Ever find yourself at midnight wanting to devour a jar of pickles with ice cream? Maybe not that extreme – but anyone who’s been pregnant knows that pregnancy can come with some weird cravings, right!?
But could those cravings actually mean something?
The insights in this post are gathered from various online sources and are intended to be taken with a grain of salt. While some moms swear by the truth behind these cravings, it’s essential to remember that they are mostly for fun and general curiosity. Your body, your cravings, and your pregnancy are unique, so always consult with your healthcare provider about your diet and any unusual cravings!
For many moms, cravings begin surprisingly early — sometimes even before a missed period or confirmed pregnancy test. Hormonal shifts during those first weeks can affect everything from appetite to smell sensitivity. If you’re currently navigating those early changes, our guide to early pregnancy symptoms Inland Empire moms should know may help you feel more prepared.
Sweet Cravings
Got a sweet tooth during pregnancy cravings? You’re not alone! Sweets could mean you need more energy.
I love a good bowl of ice cream, but here are some healthier alternatives:
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The fresh strawberries provide vitamins and fiber, and a thin layer of dark chocolate adds that sweet touch.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of granola, and a drizzle of honey. It’s sweet, satisfying, and packed with protein.
- Frozen Banana Pops: Dip bananas in dark chocolate and freeze them. You can even roll them in crushed nuts or granola before freezing for extra texture.
- Baked Apples: Core and slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, then bake until tender. They’re like a healthy apple pie without the crust!
- Smoothie Bowls: Blend your favorite fruits with some yogurt or milk (even almond or oat milk) and top with granola, nuts, or seeds. It’s like ice cream, but better for you!
- Dark Chocolate Bark: Melt dark chocolate and spread it thinly on a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with nuts, dried fruit, and a pinch of sea salt, then chill until set. Break into pieces and enjoy!
- Homemade Fruit Sorbet: Blend frozen fruit like berries or mango with a little honey and lemon juice. It’s a refreshing alternative to ice cream with no added sugar.
Salty Cravings
Craving salty chips or pretzels? It might be your body’s way of asking for more sodium. How about switching to some homemade salty snacks?
Here are some healthier alternatives to chips if you’re craving something sweet:
- Nuts: A handful of lightly salted almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts can be a satisfying and nutritious snack. They’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and can be a healthier alternative to chips. Sprinkle with a little salt or nutritional yeast for flavor.
- Edamame: Steamed and lightly salted edamame is delicious and provides protein and fiber.
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Slice up some carrots, celery, or bell peppers and dip them in hummus. A pinch of sea salt on top, and you’ve got a crunchy, salty treat.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Slice sweet potatoes into fries, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and bake until crispy.
- Crackers with Cheese: Look for crackers made with whole grains, and pair them with a slice of cheese for a satisfying salty snack.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite savory spices, then roast until crispy. They’re a crunchy, salty snack full of protein and fiber.
- Greek Yogurt Dip with Pita: Mix Greek yogurt with herbs and a touch of salt, and dip whole grain pita or cucumber slices.
- Rice Cakes with Avocado: Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain rice cakes and sprinkle with a little sea salt.
- Seaweed Snacks: These are light, crispy, and salty, and they come in handy snack-sized packages. Plus, they’re low in calories!
If your body has been feeling extra achy lately, you may also enjoy reading about the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Spicy Cravings
This probably the most common craving I hear about! Spicy foods!
The reason? Fluctuating hormones which can mess with your taste and smell.
Sour Cravings
If lemons and sour candies are your go-to, you might be worried you’re deficient in vitamins, but according to pregnancyfoodchecker.com – that usually isn’t the case.
Sour cravings are more rare and could possibly be a result of nausea or morning sickness … or just because you love the tart flavor!
Pregnancy changes so much more than just your appetite. Every stage brings its own physical, emotional, and mental shifts as your body prepares for motherhood. If you’ve been reflecting on how much pregnancy changes from trimester to trimester, you may also enjoy reading 5 stages of pregnancy you never knew existed.
Random Combo Cravings
Yes, pickles and peanut butter can be a thing. Unusual combinations might just be your unique pregnancy signature. Embrace it! (And it’s fun to take maternity photos with your unusual cravings to memorialize this time in your life!)
Before You Know It…
Pregnancy has a way of moving quickly. One moment you’re craving spicy chips at midnight, and the next you’re folding baby clothes, packing your hospital bag, and counting down the days until you meet your little one.
If you’re beginning to prepare for labor and delivery, our guide on what to pack in your hospital bag may help simplify one more part of this season.
Let’s Capture This Season
Embracing your cravings? Let’s capture those unique moments in a maternity photoshoot.
View more maternity photography and motherhood stories at Kaitlyn Dawn Photography.
