PREGNANCY CRAVINGS | What Do They Mean?
WHAT DO PREGNANCY CRAVINGS REALLY MEAN?
Pregnancy cravings can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormones, a heightened sense of smell and taste, and nutritional deficiencies. When the body is depleted of nutrients it may start to crave the foods that contain those nutrients!
Here is my pregnancy cravings cheat sheet. It’s totally fine to indulge but it’s also important to listen to your body and give it what it needs!
ICE
This is a common thing that comes up in pregnancy! It typically means you need more iron or help with iron absorption. Eat plenty of animal products that are high in iron, zinc, and copper.
DIRT
This is usually an indicator that you need more minerals. Try mineral water, mineral drops, fruit juice, raw milk, and coconut water over plain water!
RED MEAT
You need more protein! Aim for at least 80-100
G of protein per day- my goal is 150g while pregnant.
SWEETS
This can mean that you need a boost of energy or that your blood sugars are unbalanced. Eating plenty of protein and fat to go with your carbs will help.
CHOCOLATE
This means you might need more magnesium or B6!
SALTY
This means you need more electrolytes to help with water retention. Try adding a pinch or real salt into your water or doing salt shots.
SPICY
Spicy foods effect your digestive system so if you’re craving spicy foods it can mean you need help with it! Try foods high in probiotics- yogurt, raw milk and cheese, kombucha, or kefir.
CITRUS
Vitamin C needs are high in pregnancy, especially in the 3rd trimester because your hormones needed to start labor are reliant on vitamin c. Eat oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi, and orange juice.
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Pregnancy cravings are a fascinating aspect of expectant motherhood. They often signal the body's nutritional requirements and can vary widely from woman to woman. Cravings like ice indicate a need for iron, while dirt cravings may suggest a deficiency in minerals. It's essential to listen to your body and fulfill its nutritional needs to ensure a healthy pregnancy. For those craving red meat, you're likely needing additional protein, which is crucial for the developing baby. Sweets might signal a need for energy or a blood sugar imbalance, highlighting the importance of balanced meals that include protein and fats alongside carbohydrates. Moreover, chocolate cravings could mean your body is lacking magnesium or B6. Salty cravings often indicate a need for electrolytes, especially during the later stages of pregnancy when water retention can be a concern. If you're experiencing cravings for spicy foods, your digestive system might be seeking probiotics to help with digestion. Lastly, cravings for citrus fruits can indicate an increased need for vitamin C, vital for both mother and baby, particularly in the third trimester. Paying attention to these cravings can not only help you enjoy your pregnancy meal choices but can also support your overall health during this beautiful journey.
im so sorry im totally thrown off by craving dirt😂