When it Comes to Pregnancy Cravings
Pregnancy cravings can come about for a variety of reasons, from hormonal changes to nutritional deficiencies, and even a heightened sense of taste and smell. These cravings generally start during the early first trimester and peak during the second trimester, however, can occur anytime throughout pregnancy. Women who are preparing for delivery or breastfeeding may notice increased cravings during these stages. They can also occur as the body expels the baby inside during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
If you have never experienced pregnancy cravings, you may think that you are missing out on a lot of nutrients that you would normally get from a healthy diet. This is not necessarily true, and certain foods can actually make your symptoms worse. During pregnancy, your body usually produces an abundance of vitamins and minerals. Because of this, your body tends to over digest these foods, which can leave you craving unhealthy snacks and processed foods. The following are healthy eating options, to keep you feeling healthy throughout your pregnancy:
Many women experience food cravings throughout pregnancy because they feel a chemical imbalance in their bodies. One of the most common is an increased level of certain hormones. One of the most common food aversions that women report experiencing is a lowered level of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that keeps you calm and happy, so if you are craving certain foods because of a chemical imbalance, then it is likely that your serotonin level is also affected. One way to treat this chemical imbalance is to eat natural, organic foods.
Another way to treat pregnancy cravings is to eat comfort foods. Typically, this occurs while you are in labor, when you feel like having a baby or right after giving birth. Comfort foods such as ice cream, chocolate, and cheese are typically comforting and help you feel good. However, these foods are typically high in calories and low in nutritional content, which means that you are likely craving them because they make you feel good, but they are not good for you at all.
You may find that your pregnancy cravings become stronger and more intense as your body prepared for the baby’s arrival. Your body may feel a need to crave certain foods that it did not need before your pregnancy, because of the hormonal changes and the increase in nutrients that it needed. For example, during your pregnancy, your body didn’t need as many vitamins and minerals as it does now. This can lead to a lack of nutrition in your body, which can lead to your developing pregnancy cravings.
If you crave foods high in cholesterol and fat, you may want to consider cutting back on your dairy intake while your pregnancy is going on. You can do this by carefully choosing the types of milk you consume or simply by avoiding chocolates and fried chicken. You can also substitute lean meat for your favorite restaurant’s meat platter, especially if it is made from organic or whole-grained meats. Also, look for healthier options when it comes to meat and seafood.
