Weird Pregnancy Cravings & Aversions: How to Handle and Healthy Snack Ideas

Before I was pregnant, I had always heard about the strange cravings that women experience during pregnancy.

It’s always amusing to see those dramatic pregnancy cravings on TV shows and movies. Suddenly the pregnant woman is waking up in the middle of the night craving pickles and ice cream or demanding a hot dog with peanut butter.

One of my favorite shows is “I Love Lucy”. There is a pregnancy episode where she sends Ricky out on a wild goose chase through New York City in the middle of the night to find papaya ice cream and then adds a can of sardines to it.

While some women do experience some weird pregnancy cravings, it’s not always as dramatic as the media portrays it to be.

In fact, I was hoping for some weird cravings of my own during my pregnancy, but I mostly got a food aversion pregnancy. I found myself turning away from foods that I had once loved, and my appetite just wasn’t the same as it used to be.

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The most frustrating food aversion I had was actually to water.

Yes, water.

Having an aversion to water during pregnancy when you are supposed to be drinking even more water than usual is no easy task. In this post, I will be sharing my experience with common food aversions during pregnancy, weird pregnancy cravings, some tips on how to cope with them, and ideas for alternative healthy pregnancy snacks you can try when those cravings hit.

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When Do Pregnancy Cravings and Aversions Start

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to when pregnancy cravings start, but many women report experiencing them in the first trimester – sometimes even before a positive pregnancy test (read our article on early signs of pregnancy).

This is when all of those hormones start flying off the chart, so it is possible that these drastic and quick hormonal changes could lead to cravings. However, some women will go their entire pregnancy and not experience any pregnancy cravings at all, and those who do may have different types of cravings at different times throughout their pregnancy.

Common Food Aversions During Pregnancy

1. Meat: Some women may find the taste or smell of meat to be repulsive during pregnancy.
2. Eggs: Eggs are a common source of protein, but many pregnant women experience aversions to them due to the smell or texture.
3. Garlic and onions: These flavorful foods may be too pungent for some women during pregnancy, and the aftertaste may linger in the mouth.
4. Spicy foods: Pregnant women may develop an aversion to spicy foods, which also cause heartburn and indigestion.
5. Coffee: The aroma and taste of coffee can be unappealing to some pregnant women, and the caffeine may exacerbate nausea. This one is especially frustrating for those of us who like our morning cup of coffee to start the day.
6. Dairy products: Some women may find that dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt cause nausea or other digestive issues.
7. Citrus fruits: While some women crave the tartness of citrus fruits during pregnancy, others may find them too acidic and avoid them.
8. Fried foods: The greasiness and heavy texture of fried foods may be unappealing to some pregnant women, particularly those who are experiencing morning sickness.
9. Water: This one was the most frustrating aversion I experienced. For many women it has to do with the metallic taste left in the mouth and the temperature of the water. Try experimenting with different temperatures, drinking from a straw, and adding lots of lemon, cucumber, raspberries or other natural flavors.
10. Chocolate: While many women crave chocolate during pregnancy, others may experience aversions to its rich, sweet flavor.

Weird Pregnancy Cravings During Pregnancy

1. Pickles: This is perhaps the most well-known pregnancy craving. Some pregnant women report craving the sour and salty taste of pickles.
2. Ice cream: Many pregnant women crave ice cream, perhaps due to its sweet and creamy texture.
3. Spicy foods: Some pregnant avoid and some women crave spicy foods, which may be due to hormonal changes that affect taste buds.
4. Chocolate: Chocolate is not only a common aversion, but also a common pregnancy craving, possibly due to its mood-boosting properties.
5. Fruit: Pregnant women often crave fresh and juicy fruit, which thankfully is a healthier option for satisfying a sweet craving. Watermelon was a huge pregnancy craving of mine during the early second trimester.
6. Carbs: Pregnant women may crave carb-heavy foods such as bread, pasta, and potatoes.
7. Red meat: Some pregnant women crave red meat, possibly due to increased iron needs during pregnancy.
8. Sour candies: Sour candies can be a popular pregnancy craving, possibly due to the sour taste satisfying a craving for something tangy.
9. Peanut butter: Many pregnant women report craving peanut butter, possibly due to its high protein content.
10. Pizza: Pizza is another common pregnancy craving, possibly due to its combination of carbs, cheese, and tomato sauce.

