They are irresistible! But in pregnancy, they are caring. Eat them, choosing the best versions that satiate your desire, nourish your body and your baby
Sweet cravings are not prohibited during pregnancy, however, they are a food that usually contains high levels of glycemic load, both for the sugar used in its preparation and for the ingredients that add to this load due to the way the body It metabolizes them or by its own nutritional composition. We are talking about flours, dairy products and certain fruits. The clinical nutrition teacher and diabetes educator Ámbar Huerta de la Torre explains that pregnancy “is an important stage in caring for sugar consumption, specifically because it involves metabolic changes that challenge the body by processing carbohydrates and sugars from the diet ” For this reason it is necessary that you know how your body reacts to sugars and carbohydrates; especially, that you learn to choose the best feeding options. Thinking about it we have prepared alternatives that you can choose instead of one of those cravings that you surely have … or you will have.
YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT…
The maximum allowed sugar in a pregnant woman is 10% of the energy requirement of a whole day. In general, a pregnant woman needs an energy requirement of 340 kcal more during the second trimester and 450 kcal more during the third trimester. But the definition of the energy requirement is based, above all, on the particular characteristics of each woman: height, weight, degree of overweight with which the pregnancy begins, the risks of suffering gestational diabetes and other aspects that the nutritionist must evaluate to define if she requires greater energy restrictions and determines an individualized diet.
SUGARED WITH PROTEIN
It is one of the best ways to stabilize blood sugar levels. In fact, depending on the food, a protein-rich meal can reduce sugar absorption and prevent glucose spikes that, in turn, reduce your cravings. Make sure your dessert contains protein to make it less glycemic loaded: low-fat Greek yogurt instead of cream or chantilly, or nuts and seeds (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pine nuts) instead of fruits.
6 FOODS THAT WILL HELP YOU FIGHT THE WISH FOR SWEET
- Greek yogurt
- Kefir
- Avocado
- Berries
- Ground flaxseed
- Carrots