Healthy Ways to Satisfy Food Cravings While Pregnant

According to a research published recently in the Journal of American Dietetic Association, cravings occur due to iron deficiency. The body does not get enough vitamins and minerals from normal food, to fulfill which cravings also arise.

(Read more - Every Mother Should Know : Pregnancy Problems)

Most women start craving in the first trimester, craving increases in the second trimester and craving starts decreasing to a great extent in the third trimester. According to doctors, sometimes craving continues even after delivery.

(Read more -Pregnancy diet: What to eat)

The following things can be craved during pregnancy:

Coffee:
The aroma of coffee is so strong that it attracts everyone. Coffee also attracts pregnant women. It is effective in fighting fatigue and depression. Since coffee contains caffeine which is harmful in pregnancy, one should consult an obstetrician before consuming it in large quantities during pregnancy.

Lemon And Pickle:
Both of these are sour in taste and during pregnancy one hardly feels like eating anything more than sour food. Some women may crave lemon and pickles due to lack of sodium. Lemon and pickles both help fight nausea and keep the body refreshed.

Meat And Spicy Food:
Meat contains an adequate amount of iron and protein but it is high in fat, so eat low fat meat and cook it well. Eating hot and spicy food causes sweating, which increases the body temperature and in case of pregnancy, it becomes difficult to normalize the body temperature, so it is advisable to stay away from spicy food.

(Read more - Pregnancy Nutrition: What to Eat)

To avoid cravings during pregnancy, you can take the following measures:

• Whenever you feel hungry, eat nutritious food.
• Always keep healthy snacks in your fridge. 
• Whenever you feel hungry, prepare something healthy at home and eat it, do not buy packaged chips etc. from the market.
• During pregnancy, one often feels like eating something sour or spicy, but if you feel like eating too much of something, it would be better to consult a doctor. Since it is not right to eat a food item just because you are craving it, you should first make sure.

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Food cravings are a common experience during pregnancy, which usually occur due to hormonal changes, nutritional needs and psychological reasons. Women may have a strong desire to eat sweet, sour, spicy or salty food. It is important to manage cravings properly so that nutrition remains balanced during pregnancy. The best way to satisfy these desires is by choosing nutritious options, such as fruits, nuts, or homemade healthy snacks. Highly processed or junk food should be avoided as it can have a negative impact on the health of both the mother and the baby. If cravings are unusual or excessive, it is necessary to consult a doctor.