Hey Everyone!
I’m currently 6 months pregnant! AH! Can you believe it because I can’t?! I only have 3 months left of my pregnancy and let me tell you- Time has been FLYING!
Anyone know about those food aversions!? Ugh who can relate?! I swear before pregnancy I was the biggest meat eater. I used to LOVE a piece of grilled, seasoned chicken or some tender short ribs, but during pregnancy? No thank you! The thought of a plain piece of meat still disgusts me, even this far into my second trimester!
Working out and eating relatively healthy has always been something i’ve been passionate about, and I made a promise to myself that when I got pregnant that wouldn’t change. I told myself I was going to stay on track, mostly for mine and baby’s health but also so my pregnancy (and postpartum) would be a little easier to maintain, so when I couldn’t stick to my steak, broccoli, and rice dinners I was like OMG what am I going to do?! I couldn’t (and still can’t) even stomach the thought of it!
Now of course, I am nowhere near perfect so i’ve definitely had my fair share of McDonald’s Happy Meals and late night rides to Taco Bell to just suffice a certain craving because, let’s face it! It’s such a fun part of pregnancy! Even Matt gets excited when i’m wanting something a little different and strange. I’ve been loving giving into my cravings here and there (as long as I don’t OVER indulge) and as long as i’m still doing my daily walks and exercises.
There has been a few foods that i’ve just been absolutely loving throughout my pregnancy that I can’t seem to get enough of, however they’re a bit lower on the “unhealthy craving” scale, so I wanted to share with any Mama, or Mama-to-be so it might help you when you just cannot figure out what to eat for the life of you! Happens to the best of us, and it’s all for good reason!
Starbuck’s Lemonade and Protein Boxes
OK I have to admit, I am a full Starbuck’s girl! Before pregnancy I would have a tall vanilla sweet cream cold brew with vanilla cold foam on top everyday… so sweet, so yum. I would barely finish it, but there’s just something about starting your morning with a Starbuck’s. When I got pregnant I also had an aversion to coffee and the smell of coffee, and having a coffee with sweet creams and foams daily didn’t seem like the best decision for me and little babe. I really started craving citrus/tart refreshing flavors so a tall Starbuck’s Strawberry refresher made with lemonade became my new Holy grail (and now going into Spring and Summer it is even more)! These do contain sugar, so I don’t make it a daily habit, but definitely a couple times a week treat! It satisfies that craving and doesn’t make me feel too guilty.
I may or may not have had up to 2 grilled cheeses a day from Starbuck’s in my first trimester. Starbuck’s food is SO good, especially that crispy, cheesy grilled cheese! Having that after awhile I realized I definitely needed to at least do something a bit more substantial if I was going to snack at Starbuck’s. The PB&J Protein boxes sure do get me through those days where I don’t have time to stop and have anything for lunch just yet. Peanut butter and jelly for some protein, a cheese stick for calcium, and some fruit. There’s also chocolate covered raisins in there for an extra something sweet without feeling very guilty!
Chipotle
Top 5 oddest things to ever happen to me; I can’t cook or eat chicken, but I don’t mind when someone else does! It’s true, i’ve been able to eat chicken that I haven’t cooked, my other pregnant ladies will understand. After starting to really lack some protein, I decided to get my Chipotle order i’ve always gotten which is a rice bowl with brown rice, chicken, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. I’m a very simple eater. I replaced the sour cream with some guacamole and I stopped adding the cheese and it’s been addicting! There’s been some days where I have it twice a day, plus it’s personal trainer approved which helped me a lot!
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Smoothies have always been my jam even before pregnancy, but I know they have a lot of benefits during pregnancy too! Especially for my girls who might not be able to keep down solid foods just yet. I am in love with Tropical Smoothie Cafe! My order when I go is the 3-cheese quesadilla and a fruit smoothie with some protein added. Their roasted tomato salsa is TO DIE FOR! It’s the perfect late lunch on the go, plus getting a smoothie makes me feel like i’m getting enough fruits into my diet for my growing boy!
Chik-Fil-A
Not only am I a basic Starbuck’s queen, yes i’m also the basic Chik-Fil-A lover. How can you not be? Have you ever tried that Chik-Fil-A sauce? I’ve tried to be better about having a craving for Chik-Fil-A so when I just have to have that chicken and sauce I usually stick to 3 chicken strips and a side salad instead of fries. (Believe me, I still get those waffle fries) but I try to not make it an everyday sort of meal. The salads are awesome and the dressing is really good too! It feels better to make a better choice side so I can still enjoy that craving.
Popcorn
I have ALWAYS been microwavable popcorn OBSESSED even as a little girl. I would have a big bowl of Pop Secret every.single.night… no I would not skip a night. I have grown out of that bad habit a bit, however as I get older popcorn is one of my FAVORITE snacks in the world! I was shopping in the market one day, about to pick out one of my usual boxes of popcorn when I found smaller 100 calorie bags that were very lightly salted. These have become one of my newest favorite snacks during pregnancy! They definitely help me get my popcorn fix without soaking it in melting movie theater butter and loading an entire salt pack on it. I can still watch a movie and enjoy my favorite snack while being conscious.
Last, but Definitely not Least, CARBS!
Alright this one isn’t exactly “healthy” but I am a human and I am a pregnant woman growing another human so I do give myself a bit of a break. Carbs have been my BESTIE throughout my entire pregnancy all the way from 6 months ago in my first trimester. I have been obsessed specifically with bread, muffins, and bagels! During pregnancy I literally have not been able to get enough of carbs! If I could have a bagel with cream cheese, or a blueberry muffin every single morning I absolutely would! I love Panera, their muffins are sooo moist and their bagel and cream cheese selection is everything.