Stock your refrigerator with all healthy choices of foods that you crave. You will be surprised how often you open it at night because you are hungry.
Causes waking up hungry at night
😋Hormones
Hormone changes are partially responsible for your late night pregnancy hunger.🍲 The increasing levels of hormones may give you mixed signals whether you’re full or you’re starving. Hence, you end up waking up at night and find yourself opening the refrigerator looking for food.🥡
😋Metabolism
You’re eating not just to fill your belly but also supply nutrients to your little baby. Your metabolic rate increases to meet the demands of your growing baby.👶
You need about 340 extra calories per day in the second trimester. If you carry twins or triplets, you might need more calories so you should consult this with your doctor.👩⚕️ It’s okay to eat more than before and stick to healthy options to have a balanced pregnancy weight gain.
How to deal with late night pregnancy hunger pains
😋Don’t go to bed hungry
Fill your empty stomach with some extra fiber. Because your body digests more slowly, fiber rich food will keep you full for longer.😃
😋Snack smartly
Midnight snacking is probably everyone’s habit even before pregnancy.🤰 As long as you choose healthy snacks for both you and your baby, go for it! Hard boiled eggs🥚, cottage cheese🧀, fresh fruits are healthy, delicious and fill you up at night.
😋Limit processed foods
Highly processed foods make a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar🧂🩸 after consumption. You will eventually feel more hungry even though you already eat.🙁
😋Stay hydrated
You need to drink lots of water🥛 to support your blood volume and replenish the amniotic fluid covering your baby. Staying hydrated will also help you process food more efficiently.😃
😋Avoid foods that cause indigestion or heartburn
Fried, fatty foods🍔, citrus, peppermint and soda are big no-nos at dinner. They are high in fat, making them more difficult to digest. The high level of sugar also upset the balance of bacteria in your gut, causing indigestion and stomach upset.🥪