Sweets, carbs and meats are what pregnant women want most (in that order). But what happens when you’re starving for sashimi or begging for Brie? Here’s how to cope with common off-limit cravings:
1. Deli Meat
Hands off the deli meat. It’s prone to bacteria—A.K.A. listeria. Eating it isn’t a big deal for most people, but pregnant women have weaker immune systems. It can cause parasites resulting in birth complications.
• Solution: Whether piping or Panini, enjoy your sub substitute the safe way. Make sure your lunchmeat has been heated to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mexican-Style Queso
Like deli meat, many imported, soft cheeses run the risk of listeria. Though you can still have aged versions like cheddar and Parmesan, favorites like Brie and queso blanco are forced to sit on the sidelines.
• Solution: In queso emergency, make your own gooey goodness to satisfy your craving safely. Use this healthy recipe that subs queso blanco with cheddar. Bonus for baby mammas: cheese contains calcium, a key nutrient for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones.
3. That Second Cup of Coffee
While you may look forward to starting your day off with a big cup of coffee, now that you’re pregnant it’s important to limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg per day.
• Solution: Try a caffeine-free alternative to coffee that’s healthy for you and baby, such as dandelion herbal coffee or hot apple cider. If you just can’t kick your coffee habit, choose an organic fair-trade coffee that’s free of toxic chemicals. This is especially important if you’re choosing decaf coffee, as coffee beans are often soaked in chemical solvents to remove the caffeine, which also removes its healthy antioxidant properties. If you’re still hoping to try decaf coffee so you can stretch that one cup into two, just make sure you choose a good one. If you’re looking for something more seasonal, try our smile-safe Pumpkin Spice Latte.
To learn more how pregnancy relates to your oral and overall health, check out our other parenting blogs.