What should I eat when pregnancy craving hits?

WHAT SHOULD I EAT WHEN PREGNANCY CRAVING HITS????

"I'm pregnant and am always craving for something"

When it comes to craving during pregnancy, it is especially important to consider what you've already eaten on that particular day. Take a look at the food groups from which  you have not met your daily needs yet and try to choose snacks from those groups. 

 

Of course, there are times when all thoughts of nutrition fly out the window and you want what you want. 

During those times, check out these ideas, which are based on food groups and the kind of cravings they satisfy, to help you make the right decision.

1. Grain:  Whole grain crackers(crunchy, salty); whole grain toast (comforting); air-popped or light microwave popcorn (crunchy); whole grain cereal (comforting, crunchy); whole grain pretzels (crunchy, salty)

2. Dairy : Chocolate milk made with skim or 1% milk (comforting, chocolate); low fat yogurt (creamy, sweet); reduced fat cheese (creamy, comforting); pudding made with low-fat milk or fat-free pudding cup (sweet, creamy)

3. Vegetables : Salsa (spicy, salty); baby carrots/celery sticks (crunchy); small baked potato (warm, comforting); baked sweet potato fries ( warm, comforting, sweet)

4. Fruits :  Craisins. Raisins, dried blueberries or other dried fruits (sweet, chewy); frozen whole fruit/sorbet bar (frozen, sweet); fresh fruit (crunchy, sweet, juicy)

5. Protein : Peanut butter (creamy, sweet, comforting); hummus (salty, creamy); nuts (crunchy, salty); hardboiled egg (warm, comforting); edamame (crunchy)

While it is important to eat nutritiously and ensure you're getting enough calories to support you and the pregnancy, you don't want to take the old adage about eating for two too much to heart. In actuality, the calorie recommendations for pregnancy are only 300 more per day than your usual calorie needs when you're not pregnant. That means you have far less wiggle room for in-discriminant calories, so make sure as much as possible that every calorie you eat is nutrient packed rather than just full of sugar, fat and salt.

Follow me in my next write up on supplements required during pregnancy....