Ever find yourself at midnight wanting to devour a banana peppers and ice cream?!
Okay…maybe not that extreme - but anyone who’s been pregnant knows that pregnancy can come with some weird cravings, right!? But could those cravings actually mean something?
Today I'm sharing some surprising insights into what your cravings might mean.
The insights in this post are gathered from various online sources and are intended to be taken with a grain of salt.
While some moms swear by the truth behind these cravings, it's essential to remember that they are mostly for fun and general curiosity. Your body, your cravings, and your pregnancy are unique, so always consult with your healthcare provider about your diet and any unusual cravings!
Sweet Cravings
Got a sweet tooth during pregnancy? You're not alone! Sweets could mean you need more energy.
I love a good bowl of ice cream, but here are some of my favorite healthier alternatives (for me now, and when I was pregnant!):
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The fresh strawberries provide vitamins and fiber, and a thin layer of dark chocolate adds that sweet touch.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of granola, and a drizzle of honey. It's sweet, satisfying, and packed with protein.
- Baked Apples: Core and slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, then bake until tender. They're like a healthy apple pie without the crust!
- Smoothie Bowls: Blend your favorite fruits with some yogurt or milk (even almond or oat milk) and top with granola, nuts, or seeds. It's like ice cream, but better for you!
- Homemade Fruit Sorbet: Blend frozen fruit like berries or mango with a little honey and lemon juice. It's a refreshing alternative to ice cream with no added sugar.
Salty Cravings
Craving salty chips or pretzels? It might be your body's way of asking for more sodium. How about switching to some homemade salty snacks?
I personally didn’t have salty cravings. However, here are some healthier alternatives that other moms and past clients have shared with me:
- Nuts: A handful of lightly salted almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts can be a satisfying and nutritious snack. They're packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and can be a healthier alternative to chips. Sprinkle it with a little salt or nutritional yeast for flavor.
- Edamame: Steamed and lightly salted edamame is delicious and provides protein and fiber.
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Slice up some carrots, celery, or bell peppers and dip them in hummus. A pinch of sea salt on top, and you've got a crunchy, salty treat.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Slice sweet potatoes into fries, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and bake until crispy.
- Crackers with Cheese: Look for crackers made with whole grains, and pair them with a slice of cheese for a satisfying salty snack.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite savory spices, then roast until crispy. They're a crunchy, salty snack full of protein and fiber.
- Rice Cakes with Avocado: Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain rice cakes and sprinkle with a little sea salt.
Spicy Cravings
This is probably the most common craving I hear about! Spicy foods!
The reason? Fluctuating hormones which can mess with your taste and smell.
Check out this website for spicy food snack ideas! https://pregnantandhungry.com/category/craving/spicy/
Sour Cravings
If lemons and sour candies are your go-to, you might be worried you’re deficient in vitamins, but according to pregnancyfoodchecker.com - that usually isn’t the case. Sour cravings are more rare and could possibly be a result of nausea or morning sickness … or just because you love the tart flavor!
I craved lemons with both pregnancies. I later learned it helped to neutralize the acids in my stomach that would cause me to have “morning sickness”.
Random Combo Cravings
Yes, pickles and peanut butter can be a thing. Unusual combinations might just be your unique pregnancy signature. Embrace it! (And it’s fun to take maternity photos with your unusual cravings to memorialize this time in your life!)
