Verified by Kimberly Langdon M.D.
Kimberly Langdon is an obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience and graduated from The Ohio State University, College of Medicine.
Pregnant women must be mindful of their diet because they are feeding themselves and their developing babies. Does this mean chips are off-limits? Let’s look at one of the crowd’s favorites – the Flamin Hot Cheetos. It is a popular snack food, but they are also quite spicy. Hence, this poses a question for pregnant women – can you eat Flamin Hot Cheetos while pregnant?
Can you eat flamin’ hot Cheetos while pregnant?
It is completely safe to eat Flamin’ hot Cheetos while pregnant. You can enjoy them without any guilt or worry. However, we advise expecting mothers to eat in moderation and to consult with their physician if they have any concerns.
There are a few points you have to consider if you want to indulge in Flamin’ hot Cheetos while pregnant:
- Flamin’ Hot Cheetos contains a high amount of salt. So it can lead to high blood pressure and eventually heart disease. Naturally, it can also make you feel bloated.
- The spiciness of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos can cause indigestion, water retention, and heartburn. If you are susceptible to these conditions, you should avoid eating them.
- Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are also quite addictive. Too much of this snack can result in weight gain during or after pregnancy.
- Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is mainly cornmeal, cheese, artificial color, and MSG (monosodium glutamate), a food additive used to enhance flavor. The FDA considers MSG safe, but some people have reported side effects, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea after consumption.
Although Flamin Hot Cheetos aren’t bad during pregnancy, it’s not exactly healthy either. So one or two bags shouldn’t hurt. However, try to get your hands on healthy alternatives. Your baby and body will be grateful for it in the long run!
When it comes to pregnancy, it’s always best to be cautious and eat healthily. This way, you’ll be sure to get all the nutrients you and your baby need.
What chips can I eat while pregnant?
If the craving is strong, we recommend baked or veggie chips as a healthier alternative. Baked chips have up to 75% less fat than regular fried chips, and veggie chips are an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients.
If you love spicy food, try baked jalapeño chips, which contain about the same spice as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. For a sweet alternative, try baked apple chips instead. Don’t be scared to go out and make your own chips at home, too! Check out recipes online and use healthy ingredients like kale, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
If you enjoy eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, there’s no need to give them up just because you’re pregnant. However, as mentioned, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is high in salt and MSG, and it’s not the healthiest snack. So it’s important to eat them in moderation and balance them with healthier food choices. Sometimes, a simple change in chips can make all the difference! Nevertheless, consult with your physician if you have any concerns.
Sources:
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/diet-and-fitness/is-it-safe-to-eat-a-lot-of-salty-foods-during-pregnancy_2348#
https://www.webmd.com/baby/ss/slideshow-pregnancy-snacks