How to Cope with Pregnancy Cravings and Still Have a Healthy Pregnancy

1. Plan ahead: Plan out your meals and snacks in advance to make sure you have healthy options on hand when those cravings strike. If you are looking for a lifetime supply of healthy and family-friendly meal plans, you definitely want to read this.
2. Eat regularly: Eating small, regular meals and snacks throughout the day can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and hopefully minimize pregnancy cravings.
3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other clear fluids can help you feel full and reduce the urge to snack.
4. Focus on nutrient-dense foods: Choose foods that are high in the nutrients your body and baby need, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
5. Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues and take your time with each meal or snack to fully appreciate its flavor and texture.
6. Choose healthier versions of your cravings: Look for healthier alternatives to your favorite indulgences, such as baked sweet potato fries instead of regular fries, or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
7. Get moving: Exercise can help reduce stress and regulate your appetite, making it easier to resist those unhealthy pregnancy cravings when they strike.
8. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep can help regulate the hormones that control your appetite and cravings.
9. Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a healthcare provider about your cravings and put strategies in place for managing them.
10. Practice self-compassion: Remember that occasional indulgences are okay and it’s important to be kind to yourself during pregnancy. Everything in moderation – you are doing amazing!

Alternative Healthy Pregnancy Snacks for when Those Cravings Hit

1. Apple slices with almond butter: I found that the sweetness of the apple combined with the protein and healthy fat in almond butter was a great alternative to my sweet cravings.
2. Greek yogurt with berries: This was a great way to get some calcium and protein while satisfying my sweet tooth.
3. Trail mix: I made my own trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to satisfy my salty cravings.
4. Smoothies: A smoothie made with frozen fruit, yogurt, and milk was a great way to satisfy my sweet cravings and get some added nutrients. I added a scoop of my favorite organic, vegan protein as I headed into the third trimester to help meet my protein and calorie requirements each day.
5. Hummus and veggies: This was a staple snack in my house at all times during my pregnancy. It was a great way to satisfy my savory cravings and get some added fiber and nutrients.
6. Popcorn: I air-popped some popcorn and seasoned it with a little salt for a healthier and satisfying snack that also provided fiber.
7. Dark chocolate: A small piece of dark chocolate satisfied my sweet cravings without going overboard on sugar. On my tougher craving days, I added some all-natural peanut butter to the chocolate.
8. Hard-boiled eggs: A great source of protein to keep me feeling full.
9. Roasted chickpeas: I seasoned chickpeas with spices and roasted them for a crunchy snack that also provided protein and fiber.
10. Cheese and whole-grain crackers: A easy and satisfying snack that provided protein, calcium, and fiber.
11. Avocado toast: One of my favorites! A slice of whole-grain bread topped with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt is a satisfying snack that provides healthy fats and fiber.
12. Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella cheese: This is a tasty and easy-to-make snack that provides protein and calcium.
13. Edamame: This protein-packed snack is easy to prepare and provides a good source of iron and folate.
14. Homemade fruit salad: A mix of your favorite fruits with a sprinkle of nuts or seeds provides a delicious and healthy snack packed with vitamins and fiber.
15. Roasted sweet potato wedges: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, roast them with a little olive oil and seasoning, and enjoy a tasty snack that provides vitamins and fiber. Great for when I was craving some greasy fast-food fries.
16. Cottage cheese with sliced peaches: This snack provides protein, calcium, and vitamins.
17. Smoothie bowl: Blend frozen fruits, yogurt, and milk, and add toppings like nuts, seeds, and granola for a satisfying snack packed with nutrients.
18. Homemade energy balls: These are easy to make and customizable to your taste. You can make them with ingredients like oats, nut butter, dried fruit, and seeds. They are a great snack to grab on the go when you need a quick energy boost.
19. Roasted almonds: A satisfying snack that is high in protein and healthy fats. Plus, these are super easy to keep in your purse so you have a healthy snack on you at all times!
20. Chia pudding: A filling and nutritious snack that can be made with chia seeds, almond milk, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

I hope this post has been helpful to any expectant mamas out there who may be experiencing food aversions or strange cravings during their pregnancy. Remember that every woman’s pregnancy is so beautifully unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to cravings and aversions.

Even though I didn’t get those wild cravings I was hoping for, I was able to find healthy alternatives to satisfy my appetite. Planning ahead, eating regularly, staying hydrated, focusing on nutrient-dense foods, and practicing mindful eating are just a few of the tips that can help you have a healthy pregnancy and cope with those pesky cravings.

Don’t forget to enjoy this special time, and don’t be afraid to indulge in the occasional treat.

Best of luck on your pregnancy journey!

Jess