Causes of cravings in pregnancy

Eating for two and cravings are all the order of the day for pregnant women. Due to hormonal changes, a woman’s taste and smell alters greatly during the early months of pregnancy. You may be surprised at what you’ll want to eat. We look at what causes pregnancy cravings and offer up some healthy alternatives for expecting moms.

What causes cravings?

No one really knows why pregnancy cravings occur, though there are theories that it represents some nutrient that the mother may be lacking – and the craving is the body’s way of asking for what it needs. It’s not that the body actually needs the specific food you are craving, but it may need something in that food. And your taste buds just interpret it as a craving for something specific. Studies have shown that the high hormone levels during pregnancy can alter a woman’s sense of taste and smell, which explains why certain foods and odours can not only be more enticing and in some cases more offensive.

How to curb those cravings

• Practice portion control. Use a smaller plate than usual
• Include lean animal protein in your diet
• Choose healthy alternatives over unhealthy cravings
• Never skip breakfast
• Have a healthy high protein breakfast: egg, tomato and wilted spinach
• Eat healthy snacks between meals
• Drink enough filtered water

Healthy alternatives

When you feel a craving coming on, try these healthier options instead: