How to Avoid Sweet Cravings During Pregnancy

Chocolate, ice cream, cookies! Learn some strategies to stay away from sweets while pregnant.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bottled Water
• Cheeses
• Dried Fruits
• Fruit Juices
• Fruits
• Sparkling Waters
• Vegetables
• Yogurt
• Pregnancy Magazine
• Fruits
• Vegetables

1. Eat breakfast every morning. Starting the day off with a full healthy meal will help curb midday food cravings.

2. Drink water. You should have at least 64 ounces of water a day.

3. Eat small, frequent snacks throughout the day. Snacking on small fruits, vegetables and cheeses will leave little room for anything sweet in your stomach.

4. Buy fruit instead of sweets. If there is nothing sweet to eat in your house, you have no choice but to snack on apples and grapes.

5. Substitute healthy alternatives for the real thing. Eat low fat yogurt instead of ice cream, or mineral water with fruit juice instead of soda. Shop for the low fat versions of your favorite treats.

6. Think small. If you cannot stay away from the sweet stuff, eat smaller portions. Have one scoop of ice cream with no chocolate syrup. Buy a bag of chocolate chips or jelly beans and munch on a few to curb your craving.

7. Exercise. Following a low-intensity workout routine three to four times a week will put you in a healthy frame of mind and prepare you for delivery.

8. Ask for emotional support. The changes your body is experiencing physically and hormonally can put a lot of emotional strain on you. Ask yourself if your cravings are from pregnancy or a way to cope with emotional stress.

Tips & Warnings

• Subscribe to a pregnancy magazine for healthy recipes and ideas for tasty desserts.
• If cravings for chocolate are very strong, consult your doctor about vitamin deficiencies.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

on 11/22/2005 I often crave sweet AND crunchy (pregnant or not). These chips work well to keep me away from junk food. Skin a sweet potato and slice very thin (use a vegetable slicer for best results). Oil 2 cookie sheets. Lay slices down and then flip the slices (so both sides have oil on them). Lightly salt (if you wish) and place in 400 degree oven. Watch them carefully for they will burn quickly. Let them get light brown. I don't know the calorie content but it sure is better than having chocolate and potato chips.