Pregnancy cravings are different for every woman. Maybe you have a sudden urge to enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich like you did when you were a child. There's nothing wrong with indulging your craving, especially since there is nothing dangerous about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich; however, you can make smart choices when making the sandwich to maximize its health benefits.
Bread
Make a healthy bread choice for your peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Choose whole grain bread over white bread to maximize the nutrition in your sandwich. Whole grains are healthy carbohydrates that give your body the energy it needs, especially during pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, whole grain foods contain iron, fiber, B vitamins and even some protein.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a good source of protein making it a smart food choice during pregnancy because it aids your baby's growth during the second and third trimesters. Peanuts also contain folate, which is important in preventing birth defects; however, peanut butter can also be high in calories, so don't overdo it when making your sandwich. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on your sandwich -- just enough to get the flavorful taste without adding on unnecessary calories.
Jelly
Choose the jelly for your sandwich wisely. Some jellies are high in sugar, so choose a sugar-free or natural option. It might not be as sweet, but it will be healthier. Look for jelly with real fruit in it, which can give you some added nutrition on your sandwich. Since the jelly is lower in calories, you can add more jelly to your sandwich than peanut butter.
Peanut Allergy
Some mothers-to-be might be concerned that eating peanut butter during pregnancy will cause their baby to be allergic to peanuts. Fortunately, the rumored link between peanuts during pregnancy and peanut allergies is just that -- a rumor. The March of Dimes reports there is no evidence linking peanut eating during pregnancy to peanut allergies, so as long as you do not have a peanut allergy, your sandwich is safe to eat.
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