pregnant then Just Found Out is the perfect course so that you can feel confident, empowered, and in control throughout your pregnancy, plus you’ll get recipes, meal plans and expert tips and advice about diet and health during pregnancy.
With our expert guidance and comprehensive resources, you will have all the tools you need to make informed decisions about your health, your baby’s development, and your overall well-being. From nutrition and exercise to labor and delivery, we’ll cover everything you need to know to have a healthy and happy pregnancy.
Don’t leave your pregnancy journey to chance. Our course is designed specifically for women like you who want to make the most of this incredible experience and I can’t wait to help you along the way!
