Let me tell you about my craving roller-coaster when I was first pregnant, eleven years ago. One minute, I was all about the salads, and the next, only the crunch and spice of Takis could satisfy. I mean, who doesn’t love jumping into a bag of that tangy, spicy goodness?
You see, pregnancy comes with its own set of dieting do’s and don’ts – Something I learned quickly after announcing my pregnancy. Suddenly, everyone had advice on what I should eat, how much to drink and which cravings to indulge.
So, off I went on a mission, consulting Takis Inc., a couple of senior doctors at the hospital where I worked, tapping into the wisdom of experienced parents. After all, I wanted to satisfy my craving but not at the expense of my baby’s health.
My journey through cravings, consultations and caution taught me a good deal about finding the perfect balance. Now, let’s rev up this conversation here; “Can you really eat takis while pregnant?”
Can I eat Takis when pregnant?
Sure, you can have Takis while you’re pregnant, but it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. Spicy snacks like Takis aren’t off-limits during pregnancy. They won’t harm your baby, but they may make you uneasy.
Some pregnant moms might experience heartburn or tummy troubles after eating spicy stuff, too. And this happens because, during pregnancy, your body can react differently to certain foods. Your tolerance for spicy snacks might change. However, this doesn’t happen to everyone.
Takis are pretty crunchy. They are made from corn, vegetable oil and spices. Corn is great because it gives you some dietary fiber, which we all need, and can really help when pregnancy makes your digestion a bit slow. But don’t forget, Takis are also quite high in sodium and saturated fats. Too much salt and fatty foods can create health issues for you and your little one.
So, even if those cravings are strong, try not to binge on it. It is okay to eat takis when pregnant, but don’t overeat it and listen to how you feel between the first six hours afterward. If you start feeling not-so-great between these hours, it might be a good idea to put takis aside and reach for something milder.
Tips for safely eating spicy chips like takis during pregnancy
Spicy chips like takis are delicious, fr! However, when you’re pregnant, you need to be a bit more careful to munching on these just so you wouldn’t hurt yourself and the baby indirectly. Here are some tips I’ve curated to help you enjoy spicy treats safely:
Go slow
Instead of grabbing a big handful of it, just take a couple. Eat them and then chill for a bit. See how you feel. If your stomach is all good and you don’t feel any burn in your chest (you know, that pesky heartburn), then maybe you can have a few more. But if you notice an upset stomach or heartburn, that’s your cue to stop and perhaps choose something less spicy.
Why is this a good plan? During pregnancy, your stomach and digestion are a bit different. You might find that your iron-clad stomach that could handle the spiciest of salsas is now more sensitive.
While it’s completely normal, it also means that the takis might hit you differently now. So, taking it slow is just a nice, easy way to make sure you still enjoy without any surprise tummy troubles.
Eat with water
When eating spicy foods like takis, particularly while you’re pregnant, drinking plenty of water can be helpful to manage the heat. Spicy foods can make you uneasy sometimes, and water helps dilute the spices, ease digestion and reduce the chances of heartburn or acid reflux.
Aside from water helping this, it helps you stay as hydrated as you can be, which is always important when you’re expecting. It’s a good habit to keep up.
Balance your diet
Think of Takis as a small treat rather than a big part of what you eat. Try to fill your meals with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. This way, your body and your baby get all the different nutrients you both need.
When spicy stuff make up a small part of what you eat, they’re less likely to upset your tummy. So enjoy takis, but also ensure you’re eating plenty of other healthy foods throughout the day.
Watch the salt
Takis and similar spicy foods can have a lot of salt, which isn’t great in large amounts, especially during pregnancy. Too much salt can lead to uncomfortable swelling in your hands and feet, and could also increase your blood pressure.
That is why we advise that you practice moderate eating. This means not having them too often and not eating many at a go. Also, balance your snack with other foods that are lower in salt. This way you can have all the spicy flavors without overdoing the salt.
Mix with mild foods
You should always mix takis with milder foods. Doing so can help to shrink the impact of the spices and make it easier on your tummy. For instance, you could eat takis with cheese. Plain yogurt and even rice are a good fit, too. These foods can help cool down the spice level and provide a more balanced snack.
By combining spicy and mild foods, you also eat smaller amounts of spicy snacks, which can help prevent heartburn and indigestion — common issues during pregnancy. This is a good way to satisfy your cravings without overdoing the spice.
Check with your doc
Like I said initially, everyone has a different body and journey, and pregnancy changes how you react to certain foods. Your doctor knows you and your health best, and they can advise you on whether the spicy snack brand you’ve got or takis, is okay for you or not.
For instance, if you’re already managing a persistent heartburn or a sensitive tummy, your doctor might suggest that you eat less spicy foods. But if everything seems fine and your journey is going on smoothly, they might say it’s alright to have some takis once in a while.
So before you delve into anything spicy, have a quick chat your doctor. It’s quite a simple step to make sure you and your little one stay as healthiest as possible.
Can takis cause miscarriage?
There isn’t any data, information, research, or proof that suggests that eating takis can cause miscarriage. We know of miscarriages as something more intricate and usually result from factors that exclude eating spicy foods.
While there’s no direct link between eating takis and miscarriage, bingeing on spicy stuff, including takis during pregnancy could potentially contribute to other issues like unhealthy weight boost, given their high fat and calorie levels.
It’s important, however, to maintain a balanced diet during pregnancy and eat spicy snacks in moderation if they don’t cause discomfort. Should you have any concern about your diet and how it can possibly affect your pregnancy, it’s always a fine idea to talk it out with your obstetrician or a dietitian.
What kind of chips can I eat while pregnant?
While you’re pregnant, you can eat most types of chips, but there are a handful of precautions to note. It’s not so much about a specific brand or kind to eat but more about minding the ingredients that go into them and eating in bits. And, of course, how your body feels, too.
Some chips come with added salts(sodium), which can contribute to raising your blood pressure if you overeat. Also, chips cooked in unhealthy oils or that contain added artificial flavors and preservatives might be less than ideal for your little one’s health. Plus, chips don’t offer much helpful nutrients.
If you’re craving, try to choose ones that have lower salt content and made with healthier oils. Baked options are preferable over fried ones. If you are managing gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, then always consult your doctor before gobbling on any chips at all.
They can guide you on the best snack options to go for. However, for most people, enjoying a few chips now and then as part of a balanced pregnancy diet is perfectly okay.
Can I Eat Takis While Pregnant? – Final Say
Eating takis while you’re pregnant is generally fine and dandy! But like we discussed earlier, eat in bits. It’s important to balance those cravings with nutritious foods that are good for you and your baby.
There’s no direct evidence that says spicy foods would harm your pregnancy, but they can make you uncomfortable, especially if you’re already dealing with things like heartburn or a sensitive stomach.
Keep tabs on the salt and overall intake to avoid unnecessary discomfort. If you’re managing a health condition, especially gestational diabetes, hold off till your doctor approves of it. With the perfect balance and some good advice, you can enjoy your favorite snacks and still maintain a healthy pregnancy.
References:
Healthline (Are Spicy Takis Chips Bad for Your Health?) & USA Today (Spicy Snacks Such As Takis, Hot Cheetos Won’t Cause Ulcers)
