How To Minimize Pregnancy Cravings

My doctor was not kidding when she said that second pregnancies show faster. I have been feeling pretty pregnant since about 20 weeks and now that I am in my third trimester at 30 weeks, there is no hiding my round belly. I am trying to embrace the largeness and not feel overly self-conscious. After all, there is a human growing in there!

Besides a few more aches and pains in my hip and pelvic joints, I have been feeling really good. My initial food aversions have even subsided, which means bell peppers and onions are allowed in the house again, much to Rob’s relief. Pre-pregnancy aversions had us eating six peppers a week and at least one onion. They are a huge part of our diet!

Whether it was pregnancy cravings, or just surviving first trimester nausea, this baby causes very similar cravings to Zoey. Mainly carbs like bagels, pastas, breads, and cereals. While those are foods I am always happy to eat (pregnant or not), they are constantly on the top of my mind now. There have been some very specific, and random, carb-related cravings as well. For instance, there were two weeks when all I could think about was the cereal Pops or a cranberry bagel with extra cream cheese.

Eating a nutritious, balanced diet is important when you are not pregnant, but I feel like it becomes more of a topic of conversation with pregnancy. While it is important to eat healthy as you grow a little one, it is just as important not to give in to every craving you have. If I gave in every time I think about a bagel, my weight, blood sugar, and arteries would be in serious trouble.

While these strategies for minimizing pregnancy cravings are geared towards expecting moms, many also apply to those dealing with intense cravings. Please also keep in mind that these tips are for those with normal, healthy pregnancies. Always seek the advice of your doctor related to your diet and pregnancy.

Buy smaller amounts of the thing you are craving. If all you can think about are chips, then buy a grab bag size and not the family size. This will satisfy that craving and not leave you with an enormous of chips still in your pantry. Besides, that need for Cheetos might change to a need for Doritos within a few days and you do not want to be stuck with that bigger bag of a food that now has no interest.

Choose one craving at a time. If all you can think about is both chocolate chip ice cream and Pops, choose one to indulge in that week rather than both. Again, those cravings could change day to day, or week to week, so going with the stronger craving first may quell the second.

Think about fueling your body. While most cravings tend to be junk food related (though I could not get enough fruit with Zoey), you need to think about how that junk food is going to fuel your body, baby aside. Is this something you would eat in your normal non-pregnant life? Most likely not since the nutritional value is low and you know how it will affect your mind, body, and emotions. The same applies in pregnancy. The food you are craving is going to have the same effect on you so eat what will make you feel good all over.

Think about fueling your baby. Remember that whatever you eat, the baby also eats. If you are opting to indulge in that high-sugar food craving, then your baby is also getting a shot of sugar.

The same non-pregnant food rules apply. Quality carbohydrates, quality proteins, balanced meals, and tons of fruits and vegetables is the refrain of a healthy diet for non-pregnant people. This does not change in pregnancy. Sure, there are some increased dietary needs in terms of protein and calories as well as some items you have to avoid, but overall, the rules are the same. If you would generally not eat that way pre-pregnancy, you should do what you can to avoid eating that way now.

Stay hydrated. Pre-baby, you are looking at half your body weight in ounces each day of water. With baby, you need that same amount and then more. Your amniotic fluid thrive on a hydrated body and all your body’s functioning improves the more water you drink.

Keep your postpartum body in mind. While giving into those pregnancy cravings may feel good now, overdoing it can add some serious calories that go way above what a pregnant woman needs. There seems to be a misconception that calories eaten during pregnancy are “free” calories. This is not the case! The foods you eat during pregnancy can still have a negative effect on your body. If thinking of your baby’s health is not enough, then think of your own health postpartum. The more nutritious you can eat now, the easier your postpartum body, emotions, and eating will be.

You are eating for the health of two, not the calories of two. I am sure you have heard the saying, “You are eating for two,” as a way to justify some extra indulgences. While this is true, you are not eating the calories of two full people, but rather for the health of two people. While you do need 350-450 additional calories per day, that does not equal eating for two. Make those calories as nutritious as possible.

Enlist a partner. This could be the father of the baby, your partner, a friend, or a parent, but having that support system is critical not just for the pregnancy in general, but for your health. Your partner can encourage you to eat well, help you cook healthy meals, and gently guide you when it comes to food. Plus you have someone to workout with to help you stay moving!

Indulge. Part of the fun of being pregnant is being able to indulge, so do not deny yourself that opportunity. Just be mindful of how often you are using your pregnancy as an excuse to indulge in those cravings.

These suggestions are just that, suggestions. Please do what is best for your body, your pregnancy, and always discuss your diet and nutrition needs with your physician.

What is your current pregnancy craving, or what were your pregnancy cravings?