Giving in to pregnancy cravings
Cravings usually begin in the first trimester and can persist throughout pregnancy. Though they can be detrimental for you and baby if you're always pining for really unhealthy foods (and giving in to them), you can indulge every so often. Moderation lets you please your palate while protecting your pregnancy.
Whatcha craving?
When it comes to cravings, it’s all about moderation - although women who crave broccoli or kale should feel free to gobble down as much as possible (just call your healthcare provider if you notice your skin turning green). Abstaining completely from indulging yourself is cruel and unusual, so feel free to have a treat every now and then.
Strategies for surrender
- Goals: One of the best ways to curb but enjoy your cravings is to set up certain goals for yourself (activity, nutrition, sleep, etc.) that once met, make you deserving of a little treat. Just make sure not to set the bar too low!
- Schedule: Scheduling your indulgences can make enjoying your cravings much more easy to do in a healthy way, and will give you something to look forward to! (besides Baby, that is)
- Exercise: So long as you don’t go overboard, and you haven’t developed a craving for visceral fat or polonium, exercise can help curb your cravings, and keep you in shape for when you do have a moment of tasty weakness
The bottom line
Although cravings aren’t super-healthy if uncontrolled, and focused towards unhealthy foods, it’s totally possible to manage and indulge your cravings in a safe way - just make sure not to overdo it!
Reviewed by Dr. Jamie Lo
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Sources
- Colette Bouchez. "Pregnancy Cravings: When You Gotta Have It!." WebMD. WebMD, 10/8/2008. Web.
