When you’re pregnant, you get so much advice about what to eat, how to exercise and what to do to stay healthy, but sometimes, you just want to vege and chill out and engage in some good old comfort foods. You’re back is achy, your ankles are swollen, your face has broken out, you have heartburn and your sciatica is acting up and you might just want to forget it all and indulge in some comfort treats.
1. Ice
Pregnant women love to chew on ice. Seems strange, since it’s not really a food and doesn’t seem in any way satisfying to those of us not with child, but for some reason pregnant women just can’t get enough. Those with anemia are more likely to be seen chewing on ice, since it can relieve inflammation of the mouth and tongue (a common symptom of anemia).
2. Chocolate
Chocolate — or any sweet, for that matter — is something pregnant women can’t get enough of. This could be because chocolate makes you happy, and since there’s no drinking for pregnant women, chocolate is literally the next best thing. An old wives’ tale states that if you crave sweets, it means you’re carrying a girl.
Tip: If you’re worried about indulging too much, satisfy your chocolate craving by drizzling low-fat chocolate syrup onto fresh fruit.
3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods, such as curry or hot red peppers, are yet another common craving among pregnant women. Interestingly enough, it’s because hot foods make the body sweat, which cools off the body. If you’re currently expecting, then you know it’s almost impossible to stay cool. Try adding some spice to your next meal to see if it helps cool you down.
4. Pickles
Women who crave pickles could be low in sodium, but there’s no real proof of this. Some like the crunch, some like the vinegar, and some like the refreshing taste. Whatever it is, pickle cravings are nothing to be too concerned about. They’re low in calories, easy to get and inexpensive.
5. Potato chips
Potato chips, like pickles, are loaded with salt. Again, you could be low in sodium, but more than likely you’re just desiring something salty and crunchy, and potato chips are what comes to mind. Since they’re high in fat and calories, try reaching for these alternatives instead.
6. Fruit
Pregnant women don’t crave just junk food (surprisingly!) — they crave fruit as well. You (and your body) want a healthy baby, so sometimes it needs extra-healthy foods to make sure that happens. Fruits, such as watermelons and grapes, are cool and refreshing, all while providing your body and baby with a boost of vitamin C.
7. Lemon
It’s not unheard of to see a pregnant woman eating a straight lemon or adding a ton of it to their water. Pregnant women crave sour foods. The reason? Your taste buds change, and typically you like to “shock” them with super-sour or super-spicy foods.
8. Ice cream
Ice cream is sweet, it cools you off, and it’s rich and creamy. With so many flavors to choose from, a pregnant woman could literally spend hours in the ice cream aisle. For a healthier version, buy low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt, and top with fresh fruit. You might kill two cravings in one sitting.
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