Satisfying Alternatives for Pregnancy Cravings

Looking for healthier ways to quell cravings?

Try these suggestions culled from moms and experts such as Catherine Jones, co-author of Eating for Pregnancy: An Essential Guide to Nutrition with Recipes for the Whole Family.

• When you’re hankering for salty snacks, try air-popped or light popcorn, whole-grain pretzels, baked potato chips (instead of fried), or nuts.

• If you crave sweets, try dried fruit. Or spread a mix of cottage cheese, plain yogurt or fat-free cream cheese, and juice-sweetened preserves on rice crackers or whole- grain bread. For Roxanna Agler of Chicago, cinnamon applesauce satisfied her sweet tooth.

• In the mood for ice cream? Go for a light brand or try Popsicles, low-fat frozen yogurt, or sorbet. Karen Wright of Mankato, MN, indulged in orange sherbet instead.

• Can’t give up chocolate? Jill Miller of Pleasanton, CA, substituted dark chocolate for milk chocolate to get the health benefits of the dark variety’s antioxidants. Or you could eat a low-fat granola bar with chocolate chips.

• Instead of soda, drink flavored seltzer or fruit juice mixed with mineral water. Or sip Perrier.

• Want hot dogs? Try healthier nitrite-free turkey dogs.

• Hungry for cake and pie? Low-fat banana and zucchini breads are better options.

• Feeling like a cookie monster? Opt for oatmeal raisin.

• Be creative. Instead of always giving in to her craving for french fries, Claudia Barnes of Pasadena, CA, often makes a salad with olives and tangy dressing. And Toby Amidor of New York, NY, suggests a baked potato or fries made from butternut squash. Or try potatoes lightly sautéed with 1 teaspoon of oil; then bake in oven until crisp.

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