Satisfy Pregnancy Cravings the Healthy Way

One of the exciting experiences during my pregnancy with Daniel was when I had pregnancy cravings. So intense was my desire for a specific variety of food that it had become common occurrence for my loving hubby to go to nearby stores and restaurants to order food for me.

Coping with pregnancy cravings

Although there has been no scientific explanation as to why pregnant women crave for certain foods, a possible explanation would be her rising hormone levels. It is also possible that a pregnant woman needs certain nutrients so that the body reacts by craving for food rich in that particular nutrient. Whatever the reason, it is very important not to over-indulge.

Food I craved for

I think it was a good thing that I did not crave for a single dish alone. In my case, I went ballistic over green mangoes, the sourness of which I tempered with the sweet taste of leche flan, the popular Filipino custard. On top of these, I also craved for McDonald’s burger and fries meal and would often charm my husband to call their delivery hotline. I made sure I only ate in moderation, and that I did not neglect other types of food. The result: a healthy baby boy, who by the way is not a picky eater.

Food replacements

Too much of anything is bad, and this is true with pregnancy cravings. So much so that if you crave for ice cream, but your doctor has advised you against too much sugar and calorie intake, you might consider replacing it with non-fat yogurt. It tastes like ice cream, but is healthier for you and your baby. Ask your obstetrician about nutritious food replacements. They satisfy your cravings without the unhealthy consequences.