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Why Do Cravings Happen During Pregnancy?
Expecting a child means your body will go through hormonal and physical changes. These changes can alter your sense of taste and smell, and affect your appetite. Foods you didn't eat much of before may become crave-worthy, while meals that were once your favourites may no longer be to your taste.Here are some reasons why:
- Hormonal Changes: Your tastes and smell change when you become pregnant due to the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, foods that are tangy, spicy or sour may look really appealing.
- Nutritious Needs: Occasionally, cravings indicate the body's need for certain nutrients. For example, cravings associated with sour or citrus-flavoured foods may be reflecting a need for vitamin C.
- Psychological Associations: Street foods, such as hot dogs, pretzels, or tacos, may be psychologically associated with the positive emotions/experiences of childhood, comfort, or social eating patterns. Pregnancy elevates emotional states for these foods.
Why Street Foods Feel More Tempting
You may ask what it is about street food that seems particularly tempting. Here’s why- More intense flavours: Compared to ordinary food, street food typically features a combination of acidic and crunchy flavours.
- Strong spices: Pregnancy can increase the smell of fried food, masalas, and chutneys due to an enhanced sense of smell.
- Convenience: Street foods are easy to find, cheap, and ready-to-eat, which makes it even harder to resist (when cravings hit)!
Common Street Food Cravings During Pregnancy
Every woman's cravings are unique, but there are a few street foods that tend to be favourites for many expecting mothers:- Chaat: A flavoured crunch with a spicy, flavourful chutney added.
- Golgappa/Pani Puri: Crunchy shell with spicy-sour water satisfies taste and texture cravings.
- Pakoras/Bhajiyas: Fried and crunchy snacks are always better with rain.
- Kebabs or rolls: Protein-based, but loads of flavour.
- Samosas/Kachoris: Fried and heavily spiced indulgences.
Are Street Food Cravings Safe to Indulge In?
Although having treats is ok on occasion, some risks come with street food during pregnancy.- Hygiene: Street food may not always be prepared in hygienic ways. This increases the risk of infections.
- Food Poisoning: Food contamination can create more serious problems, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or stomach infections, for you and your baby.
- Excess Oil & Salt: Deep-fried foods or foods that are overly salty can lead to acidity, a bloated belly, or water retention.
- Spicy: Spicy food can create heartburn, an unfortunate but common complaint during pregnancy.
Smarter Ways to Handle Street Food Cravings
The bright side is that there is no need to avoid yourself completely. Focus instead on moderation and better choices.- Make it at home: Create your favourite street food at home using fresh ingredients and reduced oil. Homemade golgappas, baked samosas or grilled kebabs will taste just as good.
- Vendor considerations: Pick clean and trusted vendors that prepare food fresh and serve it hot. Resist exposed meals and sliced fruit.
- Don't make street food your meal: Craving street food doesn't mean you have to eat street food daily. Bring moderation and add fruitful meals to the balance.
- Drink water: Street food can increase your need for hydration, as it contains higher levels of salt and spice, which require you to drink more water. Always replenish with an adequate supply of water or coconut water.
- Body awareness: Some people have an irritating body reaction to some foods (acidity, nausea, discomfort) and, even if they have a craving for the food, it is best to avoid it altogether.
Nutrient-Rich Alternatives to Satisfy Cravings
Now and then, you can get the same flavours more healthily:- Craving something crunchy and spicy? Swap it for roasted chickpeas, baked chips, or masala khakra.
- Craving something sour and tangy? Fresh lemon water, tamarind chutney with sprouts, or fruit chaat.
- Craving fried snacks? Cook samosas or pakoras by yourself using an air fryer.
When Should You Be Concerned?
It is normal sometimes to crave strange things. But if any of these happen:- Continuous cravings for non-food substances, such as chalk, clay, or ice (this is a condition known as pica)
- Serious cravings for food items that lead to recurrent episodes of overeating, or
- Ongoing stomach upset after habitually eating particular items.
Craving street food while pregnant is normal, natural, and common, and that has to do with hormones, heightened senses, and emotional comfort. It is fine to enjoy them when you can, but make sure to prioritise safety and moderation. If you opt for nutritious, homemade alternatives, choose the safest vendor, and enjoy cravings mindfully while being aware of your health and nutrition, consuming your cravings does not have to compromise your own or your baby's health.
Pregnancy is unique, and desires are common at this time. The key is to enjoy your cravings in moderation.
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FAQs on Why Street Food Cravings Are Common During Pregnancy
- Is it safe to eat golgappas during pregnancy?
Surrounding hygiene concerns, avoid eating golgappa or street food. Golgappa is best eaten in your own space, with clean water and fresh ingredients, if possible, to reduce the risk of infection. - Why do I crave spicy and tangy foods so much in pregnancy?
Hormonal changes can increase the sense of taste and smell, triggering additional appetites for spicy, rich, and tangy foods. In some cases, those appetites are matched to the needs of the body, such as vitamin C or sodium needs. - How often is it okay to eat street food while pregnant?
Eating from a clean and trusted vendor on occasion is perfectly acceptable, especially after knowing food is served hot. However, it should not be a replacement for healthy home cooking or a regular spot.