Everyone is aware of the fact that eating lots of sugar is not healthy. But what if you constantly crave sugar while you are pregnant? You might be relieved to know that lots and lots of women have sugar cravings. Sugar has got to be at the top of the list for pregnancy cravings. What is the reason behind the cravings you are having, and should you fight them or give into to your cravings?
There are a few different theories on why women might crave sugar during pregnancy. According to some, craving chocolate or ice cream actually means that you might be calcium deficient. Other say that biological instincts create sugar cravings, and that they are a means of avoiding bitter, and potentially toxic plants. Yet other people claim that whatever you crave is what your baby really wants.
No matter which, if any, of these theories might be true, a diet high in sugar is unhealthy and poses risks to your health and the health of your unborn baby. Gestational diabetes is one of these. Excessive weight gain, putting more of a strain on your joints, is another. And dont forget that you teeth are more vulnerable while you are pregnant as well.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with indulging in sugar once in a while. But dont let foods that are high in sugar overtake your entire diet. Make sure that you eat healthy foods from every food group, and try satisfying your sugar craving with fresh or dried fruits before bringing in the chocolate (mind you, some studies say this is actually healthy in pregnancy!), cookies, and candy. While pregnancy is indeed the right time to pamper yourself and eat whatever you want, that does not mean that you should have an unhealthy diet. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy directly affects the health of your unborn baby, not only during pregnancy but in the long term as well.
