The Logic Behind 10 Most Common Pregnancy Cravings

My niece Sudha was pregnant and told me that her friends that were pregnant and she had some cravings; the cravings were varied for things sweet, salty, sour and still others spicy things. While some of these cravings indicated nutritional needs, others were due to amped-up hormones coursing through your body. I thought it would be best to discuss some of the common pregnancy cravings and why a woman had it when she was pregnant.

Why pregnant women had some cravings:

1. Some pregnant women crave for chocolate: This craving could be attributed to a woman’s increased calorific needs. It is best to reach for the darker stuff than a milk chocolate as it not only satisfies the craving better, but is also good for the heart and is filled with antioxidants.

2. Some women when pregnant crave for eggs: This craving could be quite common as eggs are a rich source of protein. However it is best to make sure that the white and yellow of the egg is well cooked before eating to reduce the risk of salmonella.

3. Pregnant women crave for pickles with olives and potato chips: The main reason for this is the increased blood volume of pregnant women that increases the need for sodium.

4. Bacon is craved for by some pregnant women: It is the combination of protein and fat that makes bacon a crave-worthy and delicious food. Increasing healthy fats and lean protein might combat this craving. 

5. Cheese is craved by some pregnant women: This craving could be due to the body’s need for calcium. However it is best to not have too much of it as it would lead to excess weight gain; it is best to balance it out with calcium-rich veggies like leafy greens and broccoli.

6. Peanut butter is craved by some pregnant women: This craving could arise out of the need for Vitamin B and protein; it is best had in a reduced quantity with a healthier food like apples.

7. Some pregnant women crave for sour things especially lemonade, limeade, or even raw lemon: This craving is found especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester; probably it is the body’s natural way of getting a more varied diet. 

8. Spicy foods like chili peppers, salsa, and cuisines known for fiery entrees are a typical craving for many pregnant women: Beware of the side effects like heartburn and indigestion by eating these foods. 

9. Ice-cream is craved for by many pregnant women: This could be due to the want for high calcium content food. Resist pampering yourself too much with ice-cream and switch on to options like chocolate milk, sherbet, or low-fat frozen yogurt.

10. Some women that are pregnant crave for fruit: It could probably signal the body’s need for Vitamin C or the need for some natural and healthy foods. The craving is good; however it is best to remember that too much fruit could lead to spike in blood sugar that is to be balanced with some protein.

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