How to Turn Common Pregnancy Cravings Into Fuel for Your Body

Every single pregnancy is different, so it’s no surprise that the cravings you experience will be too.

When you crave certain foods, it usually means that your body needs that nutrient. This still happens when you’re pregnant, but you get the added bonus of hormones sometimes being the cause of your cravings.

Keep reading to see how you can satisfy these common pregnancy cravings while giving your body all the necessary nutrients. 

Ice Cream

Craving ice cream could mean your body wants calcium, fat, sugar, or protein. It could also just be because ice cream is super tasty, especially on those hot summer days or when the hot flashes hit.

If you’ve already had too much ice cream, or don’t want to get started because you know you won’t stop, consider swapping your treat for some yogurt. It gives you calcium, probiotics, protein, and vitamin D to help replace what the ice cream gives.

Add fresh fruit, freeze your favorite flavors, and top like you would top ice cream to get the full authentic experience in a healthy way.

Potato Chips or Fries

Need something salty or crunchy? You may be tempted to reach for those potato chips or crispy fries. This could be because your body is looking for sodium, carbs, or some fat.

Instead of giving in, reach for baked sweet potatoes instead. You’ll get the carbs you need, and simply add some salt to get the sodium you crave. These sweet potatoes also give you fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. 

Cookies

When you crave cookies, it’s usually because you’re looking for a sweet and indulgent snack, but it can also mean you’re in need of carbs, fats, protein, or magnesium. 

Switch cookies with some of your favorite crackers to get the carbs, sodium, fat and fiber you need. Remember, though, not all crackers are created equal, so choose ones that are made from whole grains, are low in sodium, and don’t have any added sugars.

Fast Food

Sometimes the urge to get your favorite fast food is strong, and you may feel like nothing but that exact type of food that satisfies your craving. While it’s okay to indulge every once in a while, but after the 3rd or 4th day of the same craving, it’s time to make the at-home healthy version.

Most fast food restaurants have mimic recipes online, like Taco Bells’ chicken quesadillas. However, the best part of making that recipe at home is adding as much cheese, sauce, and chicken as possible into the tortilla.

Chocolate

Craving chocolate can definitely be hormonal, especially if you typically crave it during your periods. Now that you’re pregnant, though, it could also mean that your body needs carbs, fat, iron, or magnesium.

Switch to dark chocolate for a treat that’s loaded with fiber, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and many other minerals you need. Plus, dark chocolate 

Pop

Believe it or not, when you crave pop, it could be because your body wants water. It could also be because you need calcium, magnesium, or B vitamins. But, a lot of times, you crave it just for the satisfying bubbles a pop can bring.

A good alternative to pop is water, but that can get very boring after your tenth water of the day. Try sparkling water or other seltzers that are caffeine free. If you love Sprite, take tonic water and add fresh lemons and limes into it. It’s not the same, but it does help to take care of those cravings.

Spicy Foods

Craving spicy foods but can not handle the heat? You’re not alone. Many women crave spicy foods during their pregnancy, even if they couldn’t touch it before.

Spicy foods have been linked to pain management, so your body could be telling you it’s in more pain than you realize. As long as you can handle the spicy foods, go ahead and enjoy them.

If you can’t, consider starting at a lower spice level and work your way up. Once you start eating spicy foods, your body builds a tolerance, and soon you’ll be able to indulge in your newest cravings.

Tips for Managing Cravings

Buy a ton of healthy snacks, and avoid the tempting candy and chip aisles. If you don’t have unhealthy food at home, it’s easier to avoid.

Make sure you’re also eating full, well-balanced meals. Doing so will prevent cravings due to hunger from creeping in. 

 Take the vitamins your doctor tells you to. By ensuring you’re getting the nutrients you need, it’s easier to avoid the cravings caused by a lack of those nutrients.

My Personal Pregnancy Craving

I’m not saying I did a great job of swapping unhealthy cravings for these healthier alternatives, but I did drink a lot of sparkling water instead of pop.

The key is to listen to your body and try to follow the 80/20 rule. That’s where 80% of the time, you’re choosing the healthy alternative and treating yourself the other 20%.

Embrace Your Common Pregnancy Cravings!

Now that you know about some of the most common pregnancy cravings, it’s time for you to take advantage of them! Remember to eat a well-balanced diet, as well as 

If you’re becoming less active while pregnant and need a change, consider starting personal training! Learn more about exercising while pregnant and why it might be right for you. 

When you’re ready to start training, reach out to us! You’ll get your consultation and first workout free! We know what it takes to help you feel confident and get your body ready for your new bundle of joy.