Churros are fried dough pastries that originated in Spain and Portugal and are popular in Mexico and South America as well. They are made by deep frying a dough mixture until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Churros are then coated with sugar or cinnamon sugar.
They can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or snack and are often served with dipping sauces like chocolate or dulce de leche. Churros have a sweet flavor and crunchy exterior texture.
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Is It Safe to Eat Churros During Pregnancy?
Many pregnant women wonder if churros are safe to eat during pregnancy. The answer is yes, churros can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy pregnancy diet. Here’s what the experts say:
According to the American Pregnancy Association, “There are no specific foods that must be avoided during pregnancy Except from the list below.” (1) They recommend focusing on an overall balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood
- Deli meats
- Fish with high mercury levels like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish
- Smoked refrigerated seafood
- Fish from contaminated lakes and rivers
- Raw shellfish
- Raw eggs
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurized milk
- Pâté
- Unpasteurized juice
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Unwashed vegetables
- Raw sprouts
The CDC notes that a healthy pregnancy diet includes “grains, fruits, vegetables, protein foods, dairy products, oils, etc.” All of these food groups can be incorporated into a diet that also occasionally enjoys treats like churros in moderation.
WebMD states that during pregnancy “you do not need to go on a special diet” but recommends choosing a variety of foods from each food group. (2)
So enjoying churros occasionally as a special treat is perfectly fine during pregnancy as part of a healthy balanced diet! 😊👍
Churro Nutrition Facts
Let’s take a look at the nutrition information for a typical churro:
- Calories: A 1.5 oz (42g) churro contains approximately 150 calories
- Fat: Churros contain about 7-12 grams of fat per serving, depending on size. This comes mostly from frying them in oil.
- Carbs: A churro has around 18-20 grams of carbohydrates. The primary carb source is wheat flour.
- Sugar: Churros are coated with 2-8 grams of sugar like cinnamon sugar or plain white sugar.
- Protein: Churros provide 2-3 grams of protein per serving.
- Sodium: They contain around 100-200 mg sodium.
So while churros are a sweet treat, they do provide some nutrition like carbs, protein, and fat. When enjoying churros, portion size is important since they are high in calories.
Churro Cravings and Pregnancy
Cravings are very common during pregnancy! Churro cravings are no exception.
According to What to Expect, “about 90% of American moms-to-be get the urge for specific foods during pregnancy.”
Cravings are often for sweets and foods like churros that provide quick energy. Some theories suggest cravings are the body’s way of obtaining nutrients it needs.
So if you’re craving churros, enjoy a few! Just be mindful of portion sizes. Cravings typically become less frequent in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters as nausea diminishes.
Listening to your body’s cues for cravings is okay as long as your overall diet is balanced. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about pregnancy cravings.
Are There Any Risks of Eating Churros While Pregnant?
There are a few potential risks to keep in mind if you eat churros regularly during pregnancy:
- Weight gain: Churros are high in calories, so eating them in large amounts could contribute to excessive weight gain during pregnancy. The recommended weight gain is 25-35 pounds. Stick to a 1-2 churro portion to avoid overdoing it.
- Gestational diabetes: Women with gestational diabetes need to be extra cautious of foods high in carbs and sugar like churros. Work with your doctor to create a GD-friendly eating plan.
- Food poisoning: There is a small risk if churros are not cooked, stored or handled properly. Reheat churros thoroughly and avoid street food of questionable quality.
- Acrylamide: This chemical compound forms when starchy foods like churros are fried, baked or roasted at high temps. Minimize exposure by eating churros and fried foods sparingly.
Overall, the risks are low for healthy pregnant women enjoying churros occasionally as part of a balanced diet. Moderation and proper food safety practices are key!
Healthy Ways to Enjoy Churros While Pregnant
Here are some tips for satisfying churro cravings in a healthy way during pregnancy:
- Indulge churro cravings in moderation – 1-2 small or mini churros is a reasonable portion.
- Choose churros made with whole wheat or multigrain flour when possible for more nutrients.
- Enjoy churros as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit.
- Substitute fresh fruit as a dipper for the chocolate or dulce de leche sauce.
- Opt for churros cooked in olive or canola oil which are healthier than lard or shortening.
