Hi there,

I read Sweet Poison Aug 2010 and pretty much have not eaten sugar since then (well, the bad types of sugar anyway) I recognised that I had an addiction and changed things for the better, after the initial withdrawal I have had no cravings or trouble with it. I enjoy cooking so when I feel like a sweet treat I make a dextrose dessert of some sort.

But now I'm pregnant and am craving fruit juice (Cranberry juice in particular) and chocolate. Too much water makes my morning sickness worse so I am now buying the Light Ocean Spray Cranberry juice which has about 2g sugar per 100ml. I only have a tiny ammount and even dilute with water (as if I was making a strong cordial) to give water some flavour and only 1 glass a day. I haven't caved in on the choc cravings yet but am feeling pretty close! I got shaky & nauseaus at work the other day and ended up eating a choc cookie ...but it made me feel so much better, my headaches and morning sickness went away and I was able to function normally again. I was worried it would send my cravings through the roof but I've been fine and haven't had anything sugary since.

My question is in regards to the need for sugar while your pregnant. Am I meant to eat what I crave while pregnant (in moderation of course) or is it my brain trying to trick me again? My icky feelings went away when I ate that cookie, but is that just my body trying to get me hooked again? I know David says no to all juice and I completely understand that as it has no fibre but I need to keep my fluids up and too much water makes me puke. I want to do the best I can for my own body and for the baby so any advice right now would be much appreciated!

Most others I ask tell me to go with the cravings but they're all sugarholics so I don't trust them, lol!

Congratulations Julie-ann, on your baby.

I've not been pregnant, but I do get really intense sugar cravings, so I thought i might help. I've been reading about addiction and healthy food, and I've read that we need a certain amount of salt and fat in our diet. Google "healthy food guidelines" for the National recommendations. Because I rarely eat processed food, i found I need to have a half teaspoon of salt a day, and that balances my water intake (I aim for the eight cups per day). Withour the salt, I feel bloated and like I am sort of drowning in water.  

I've also been reading that having fat like healthy oils and butter in your diet reduces cravings and makes you feel full with a meal. That might help too.

I am also having a piece of fruit after lunch and dinner, since I am always craving sweetness then (it's a habit). Try these ideas after you know what the recommendations are for pregnant women. Good luck!