Hey mamas, this post is for fun! As an Orlando maternity photographer, I have talked with many moms over the years and was curious about pregnancy cravings. Have you ever found yourself at midnight wanting to devour a jar of pickles with ice cream? Maybe not that extreme – but anyone who’s been pregnant knows that pregnancy can come with some weird cravings, right!?

But could those cravings actually mean something?

Today I’m sharing some surprising insights into what your cravings might mean.

The insights in this post are gathered from various online sources and are intended to be taken with a grain of salt. While some moms swear by the truth behind these cravings, it’s essential to remember that they are mostly for fun and general curiosity. Your body, your cravings, and your pregnancy are unique, so always consult with your healthcare provider about your diet and any unusual cravings!

Sweet Cravings

Got a sweet tooth during pregnancy? You’re not alone! Sweets could mean you need more energy.

I love a good bowl of ice cream, but here are some healthier alternatives:

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The fresh strawberries provide vitamins and fiber, and a thin layer of dark chocolate adds that sweet touch.

Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of granola, and a drizzle of honey. It’s sweet, satisfying, and packed with protein.

Frozen Banana Pops: Dip bananas in dark chocolate and freeze them. You can even roll them in crushed nuts or granola before freezing for extra texture.

Baked Apples: Core and slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, then bake until tender. They’re like a healthy apple pie without the crust!

Smoothie Bowls: Blend your favorite fruits with some yogurt or milk (even almond or oat milk) and top with granola, nuts, or seeds. It’s like ice cream, but better for you!

Dark Chocolate Bark: Melt dark chocolate and spread it thinly on a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with nuts, dried fruit, and a pinch of sea salt, then chill until set. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Homemade Fruit Sorbet: Blend frozen fruit like berries or mango with a little honey and lemon juice. It’s a refreshing alternative to ice cream with no added sugar.

My first pregnancy, I remember craving PopTarts, cereal and Pizza Hut breadsticks. Maybe this one is true and I did need more energy?!

Salty Cravings

Craving salty chips or pretzels? It might be your body’s way of asking for more sodium. How about switching to some homemade salty snacks?

Here are some healthier alternatives to chips if you’re craving something sweet:

Nuts: A handful of lightly salted almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts can be a satisfying and nutritious snack. They’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and can be a healthier alternative to chips. Sprinkle with a little salt or nutritional yeast for flavor.

Edamame: Steamed and lightly salted edamame is delicious and provides protein and fiber.

Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Slice up some carrots, celery, or bell peppers and dip them in hummus. A pinch of sea salt on top, and you’ve got a crunchy, salty treat.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Slice sweet potatoes into fries, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and bake until crispy.

Crackers with Cheese: Look for crackers made with whole grains, and pair them with a slice of cheese for a satisfying salty snack.

Roasted Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite savory spices, then roast until crispy. They’re a crunchy, salty snack full of protein and fiber.

Greek Yogurt Dip with Pita: Mix Greek yogurt with herbs and a touch of salt, and dip whole grain pita or cucumber slices.

Rice Cakes with Avocado: Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain rice cakes and sprinkle with a little sea salt.

Seaweed Snacks: These are light, crispy, and salty, and they come in handy snack-sized packages. Plus, they’re low in calories!

Spicy Cravings

This probably the most common craving I hear about! Spicy foods!

The reason? Fluctuating hormones which can mess with your taste and smell.

I love a little spice, but noticed if I eat it too late in the evening, I will wake up in the middle of the night sweating. Has this happened to anyone else?!

Sour Cravings

If lemons and sour candies are your go-to, you might be worried you’re deficient in vitamins, but according to pregnancyfoodchecker.com – that usually isn’t the case.

Sour cravings are more rare and could possibly be a result of nausea or morning sickness … or just because you love the tart flavor!

Random Combo Cravings

Yes, pickles and peanut butter can be a thing. Unusual combinations might just be your unique pregnancy signature. Embrace it! (And wouldn’t it be fun to take maternity photos with your unusual cravings to memorialize this time in your life?!)

One of my strange pregnancy cravings was a combo with my second child. I loved to have toasted raisin bread with ham and melted swiss cheese. I would eat this for lunch most days. I have no idea how I even came up with this combo, but the salty and the sweet was just so good at the time!

So what are your pregnancy cravings?! Share them with me on instagram!

What do pregnancy cravings as an Orlando mom mean and what they might reveal about your pregnancy journey? While this blog post uncovers fun insights and healthier alternatives, always remember that your cravings and experiences are unique to you. If you have any concerns or need personalized advice, consult with an Orlando healthcare provider.

I hope reading “Unusual Pregnancy Cravings and What They Reveal About You” has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for an Orlando Maternity Photographer, click here to see more maternity images.

If you are interested in documenting your pregnancy, I would love to chat with you to see if my simple and stress free, luxury maternity portrait experience is the right fit for you! I am with you every step of the way from planning your session, styling your wardrobe, and pampering you with hair and makeup, to designing a gorgeous gallery wall or a beautiful linen or velvet covered heirloom album with your favorite images so you can always remember this transitional time in your life!

If you are an expecting mother, possibly interested in maternity portraits in Orlando and think this sounds like what you might be looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Rooted Love Photography is a newborn photographer in the Orlando area, specializing a luxurious full service portrait experience for nostalgic mothers. Cassandra meticulously takes care of each detail, making planning effortless and ensuring you feel your absolute best in front of the camera. Clients indulge in professional hair and makeup and a beautiful assortment of timeless pieces available from the client wardrobe. Cassandra creates authentic works of art, including heirloom albums and framed fine art prints to adorn your home and preserve your family’s legacy.

Would you like to document your baby’s first year? Rooted Love offers a Signature Membership to capture each milestone with your little one. This luxury membership includes all the benefits of the full service portrait experience as well as complimentary birth announcements and album credit. The Signature Membership is the perfect way to remember this special time. Please reach out for more information on how to enroll.

For more information on Cassandra, you can see her featured in Orlando Voyager and Canvas Rebel.