- Share an order of churros with a friend to control portions.
- Balance out churros with other nourishing foods like salads, yogurt and lean protein.
- Stay active with walking, prenatal yoga and other exercise to burn extra pregnancy calories.
Satisfy those churro cravings wisely and your sweet treat can be part of an overall healthy pregnancy diet! 👍
Healthy Churro Alternatives
If you want to satisfy your churro craving in an even healthier way, consider these alternatives:
- Baked cinnamon sugar churro “sticks” – Coat baked bread sticks or dough sticks with cinnamon and sugar.
- Air fried churros – You can make churro dough and air fry instead of deep frying for less oil.
- Churro cereal – DIY a churro flavored cereal by coating bites of whole grain cereal in cinnamon and sugar.
- Churro oatmeal – Stir cinnamon and sugar into oatmeal or overnight oats.
- Churro yogurt parfait – Layer cinnamon sugar flavored Greek yogurt with fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Churro apples – Slice apples and coat with cinnamon and sugar for a churro twist.
With a little creativity, you can find ways to eat churro-flavored foods made with healthier ingredients during your pregnancy!
FAQs About Churros and Pregnancy
No, churros are not inherently bad during pregnancy. They can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat within a balanced diet. Portion control is key.
Avoid unpasteurized foods, raw seafood, undercooked meat, processed lunch meats, high mercury fish, unwashed produce, alcohol, excess caffeine, and dietary supplements not approved by your doctor.
Yes, occasional sweets like churros are perfectly fine for most healthy pregnancies. Focus on nutritious foods for your main meals and enjoy a small treat here and there.
No, eating churros in moderation will not directly harm your baby. Just be cautious of excessive weight gain and gestational diabetes risk if overeating churros and other sweets.
Give into cravings occasionally in reasonable portions. Choose healthier versions when possible. Stay active. Drink water. Eat balanced main meals.
The Takeaway on Churros and Pregnancy
Occasionally indulging churro cravings during pregnancy is perfectly fine for most healthy women. Enjoy mini churros in moderation as a special treat, not an everyday habit. Satisfy cravings with portion and calorie control to prevent excessive weight gain. Opt for healthier churro-flavored alternatives when possible. Focus on an overall nutritious prenatal diet. With balance and moderation, pregnant moms can definitely enjoy churros!
50 comments
Comment:
Hey everyone! So, I just read this article about churros and pregnancy… and honestly, who cares? Churros are life! 🤷♀️🙌
Comment:
I totally agree! Churros are the ultimate comfort food, pregnant or not. Who needs an article to tell us that? Pass me the churros and lets enjoy life! 🙌🍩
Comment: Who cares about churros? Can I enjoy roller coasters while pregnant? #priorities
Comment:
I dont get why anyone would risk eating churros while pregnant. Just stick to veggies, people! 🥦
Comment: Who cares about churros?! Can we talk about the real issue here – cinnamon cravings during pregnancy?!
Who cares about churros? What about the risks of eating donuts during pregnancy?!
Comment: Who cares about churros? Im more concerned about the safety of eating cotton candy during pregnancy!
Comment: I mean, who cares about churros when there are bigger pregnancy cravings to worry about? 🤷♀️
Seriously? Churros are a national treasure! They bring joy to peoples lives, whether pregnant or not. Dont underestimate the power of a perfectly crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated churro. They deserve all the attention they get! 🙌🍩
Comment: Who cares about churros? What about the dangers of eating pickles while pregnant?
Seriously? Churros are heavenly, and youre worried about pregnant pickle perils? Lets focus on the cravings that count, shall we? Enjoy your churros guilt-free while I relish in the deliciousness of these fried delights.
Comment:
I say go for it! Churros are like the ultimate pregnancy comfort food. YOLO, right? 🤰🍩
Comment: Seriously? Pregnancy is a time to prioritize health, not indulge in junk food. YOLO, yes, but lets make it about making wise choices for the babys sake. 🤷♀️🍎
Comment: Who cares about churros? Give me all the churros I want, pregnant or not!
Seriously? Youre more concerned about stuffing your face with churros than considering the health of an unborn child? Maybe priorities need a reality check.
