It's kind of depressing to know that when you're pregnant, people expect you to eat more; the sad thing about it is a lot of the stuff you really love to eat is now off-limits. However, before you feel entirely deprived, there are still ways to indulge in some of the food that you love so much or find something that will take their place for the time being.
Here are some favorites that are usually off-limits during pregnancy and what to do to still enjoy them:
Coffee
Most health experts would agree that a cup of coffee per day is considered to be okay. However, pregnant women are usually concerned about caffeine or, at least, try to avoid it during their first trimester because of the risk for miscarriage. Even for women who have been used to drinking coffee, it's not actually a problem sticking to one cup of coffee.
Thus, the problem is what to drink in place of the second and the third cup of coffee they're used to. Well, for one, they may always have decaf herbal teas to save them from such cravings. Thus, it's still best to check with your doctors if such herbal teas are safe for you and your little one.
Deli meats
The issue about deli meat is linked to listeria, bacteria that may cause food poisoning -- likewise exposing pregnant women to miscarriage risks. The good news about it is heating the meat may kill the bacteria that mainly causes problem.
Cheese
Most pregnant women, if not all, avoid eating cheese because of its smell. While some of them avoid cheeses such as blue, goat, Brie and Feta because of listeria contamination. However, studies have shown that as long as you select cheeses that are made of pasteurized milk, you should be okay. If you're really worried about it, stick to hard cheeses such as cheddar or Parmesan -- the aged nature of those cheeses will naturally kill bacteria.
Alcohol
It is only but natural to give up alcohol during pregnancy, and a much better idea is giving it up completely. But if you're that type of woman who likes going to parties, you can pick up some sparkling juice so you have something festive in your hand. You can also try lemonade with club soda and you will be surprised at how happy restaurants will be to whip up some kind of mock-tail for a preggy woman like you.
