Weird pregnancy cravings are quite common. Pickles and ice cream, anyone? While these cravings can seem random or strange, they’re actually your body’s way of telling you that it needs certain nutrients.
So what do those weird pregnancy cravings mean? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Sour Foods
If you find yourself suddenly craving sour foods like lemons or pickles, it could be because your body is low in vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for pregnant women because it helps with the absorption of iron, which is essential for preventing anemia.
To up your intake of vitamin C, try eating more citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. You can also get your fix by drinking freshly squeezed orange juice or taking a vitamin C supplement.
2. Spicy Foods and hot sauce
If you’re craving spicy foods, it could be because your body needs more iron. Iron is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent anemia, which can cause fatigue and other health problems.
To get more iron, try eating foods like lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. You can also take an iron supplement if you feel like you’re not getting enough from your diet.
3. Ice Cream
Ice cream cravings are common in pregnancy, and there could be a few reasons why. First of all, ice cream is a good source of calcium, which is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent bone loss.
Ice cream cravings can also be a sign of pregnancy-related anemia, which is caused by a lack of iron in the blood. If you think you might be anemic, talk to your doctor about taking an iron supplement.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate cravings are another common pregnancy craving, and they’re often caused by a drop in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels dip, it can cause feelings of fatigue, irritability, and even hunger.
To satisfy your chocolate craving and stabilize your blood sugar levels, reach for a small piece of dark chocolate or a handful of chocolate chips. You can also try making a healthy smoothie with banana, almond milk, and cocoa powder.
5. Cream cheese
Cheese cravings can be caused by a few different things. One is a lack of calcium in the diet, which is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent bone loss. Another is pregnancy-related anemia, which is caused by a lack of iron in the blood.
If you’re craving cheese, try eating foods that are high in calcium like yogurt, cottage cheese, or kale. You can also get your fix by taking a calcium supplement or an iron supplement if you’re anemic.
6. Red Meat
Red meat cravings could be a sign that your body needs more iron. Iron is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent anemia, which can cause fatigue and other health problems.
To get more iron, try eating foods like lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals. You can also take an iron supplement if you feel like you’re not getting enough from your diet.
7.Carbs
If you find yourself craving carbs like bread or pasta, it could be because your body needs more energy. Pregnant women need extra calories because their bodies are working hard to support the growing baby.
To satisfy your carb craving in a healthy way, reach for whole grain bread or pasta, oatmeal, quinoa, or sweet potatoes. You can also try snacking on a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts for a quick and healthy energy boost.
8. Fruit
Fruit cravings are common in pregnancy, and there could be a few reasons why. One is that fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Another is that fruit is a good source of fiber, which can help to prevent constipation.
To satisfy your fruit craving, try eating fresh fruits like bananas, apples, oranges, berries, and melon. You can also get your fix by drinking 100% fruit juice or eating dried fruits like raisins or apricots.
9. Pickles
Pickle cravings are often caused by a drop in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels dip, it can cause feelings of fatigue, irritability, and even hunger.
To stabilize your blood sugar levels, try eating a small snack that includes both protein and carbohydrates like peanut butter on whole grain bread or yogurt with fruit. You can also drink a glass of milk or eat a piece of fruit for a quick and healthy energy boost.
10. French Fries
French fry cravings are common in pregnancy, and they’re often caused by a drop in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels dip, it can cause feelings of fatigue, irritability, and even hunger.
To satisfy your French fry craving and stabilize your blood sugar levels, try oven-baked sweet potato fries or zucchini chips. You can also make a healthier version of french fries by slicing up some potatoes, spraying them with olive oil, and baking them in the oven.
These are just a few of the most common pregnancy cravings. If you’re experiencing other cravings, try to satisfy them with healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. And if you’re ever concerned about a craving or what it could mean for your health, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Why do you pregnant women have cravings?
There are a few different theories about why pregnant women have cravings. One is that cravings are the body’s way of trying to get more of the nutrients it needs. Another theory is that cravings are caused by hormonal changes, and that they’re the body’s way of trying to cope with those changes. Whatever the cause, cravings are a very common part of pregnancy.
If you’re experiencing cravings, try to satisfy them with healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. And if you’re ever concerned about a craving or what it could mean for your health, be sure to talk to your doctor.