Pickles at midnight? Ice cream with your noodles? When you're pregnant, your body speaks to you in the most surprising—and powerful—ways!
Cravings are a completely normal and often memorable part of the journey, but they can also bring a little worry: “Am I eating the right things for my baby?”
We hear you, and we want to reassure you. You absolutely can honour what your body is asking for while still giving yourself and your little one all the goodness you both need.
It’s all about finding a gentle balance with small, mindful choices that feel good.
Caring Ways to Navigate Your Cravings
Embrace the Balance
It’s perfectly okay to enjoy that sweet or salty treat your body is asking for! The secret is to pair it with something nourishing to create a satisfying balance.
-
Craving chocolate?
-
Enjoy a few squares of rich dark chocolate with a handful of almonds or a glass of milk.
-
-
Craving something savoury?
-
Pair those crispy fries with a source of protein, like a grilled chicken sandwich, or add a fresh side salad.
-
Make Simple, Loving Swaps
Sometimes, a small switch can satisfy a craving while adding a wonderful nutritional boost.
-
Instead of ice cream,
-
try a creamy frozen yoghurt topped with fresh berries.
-
-
Instead of soda,
-
enjoy sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a few mint leaves.
-
-
Instead of chips,
-
try baked sweet potato fries or crunchy roasted chickpeas.
-
Nourish Yourself Regularly
Cravings often feel strongest when you’re feeling extra hungry. Nurturing your body with 3 balanced meals and 2–3 healthy snacks throughout the day can help keep your energy levels steady and those intense cravings more manageable.
Hydrate First
Sometimes, our bodies mistake thirst for hunger. Before reaching for a snack, try sipping on a glass of water or a warm, comforting herbal tea. It can be a lovely moment of pause and self-care.
A Note from BloomWell
For those moments when you're craving something creamy, filling, and nourishing, our BloomWell Prenatal Plant Protein Shake is a beautiful solution. It’s a simple, delicious way to honour your craving for a treat—while also giving your body the high-quality protein, DHA, and essential nutrients your growing baby needs.
Pregnancy is a beautiful season of change, and food should be a source of joy, not stress. By listening to your body, balancing your cravings with mindful choices, and reaching for smarter options like a wholesome shake, you can feel satisfied, energised, and wonderfully confident that you’re giving your baby the very best start.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Nutrition during pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
Institute of Medicine (US) and National Research Council (US) Committee to Reexamine IOM Pregnancy Weight Guidelines. (2009). Weight gain during pregnancy: Reexamining the guidelines. National Academies Press (US). https://doi.org/10.17226/12584
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20045082
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Prenatal nutrition and dietary supplements fact sheets. https://ods.od.nih.gov/
World Health Organization. (2020). Nutrition advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240019041
