Uncontrollable Hunger! - Any healthy eating advice?

[NETTEYJC]

I am 26 weeks pregnant and constantly hungry, I have put on a stone in weight so far but know that If I carry on the way that I am then I will soon resemble a mini elephant, I already feel extremely self conscious putting on weight as have never been big before. Obviously I will put on more weight but does anyone have any healthy eating advice on what I should be eating to fill me up? I don't want to diet but I don't want to put on too much weight either. I am currently snacking on things that I know are fattening but even when I buy fruit I don't stop eating until every grape in the punnet has gone, I just can't control myself!!

[japhrimel]

Try getting more high protein but relatively low cal foods - we need more protein when pregnant so it may fill you up better.

And try drinking more as you may be dehydrated. One trick that can be good is to force yourself to drink a glass of water and wait 5-10 minutes before eating a snack. You may find you don't want it after all.

[beanlet]

Protein and fibre rather than carbs will help keep you feeling fuller for longer. I swear by small handfuls of almonds and Muller Light yoghurt.

Oh -- and you can pretty much eat as much fruit as you like and still not be taking in masses of calories. Apples, citrus fruits and berries of all kinds are best; there are more calories in tropical fruits, but they're still good for you, so eat up!

[beanlet]

PS -- I've heard this from lots of people, including my midwife; apparently when breastfeeding it's best to avoid eating grapes because babies don't like them! No idea if this is generally recognised or not.

[GavisconGirl]

I've found raisins very useful for staving off hunger pangs before proper meals. I carry the little packets in my bag in case I get hungry when out and about.

They are also (apparently) a good source of iron.

[Kiwiinkits]

Include protein in your lunch and breakfast. For example, add a boiled egg to your lunch box if you are working or bring some almonds or peanuts with you. Also carry around a sipper bottle of water with you - like Japhrimel said, you could just be thirsty.

[gigglet]

Not sure if its any help or how true it is but my sister-in-law had an insatiable appetite, esp for sweet things, last time she was pregnant and discovered her iron levels were low. Apparently its a symptom. As soon as she fixed that, the hunger went back to a normal level.

[SkaterGrrrrl]

I can't help wondering if I am really ravenous or if its just for the first time since I was 10 people are encouraging me to eat.

As a woman you have all these spoken and unspoken strictures on your eating habits and suddenly when you get pregnant they are lifted.

Even my borderline anorexic MIL keeps telling me to eat more, whereas normally she makes you feel bad for taking a second helping.