If there is one correct stereotype about pregnancy, it is the strong (and sometimes strange) cravings that accompany the miracle of life. A pregnant woman can be hit suddenly with a craving so strong, she has almost no choice but to comply with her body’s demands. Some of these cravings might just be strange, but some can be unhealthy as well. Women with gestational diabetes tend to feel the pain of harsh cravings a little harder than other pregnant women, due to the fact that they just can’t imbibe as much as another woman might.
Women with gestational diabetes may feel the brunt of strong pregnancy cravings two fold. Their cravings might actually be more intense than another woman’s cravings, due to insulin resistance. Sometimes, insulin resistance can make your body feel like it needs sugar, when it actually needs anything but. On top of stronger cravings, a woman with gestational diabetes does not necessarily have the freedom to indulge in as many unhealthy cravings.
There are ways around those unhealthy pregnancy cravings, however. Here are some tips and techniques for navigating pregnancy cravings with gestational diabetes:
Stay Hydrated
It might sound strange, but keeping yourself hydrated can help you to stave off unhealthy pregnancy cravings. This works especially well for cravings of the salty variety. When your body is not hydrated enough, it retains water. Because the salt in many unhealthy snacks can help you to retain water, your body will crave them. Keep in mind that pregnant women need to drink more water than the average woman.
Seek Substitutions
Sometimes you can easily find sugar free versions of the unhealthy snack you are craving. There are sugar free versions of just about every kind of cookie and candy available in most grocery stores. Sugar free snacks can raise your blood sugar too, though, so don’t overdo it. This should only be used for especially strong cravings or special occasions.
Rethink Your Sweets
Instead of indulging in cakes and cookies, start considering your sweets a little differently. Focus on naturally sweet foods like fruit. Also check out unsweetened or sugar free yogurts. Many come in flavors modeled after your favorite desserts.
Homemade Heaven
Another great way of fighting unhealthy pregnancy cravings is to start making your treats at home, from scratch. This way, you can make substitutions such as apple sauce or Splenda for sugar and oil, whole wheat flour for white, and coconut oil for butter. Making healthier versions of your favorite delicious treats will be rewarding as well as yummy.
Gestational diabetes does not have to take all of the fun out of your pregnancy. You can still indulge in a few cravings here and there just like any other pregnant woman, you just have to change things up a bit. These tips will help you when fighting unhealthy pregnancy cravings without completely denying yourself. Check out the rest of my blog for more tips!
