How to manage hunger pangs during pregnancy?

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30

At the announcement of pregnancy, we still hear our grandmothers telling us: Eat more, my darling, now you have to eat for two! What to do with this gigantic appetite?

Yes, it is normal to have more appetite, because the energy needs increase with the trimesters. But no, our energy needs do not double and we must try to choose the appropriate quality and quantity of food to better control the food cravings that can occur during these 9 months!

If you maintain the same level of physical activity as before pregnancy, your energy needs typically increase by 100 kcal in the first trimester, 350 kcal in the second, and 450 kcal in total in the third trimester. It is possible to make up for this surplus with heartier snacks or slightly larger meals. On the other hand, some women experience early satiety and a feeling of compressed stomach especially during the last trimester, so it is preferable to split meals and snacks during the day and to avoid drinking before or during the meal.

Many women have particular cravings for either acidic foods such as pickles, citrus fruits andgreen grapes or for sweet or savory foods like ice cream, chocolate or potato chips. This is not about eliminating less nutritious foods from your diet, but rather sticking to a reasonable amount! However, they should not take the place of other he althier foods!

Some examples of alternatives to daily cravings

Sweet	A piece of dark chocolate after the meal Fruits in all their forms. Add them to yogurt, puddings, muffins, soften them in the microwave with a little maple syrup and walnuts. Chocolate milk or flavored soy beverages are also good choices after physical activity. Milk, frozen yogurts and sorbets
S alty	Soy, pumpkin and sunflower seeds Spicy roasted chickpeas or edamame beans with a pinch of fleur de sel Low Fat Cottage Cheese Rice cakes and crackers; grilled pita bread slathered with pesto
Bold	Fat cravings can come from a need to eat heavier or heartier foods. Make mashed potatoes, add parsnips, sweet potato and a little butter, cream or cheese, for a smooth texture. Dips made with yogurt, cream cheese (such as quark) or sour cream can beelongated for use in sauces or dressings. Homemade fried potatoes baked in the oven. Sweet potatoes are great too. Pitas and tortillas with hummus or cheese.