Unlike the mechanism that causes us to be thirsty, I don't know that there is any mechanism that is triggered when we receive cravings for sweets.

I doubt there is any nutrient lacking from your diet that is in chocolate. There is a condition called pica, but pica is related to iron deficiency. Affected women have cravings for non-food items such as laundry starch, clay, dirt, chalk or ashes. So, on the upside, be glad you are not outside in search of a nice pile of dirt to throw on your salad! On the other hand, if you find yourself craving salty foods, it may be because your body needs more sodium.

But, more often than not, your cravings are caused by hormone changes and are harmless. If you can resist the urge of chocolate, great! However, I don't see the problem with having chocolate every now and then while you are pregnant.

However, if you are the kind of person who can't control the cravings and are afraid they may get out of hand, then don't eat it. I used to have an all-out obsession with peanut butter when I was doing Weight Watchers years ago. I couldn't figure out how to stop the craving. I asked the group leader what she suggested and she said, "don't eat it". Simple, yes, but it worked.

Otherwise, why not try low fat, low calorie substitutions? Non-fat frozen yogurt, fudgsicles, low-fat ice cream, low-fat chocolate bars. On the flip side, I also don't think depriving yourself is the way to go. If you are craving it, eat it, get the craving out of your system and go on. The more you ignore it, the worse it can get. It really depends on your habits. Everyone is different. For me, it's all or nothing. If I don't eat it, I don't miss it. But if you think about a certain food and can't get it out of your head, why torture yourself, just eat it!

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.