What those pregnancy cravings really mean (step away from the chalk!)

From clay to chalk to ALL of the sugar, pregnancy cravings can get pretty bizarre!

Usually though, those strange desires are a sign your body is in need of a specific nutrient boost.

Decode those crazy cravings and replace them with healthier foods that still contain the nutrients your body is asking for. You will feel better for it, and be happy knowing you are giving your growing baby the best start to a healthy life!

A word on crazier cravings.

Some women will crave things that are not even food, like chalk, clay, soap or sand. This is known as pica and is usually the body’s attempt to obtain minerals and vitamins that might be lacking.

If this is the case for you, be sure to contact a health professional as soon as possible, as eating such things could harm yourself or your baby.

The craving decoder…

I’m craving…	What can it mean?	Food alternatives
Chocolate	Magnesium – essential for muscle and nerve function for mum and bub. Leg cramps are a sign your body needs more.	Nuts, beans, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and raw cacao.
Salty foods	Sodium – and the minerals that come with it are important for hydration and electrolyte balance.	Use an unrefined sea salt or pink salt. They contain an array of great minerals!
Sugary foods	Energy – your body is really just craving an energy pick me up. But unfortunately, these foods will give you a very quick energy slump just as fast.	Eat protein-rich foods to banish cravings and keep you feeling fuller longer. Go for complex, unrefined carbohydrates such as wholegrain bread, brown rice and quinoa.
Cheese and butter	Essential fatty acids – healthy fats are so important for baby’s brain and nervous system development and mum’s brain, emotional health and skin, too.	Oily fish, avocado, nuts and seeds, cold pressed oils (olive, coconut), ghee and eggs.
Sour foods	This may be your digestive system calling out for a little kick start. When you eat sour or bitter foods, your saliva and other digestive juices get ready to begin the digestion process.	Warm water with a dash of lemon or apple cider vinegar. Rocket, endive and dandelion root tea are also great for digestive function.
Milk	Calcium – that’s an obvious one, right!? After all, your baby is growing a lot of new bones. Dairy is a great source, but can be an issue if you have trouble digesting lactose.	There are lots of great non-dairy sources of calcium. Try almonds, hazelnuts, chickpeas, tahini, sardines, tinned salmon with bones, rhubarb and green leafy vegetables.
Orange juice	Vitamin C – important for immune health and collagen production.	Go for the whole orange rather than juice, other citrus, mangoes, berries, pineapple, kiwi, capsicum, broccoli and kale.
Ice	Iron – Iron is essential for healthy development of your baby’s brain and neurocognition. You also need your own stash for healthy energy levels.	Red meat, seafood and poultry, tinned pulses, maca powder and adzuki beans.

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