A pregnancy craving differs from a regular craving in the sense that it’s about a million times stronger. You wake up with a burning desire for a Chipotle burrito or an ice-cold root beer and will go out of your way to satisfy that craving. You’ll drive miles upon miles to meet the craving and have no shame in waking your husband up in the middle of the night to go buy and cook you bacon. Hey, what baby wants, baby gets, right? Let’s take a look at the top foods craved most by pregnant women and why!
1. Ice
Pregnant women love to chew on ice. Seems strange, since it’s not really a food and doesn’t seem in any way satisfying to those of us not with child, but for some reason pregnant women just can’t get enough. Those with anemia are more likely to be seen chewing on ice, since it can relieve inflammation of the mouth and tongue (a common symptom of anemia).
2. Chocolate
Chocolate — or any sweet for that matter — is something pregnant women can’t get enough of. This could be because chocolate makes you happy, and since there’s no drinking for pregnant women, chocolate is literally the next best thing. An old wives’ tale states if you crave sweets it means you’re carrying a girl.
Tip: If you’re worried about indulging too much, satisfy your chocolate craving by drizzling low-fat chocolate syrup on fresh fruit.
3. Spicy foods
Spicy foods, such as curry or hot red peppers, are yet another common craving among pregnant women. Interestingly enough, it’s because hot foods make the body sweat, which cools off the body. If you’re currently expecting, you know it’s almost impossible to stay cool. Try adding some spice to your next meal to see if it helps cool you!
4. Pickles
Women who crave pickles could be low in sodium, but there’s no real proof of this. Some like the crunch, some like the vinegar and some like the refreshing taste. Whatever it is, pickle cravings are nothing to be too concerned about. They’re low in calories, easy to get and inexpensive.
5. Potato chips
Potato chips, like pickles, are loaded with salt. Again, you could be low in sodium, but, more than likely, you’re just desiring something salty and crunchy, and potato chips are what comes to mind. Since they’re high in fat and calories, try reaching for some low-fat popcorn instead.
6. Fruit
Pregnant women don’t just crave junk food (surprisingly!). They crave fruit as well. You (and your body) want a healthy baby, so sometimes it needs extra healthy foods to make sure that happens. Fruits, such as watermelons and grapes, are cool and refreshing, all while providing your body and baby with a boost of vitamin C.
7. Lemon
It’s not unheard of to see a pregnant woman eating a straight lemon or adding a ton of it to their water. Pregnant women crave sour foods. The reason? Your taste buds change and typically you like to “shock” them with super-sour or super-spicy foods.
8. Ice cream
Ice cream is sweet, it cools you off and it’s rich and creamy. With so many flavors to choose from, a pregnant woman could literally spend hours in the ice cream aisle. For a healthier version, buy low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt and top with fresh fruit. You may kill two cravings in one sitting!
9. Soda
If you’ve experienced or are experiencing morning sickness, a fizzy, carbonated soda may be just what you need. Carbonation settles the stomach and may take away that queasy feeling you’ve had all day. Try ginger ale or Sprite, as caffeinated beverages should be avoided during pregnancy.
10. Coffee
And finally, even though some doctors say it’s a no-no, coffee is commonly craved by pregnant women, especially those who drank it before conceiving. Coffee makes you more alert and decreases headaches and depression. Check with your doctor before deciding to partake in a cup o’ joe, though.
