Wondering why your favorite snacks are suddenly becoming totally unappetizing to you? Food aversions during pregnancy are normal! Know how to deal with them while making sure you and your baby stay healthy.
Hungry but can't decide what to eat? Craving but can't stand the smell and sight of your supposed favorite snack? Don't worry – this is all part of your pregnancy!
Aversions to certain food (even your favorites!) usually come during the first trimester of pregnancy. The fact that you don't seem to be reaching for your usual fill of lean meats, seafood, vegetables and fruits may not only disappoint you, but also worry you that your baby might not be getting enough essential nutrients.
So what is there to know about food aversions, and how can they be dealt with?
Changing Food Preferences During Pregnancy: What's Going On?
Food aversions—finding certain food choices unpleasant and unappetizing— could be one of the first signs that you're expecting. Due to its likely cause of pregnancy hormones, it has become a common symptom among expecting mothers. Of the women surveyed in a recent study, a little more than half experienced some sort of food aversion during pregnancy. Some of the most common examples of food avoided are meat, dairy, eggs, and vegetables.
Keeping Up Good Prenatal Nutrition
Food aversions can be tricky and stressful. What happens when you're hungry and nothing inside the fridge appeals to your taste buds? If you're not in the mood to eat anything, how then do will you receive the important nutrition both you and your baby need? Here are a few ways to help:
- Make smart food swaps. Can't stand the smell of grilled chicken or the taste of lettuce? Skip them! You can easily and make easy food swaps to ensure that you are still eating right. If chicken is turning you off, replace your protein intake by having a sandwich made with nut butter instead. To get your important dose of folic acid, try choosing beans or oranges instead if green salads aren't your thing at the moment.
- Dine simply but nutritiously. Pregnancy exhaustion plus having to deal with the uneasiness of food aversions can be a handful. What then can you do for yourself during those early weeks of pregnancy? Give yourself a kitchen break and pass up on that healthy eating plan for now! Don't feel guilty for not being able to prepare elaborate meals—simple but tasty meals such as a pasta dish with 1-2 veggies or a baked sweet potato with your choice of toppings can surely satisfy you.
- Stay committed to your prenatal supplement. Assure yourself that your nutrient intake is being taken care of by regularly taking your prenatal supplement every day. This way, even without your favorite healthy meals at the moment, your daily dose of iron and folic acid, both crucial prenatal nutrients, isn't being compromised.
So don't worry so much if your appetite seems to be waning lately. Food aversions will often subside as your second trimester arrives. In the meantime, just follow these tips to make sure you and your baby stay healthy and happy!
