Pregnancy cravings (and aversions) are real.

What else is real is the fact that our society has deemed pregnancy a culturally accepted and sanctioned period of time in which women are even encouraged to give in to their cravings!

Just as cravings are a telling sign that the body is lacking something during all other stages of life, they are also revealing during pregnancy.

Yes, many women crave strange food combinations, leading to giggles and odd snacks, but the body is not intentionally sending funny messages. The body is asking to be fed the right nutrients. You know you need to be taking a high quality prenatal vitamin, possibly other supplements to meet your body’s needs as well; but what you don’t realize that the body still may be begging you for something else.

In the moment, a double decker hamburger slathered in bbq sauce and a fried egg with a side of cheese fries and a chocolate milkshake may be what you are hearing, but there is an underlying message. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place to give in to a craving. Just understand that the body desires something more than those fudge brownies you baked last night.

Studies are showing that pregnancy cravings leaning to the salty side do not increase the risk of gestational diabetes, but those falling into the sweet category not only increase the risk of gestational diabetes, but also increase the chances of excess weight gain and obesity with the mother and baby. (source and source)

Note: Don’t forget to eat organic for best nutritional benefits.

Cravings

Chocolate

What your body really wants is Magnesium.

Aside from the effect it has on the chemistry of the brain, chocolate also contains magnesium, a mineral that is vital to several functions of the body, including relaxing blood vessels and providing us with energy.

Meet the craving: Have a serving of dark chocolate. It has the magnesium your body is asking for, without the added sugar in milk chocolate. Let’s face it, nothing satisfies a chocolate craving but chocolate, you just have to demand a better grade of chocolate. Options for sources of magnesium are nuts and seeds, many types of legumes, and some fruits like bananas and avocados. You may also meet the craving by taking a nice bath with magnesium flakes, or even a foot soak with magnesium. A magnesium lotion or oil can be used topically to help the body meet its magnesium needs as well.

Sugar

What your body really wants is Glucose.

Your body does need some glucose to make it through the day and keep your blood sugar levels where they should be, and abstaining from all forms of sugar may not be a sustainable goal. Please be sure that along with your glucose you are getting quality vitamins, minerals, and fiber as well.

Meet the craving: Use fruits as your source of sweet. They contain fructose as well as glucose and will provide you with antioxidants and other nutrients that make them a satisfying snack. Sugary carbohydrate cravings, like donuts or cookies, are a sure sign that you need a little pick-me-up. Close your eyes and let your mind wander or exercise (go for an energizing walk) instead of reaching for the sugar.

Bread

What your body really wants is Amino Acids.

Your body needs some help in the amino acid department, as it can’t make the essential amino acids it needs on its own.

Meet the craving: Try getting your amino acids from nuts, fish, and eggs. Also, a serving of quinoa, which contains a complete set of all essential amino acids, as well as a full serving of fiber, and an assortment of vitamins and minerals!

Salty Foods

What your body really wants is Sodium.

Your body needs sodium, but you’ll want to make sure that it comes from the right sources, not from table salt or the industrial-grade salt they use in snacks. This form of salt leads to fluid retention, which can increase your overall body weight as well as your blood pressure. source

Meet the craving: Go with Himalayan pink salt or sea salt as natural sources of sodium that will actually help your body by regulating your fluids, rather than hinder it the way excessive table salt can.

Coffee

It’s not coffee that is bad, it is the caffeine and sugar it contains that is driving your craving. What your body really wants is Energy.

The problem with getting your energy from a stimulant like caffeine is eventually it wears out, and often leaves you feeling more depleted than before you consumed it. What your body needs, what it craves, is real energy from natural sources.

Meet the craving: Try a green smoothie!

Fried Foods

What your body really wants is Healthy Fat.

It’s time to bring back the healthy fat that actually helps you feel full.

Meet the craving: Be sure you’re getting a supply of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in your diet. Great sources are avocados, which also provide minerals and fiber, as well as nuts like almonds and cashews.

Protein

What your body really wants is Protein (Iron!)

Protein is a key ingredient to a healthy pregnancy!

Meet the craving: Even though you may be craving fatty protein sources, you’ll want to make sure that you’re eating high-quality, grass-fed, hormone-free, lean protein that’s preferably organic.

No Cravings, but a Loss in Appetite

If your appetite has gone away and you’re not craving anything at all, you might think that it’s because you’re totally satisfied. But it could be that you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals, so it’s important to assess why you’re not in the mood for food anymore. This can happen while pregnant because of aversions or pregnancy in general, but if it is a sudden change, then consider the following.

What your body really wants is Zinc.

One mineral in particular that could be causing your lack of appetite is Zinc. This is an important mineral that affects your taste buds, and is one that your body needs daily.

Meet the (lack of) craving

Be sure to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes to cover all of your nutritional bases. This should be done over a series of days, and you should see your appetite return to normal. If your lack of appetite is persistent check with your doctor to uncover potential causes.