Cravings for two: Here’s how to manage pregnancy cravings

As Masaba Gupta recently posted, pregnancy cravings can take a toll on expectant mums, who are trying to stay healthy and nourished. Here’s how to manage them

Even self-admitted ‘clean’ eaters like designer Masaba Gupta are not immune to pregnancy cravings, as the mum-to-be recently confessed on social media. Elaborating on her dilemma, she shared that while she was craving mostly healthy food such as greens and fruit, there are times when nothing but fried pakodi (fritters) will do. Her statement has struck a chord with pregnant mothers across the country, who struggle to manage their healthy eating routines when the pregnancy cravings strike.  

Fruit-based smoothies can help manage cravings in a healthy manner

What causes this?

“Pregnancy food cravings can be fascinating and confusing, especially for first-time mothers. While some mums-to-be may crave stronger flavours such as pickles, or comfort foods like ice cream, others may become nauseous at the mere sight of a certain food. In most cases, these cravings emerge suddenly, and it is important to deal with them consciously to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and developing child,” explains nutritionist Kajal Bhathena. She adds that the types of food you are craving for can depend on several factors, including hormonal changes, dietary deficiencies and even your mental health.  Pregnancy hormones can also heighten women’s sense of smell and taste, creating both cravings and aversions. That said, Bhathena shares that most pregnant women crave foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat.

Cravings depend on factors such as hormonal changes and dietary deficiencies that can affect dietary choices. Representation pics

Striking a balance

“While the occasional craving doesn’t hurt, expecting mothers should consume balanced and nutritious meals to ensure healthy foetus development, says Bhathena. She suggests the following measures:
. Include a variety of foods across food groups in your daily diet. Eat plenty of whole grains, dals, pulses, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.
. Make sure to take your prenatal supplements.
. Stay hydrated, and avoid sitting still in one place for too long

Kajal Bhathena

Additionally, Bhathena suggests trying on healthy foods to help soothe your cravings. Let’s delve into a few options expectant mothers can look at that which satisfies their cravings:
. Sweet potato chaat
. Oats-banana pancake
. Berry smoothie
. Avocado toast 
. Hummus veggie wrap
. Baked apple with cinnamon 
. Grilled paneer or chicken nuggets
. Minestrone soup
. 30g mixed nuts, 15g raisins and 100g Greek yogurt

The pica condition
If a pregnant mother is craving non-food substances such as chalk, paper or toothpaste, it’s important to seek medical help. This condition is known as pica, and often points to underlying factors that could adversely affect the health of both mother and child.

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