Pregnancy Cravings Explained

Healthy foods

Are you experiencing some weird cravings during your pregnancy? You’re not alone! Millions of mums-to-be crave certain foods during pregnancy, but the jury’s still out on why.

One theory is that cravings are a sign from your body that you may need more of a certain nutrient. For example, cravings for milk may mean you need more calcium. Another theory links them to the hormonal changes going on in your body.

Cravings can strike at any time during pregnancy, but are most common in the early weeks. Some women never get them. Other pregnant women find that they develop a sudden distaste for food they have previously liked, and a sour or metallic taste that persists even when they are not eating.

Generally, cravings are nothing to worry about – as long as you are maintaining a healthy, balanced diet  so that you and your baby get the nutrients you need. If your cravings are starting to overwhelm you, then consider these easy and nutritious fixes.

• Ice cream cravings – Swap for low fat frozen yoghurt, or try freezing some bananas and then blending these with other fruit like blueberries for a delicious and nutritious smoothie.
• Chips or other salty, fatty foods ­– Make homemade vegetable chips by thinly slicing sweet potatoes, beetroot or parsnips, drizzling with olive or rapeseed oil, flavouring with herbs and black pepper, and baking in an oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 mins.
• Cakes or sweets ­­– Opt for a healthy banana bread or make a tray of muffins.
• Fizzy drinks – Try sparkling water flavoured with a squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of fresh fruit juice.
• Chocolate – It’s hard to find a replacement for chocolate! Opt for dark chocolate instead of the more sugar-laden milk varieties, or try a hot chocolate instead – at least then you’re getting your calcium, too.

References: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au