Cravings? What cravings?

01 June 2019

Pass the pickles with ice cream?
Everyone’s heard about the crazy things you might find yourself craving during pregnancy. It’s also true that just smelling certain food is enough to make you lose your carefully chosen lunch. You may find yourself eating like you’ve never eaten before – and that’s okay! Feel free to eat without judgement, you are eating for two and your body needs the energy to sustain the precious life inside you.

Cravings are usually a signal that your body requires certain specific nutrients from the food you are suddenly desperate to have. That, or that chocolate cheesecake from last night was simply to die for and you really want another slice or two.

Be careful that you do not give in too much to all those crazy cravings. Trying to please junior with a healthy salad now and then while they may be demanding nachos and whipped cream will not hurt anyone, and you do want to maintain some control over your overall diet and health.

Pica
The crazy combinations as described above are hard to imagine, let alone that you get a craving for clay, sand, metal, or earth. This eating disorder called Pica is fortunately very rare, but really exists. Pica causes the urge to consume non-edible things. In general, this condition is caused by an iron deficiency. If you have an inclination to take a bite out of non-edible things, please contact your doctor or gynecologist immediately so they can test whether you are anemic. Never start taking nutritional supplements during your pregnancy without consulting your doctor, an excess of some vitamins can cause damage to your baby.

Chips .. errrr, Tips!
• No matter how comfy that couch is due to the fatigue of your pregnancy ... keep moving. A short walk and fresh air is good for you and might just keep you from thinking of that delicious chocolate bar on the second shelf in the pantry. It will also clear your head and relieve stress, always a bonus!
• Try to continue having breakfast, even if you suffer from morning sickness. As a result, you will suffer less from cravings later in the day.
• Try to look for a healthy variant of your cravings. For example, instead of a lot of high-fat, high-sugar candy for your sweet tooth, try a piece of dark chocolate or a piece of fruit. If you crave a lot of fries, try sweet potato fries from the oven. A bowl of ice cream can be replaced with frozen yogurt.
• Eat varied and balanced. Make sure you get the right vitamins and drink enough water.
• Do not get too crazy with a super strict pregnancy diet, there will be enough to endure without denying yourself the foods you enjoy. Just try to keep it balanced and be happy.