C.

Managing Common
Problems Affecting
Nutritional Health
Cravings:
• The specific cause of food cravings during pregnancy is not known.
However, research suggests they may be related to hormones during
pregnancy. This can make you more sensitive to smells and tastes,
which can cause cravings. It’s okay to satisfy your cravings as long as
you are eating safe food in small amounts.
• Some pregnant women crave chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, and comfort
foods, such as mashed potatoes, cereals, and toasted white bread.
• Other women crave non-food items, such as clay and cornstarch.
Cravings
• The craving and eating of non-food items is
known as pica. Consuming things that aren't food
can be dangerous to both you and your baby. If
you have urges to eat non-food items, notify your
doctor.
• It's possible to have food cravings and still
provide your baby with the nutrients they need to
How to handle pregnancy cravings:
• Eat a balanced diet that includes lean sources of protein,
reduced-fat dairy foods, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and
legumes. When your diet is balanced, a small portion of a not-
so-healthy food won't crowd out the nutrition your baby needs.
• Eat regularly to avoid drops in blood sugar that could trigger
food cravings. Dividing up food into six small and satisfying
meals can help.
• Include regular physical activity (as permitted by your doctor).
How to handle pregnancy cravings:
• Focus on lower-calorie foods. Frozen yogurt and low-
fat fudge bars may do the trick when you desire
super-premium ice cream. Sorbet, sherbet, and frozen
fruit bars are other lower-calorie frozen treats that
can stand
Craving
in for higher-calorie
Choose
options.
Choose This Not that
• Control
Spice FoodSalsa
Cravings:
or saucesLook for apretzels
Low-fat healthy alternative
Potato chips
Sweet Fresh fruit Water with lemon Soda
Crunchy Carrots, celery, or lime
nuts Dried fruit Candy