How can I control pregnancy cravings?

Tips to control cravings during pregnancy.

Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : October 9, 2014 5:11 PM IST

I am in my second trimester of pregnancy and unable to control my cravings. I have started to like foods that I had never liked before and most of them are unhealthy stuff and loaded with calories, like chocolates, junk food etc. Not to mention I have also started to overeat and when I am done with all that hogging I really feel guilty about the whole thing. I know cravings are very normal during pregnancy, but can it cause any harm?

Cravings are an outcome of the general hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and the growing needs of the body. But keep in mind that pregnancy cravings can also lead to overeating. Overeating at this stage isn't a healthy idea. With weight gain being rampant during the second trimester excessive weight gain due to mindless eating can lead to pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, hypertension etc. Being overweight during pregnancy can lead to complications during labour too. It could lead to a C-section, fetal problems or a tough labour in general. Also recovery postpartum can be troublesome due to the excess weight gain.

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To control your cravings make sure you follow these tips:

Never postpone a meal for too long. Hunger triggers craving and often leads to overeating.

Take enough liquids throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.

Eat at least six small meals throughout the day. Eating every two hours will keep your metabolism up and help you cut down on your cravings.

Snack on fruits and nuts in between meals to control hunger pangs.

Opt for natural sugars (fruits, dates, apricots) over chocolates and ice creams if you wish to have them.

Maintain a diet diary to keep track of your cravings and the foods you eat.

Pregnancy cravings usually occur due to a deficiency in diet. So make sure you eat foods from all the food groups to incorporate carbs, proteins, fats and other micro and macro nutrients in your diet.

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How can I control pregnancy cravings?

Tips to control cravings during pregnancy.

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