Something delicious! Seriously, there’s no reason to push yourself to eat snacks you despise; otherwise, what’s the point of getting out of bed? But that doesn’t give you carte blanche to eat whatever you want. High-fat, high-salt, high-sugar, and highly processed foods are bad for everyone, and such empty calories make it very easy for a pregnant woman to gain weight without getting enough nutrition for herself and her baby (one to two pounds per week is ideal in the second and third trimesters).
Why Do You Feel Hungry During Pregnancy?-
During pregnancy, you may find that no matter how much or how frequently you eat, you are constantly hungry at all hours of the day and night. According to new research, a pregnant woman only needs 200 extra calories per day throughout her third trimester.
In India, however, most doctors advise 300 more calories per day throughout the second and third trimesters. Some women may require more or fewer calories during pregnancy, depending on their health. However, it’s important to realize that when you’re pregnant, your body becomes more efficient and makes better use of the energy you get from food.
However, because your body is working harder to make the most of your calorie intake, it’s not uncommon if you wake up in the middle of the night. In addition, feeling nauseated in the morning is absolutely common because by that time you are hungry.
Other than these, there might be other reasons as follows-
- Hormonal changes
- Increased appetite
- Blood sugar levels & midnight cravings
- Nutrient needs for the growing baby
Healthy Fill-ins for Midnight Cravings| Solutions to Deal with Late-Night Pregnancy Snacking-
So, what’s the substitute for avoiding late-night pregnancy cravings? Perhaps, nothing! But you can ease it while filling your stomach properly at night. And of course not to miss the dinner! However, you can’t predict when you will crave noodles with curd, because pregnancy is all about weird food combos. So, try-
- Dry biscuits, crackers, and cookies
- Fruits and vegetables
- Puffed rice (a little spiced)
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Quick-available oats
- Corns-boiled or steamed
- Roasted chana
- Seeds, nuts, and dry fruits
If you suffer from nighttime indigestion, avoid citrus fruits because they are more acidic.
Choose wholegrain or multigrain rotis, brown rice, or wholewheat bread over white rice or white bread for your afternoon meals. Wholegrain, unrefined meals are higher in fiber and fill you up faster. They also aid in the prevention of constipation. Limit your intake of greasy, spicy, and sweet foods. Spicy foods might create indigestion, while sweets provide a temporary boost but do not satisfy hunger.
If you’re seeking a midnight snack, aim for something nutritious while still fulfilling your hunger. A milky beverage, a non-caffeinated herbal tea, a sandwich, salad, a bowl of cereal with milk, fruit yogurt, a handful of dried fruit, toast with peanut butter, or a few crackers with cheese are all good options.
Some meals include tryptophan, a naturally occurring amino acid that promotes sleep. Tryptophan-containing snacks may also help you sleep. Tryptophan is found in bananas, fish, and turkeys. Avoid taking tryptophan supplements during pregnancy because they are unsafe.
To The Bottom Line-
Midnight cravings are definite and surreal sometimes. Once you find it dreamy and other you’ll experience it turn devil. But, mummas! It’ll all be worth the wait and crazy food combos.
