Weird and Wonderful Pregnancy Cravings / LA & OC Perinatal Nutrition Expert

Ever find yourself at midnight wanting to devour a jar of pickles with ice cream? Or maybe it’s more like a bag of hot Cheetos? 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? Today I'm sharing some surprising insights into what your cravings might mean but before we dive in I’m excited to let you know that I am now a Certified Perinatal Nutrition Expert! I’m offering nutrition coaching for all stages of pregnancy as well as the Nourished Mama Gatherings. If you’d like more information you can check out the nutrition page HERE. Also, I’m sharing some helpful tips and info @the.nourishe.mama_alainanunez over on Instagram if you’d like to follow along there.

Sweet Cravings

Got a sweet tooth during pregnancy? You're not alone! Sweets could mean you need more energy or possibly more fat. Especially in early pregnancy citrus fruits can help with that nauseous feeling. I love a good bowl of ice cream (for me full fat and dairy free please!), but here are some alternatives to help nourish your body and baby:

● Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The fresh strawberries fiber, vitamin c, folate (B9), and potassium. While dark chocolate adds iron and magnesium.

● 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 hemp seeds (extra protein, omega 3’s, & fiber), or crushed nuts.

● Orange Cinnamon Apples: Clean with wild orange oil or an actual orange, rinse, core and slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon (Ceylon is my go to). No added sugar necessary!

● Smoothie Bowls: Blend your favorite fruits with some yogurt or milk (or full fat coconut milk) and top with 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! Remember, dark chocolate might be that treat you need for some extra iron and magnesium.

● 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 or just needing to nosh on something that takes longer to chew. How about switching to some homemade salty snacks? Here are a few suggestions:

● Nuts: A handful of lightly salted almonds, cashews, pepitas, sesame seeds, or walnuts. You can throw in some pieces of dried unsulfured, unsweetened fruit such as cranberries, mango, blueberries or banana chips. They're packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber and the nuts also help you get more choline and folate in your day.

● Organic Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and is a quick snack. I like to make mine on the stove with a mix of avocado and coconut oil but you can definitely add butter in there too. I find it pops best with a mix of oils/fats. Sprinkle with a little sea salt or nutritional yeast which also gives you protein, B vitamins, potassium, and iron.

● Pepitas or Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: I use pepitas to top my salad, chicken salad, soups, and lettuce wraps. They give that extra texture of crunch and have antioxidants, magnesium fiber and good fats.

● Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Slice up some carrots, celery, cucumbers or bell peppers and dip them in hummus. This is something that is quick and can be taken on the go easily.

● Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Slice sweet potatoes into fries or chips, toss with a little avocado oil and salt, and bake until crispy.

● Crackers with Cheese: Look for crackers made with whole grains or to add extra protein grab the almond crackers, and pair them with a slice of cheese for that extra protein and fat your body is craving.

● Roasted Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with avocado or full fat coconut oil and your favorite savory spices, then roast until crispy. They're a crunchy, salty snack full of so many beneficial nutrients. Protein, fat, fiber, folate, iron, zinc & magnesium… just to name a few.

● Seaweed Snacks: These are light, crispy, and salty, and they come in handy snack-sized packages. Plus, they contain iodine which helps support the thyroid which is working extra hard while supporting you and your baby.

Spicy Cravings

This is probably the most common craving I hear about! Spicy foods! The reason? Fluctuating hormones which can change your taste and sense of smell.

• Hormone changes

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Your body’s desire for a nutrient/compound found in the food

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!

I would add lemon to my water because water just did not taste good to me all on it’s own.

If you would like personalized perinatal nutrition coaching (preconception to postpartum) reach out! I’d love to help you become a nourished mama. I’m all about simple yet effective nourishment for all food preferences and budgets.

If you’re looking for a birth photographer to capture this amazing time for you please check out my Birth Photography portfolio as well as the Birth Films I’ve been allowed to share.