Comment: Pregnant or not, churros are life! Aint nothing gonna stop me from enjoying them!
Comment:
Cant believe were even discussing this! Just eat the damn churros, preggo or not! 🤷♀️
Comment:
Guys, forget about churros! Can we talk about the pressing issue of pickle cravings during pregnancy? 🥒🤰
Comment:
Seriously, people?! Churros are life! Pregnant or not, give me all the churros! 🙌🍩💃
Comment:
Churros are overrated. I mean, theyre just fried dough with some sugar on top. There are way tastier treats out there. Dont believe the hype, people! 🙅♀️👎🍩
Comment:
Guys, forget the churro debate! How about we talk about pickles and ice cream cravings during pregnancy instead? 🤔🥒🍦
Comment: Who cares about churros when there are bigger things to worry about during pregnancy?!
Comment: Wow, way to dismiss the importance of small joys and cravings during pregnancy. Churros may not be a top priority, but they can bring some much-needed happiness to an expecting mother. Lets not forget about the importance of balance and self-care.
Comment:
Seriously, who cares about churros when there are bigger pregnancy concerns? 🤷♀️
Comment:
Well, I say go for it! Churros are like happiness in a crispy dough stick. Pregnancy shouldnt stop that! 🤰🍩👶
Comment:
Who cares about churros?! Can we talk about the real issue here: pickle cravings during pregnancy?!
Comment: Who cares about churros?! What about the risks of eating pickles while pregnant?!
Comment:
Honestly, who cares? Churros are life, pregnancy can wait. #ChurroLoverForever 🙌🍩🤰
Comment:
Oh please, get your priorities straight! As a parent, I can assure you that nothing compares to the joy of bringing a new life into this world. Churros may be tasty, but they wont give you the love and fulfillment that being a parent does. #Priorities #ParentingMatters 🙄👶
I dont get why were even discussing this. Churros are life, pregnant or not! 🙌🍩
Seriously? Churros are overrated. There are way better desserts out there. And being pregnant doesnt make them any more special. Get over it!
Comment: Who cares about churros? Can we talk about the real important things like pickles and ice cream cravings during pregnancy?
Comment:
I say go for it! Churros are basically a pregnancy superfood. Cravings dont lie, ladies! 🤰🍩 #ChurroLoversUnite
Comment:
While churros may be delicious, lets not forget the importance of a balanced diet during pregnancy. Cravings can be misleading, so its best to consult with a healthcare professional for nutritional advice. 🤰🥦
Who needs churros when you have pickles and ice cream? Pregnancy cravings are wild!
I dont understand why people are freaking out about churros during pregnancy! Enjoy your cravings, ladies! 🤰🍩🤷♀️
Comment:
Honestly, who cares about churros when there are bigger pregnancy cravings out there? #TeamIceCream
Comment: I say go for it! Churros are like little sticks of happiness. Pregnant or not, indulge!
Comment: Who cares about churros? Im more worried about the danger of eating pickles!
Comment: Seriously? Pickles are dangerous now? Maybe you should be more concerned about the real dangers in life instead of fretting over harmless snacks. But hey, to each their own pickle paranoia!
Who cares? I ate churros every day during my pregnancy and my baby turned out fine!
Comment: Forget churros, what about deep-fried Oreos? Can I have those while pregnant? 🤔
Comment: Seriously? Deep-fried Oreos while pregnant? Are you trying to win the Worst Cravings award? Your baby deserves better than junk food. Focus on nourishing them with healthy choices instead.
I dont get what the big deal is. Just eat the damn churros! #pregnantandcravingcarbs
Comment: Who needs churros when you can have pickles and ice cream?! Pregnancy cravings are wild!
Somebody essentially lend a hand to make significantly posts I might state That is the very first time I frequented your web page and up to now I surprised with the research you made to create this particular put up amazing Excellent job
Article: Can I Enjoy Churros While Pregnant?
Comment: Guys, forget the churros! What about the safety of eating ice cream during pregnancy?! 🍦😱
Relax, its not like pregnant women are banned from having a scoop of ice cream. Moderation is key, not deprivation. Enjoy your churros and a little ice cream, just be mindful of your overall diet. Pregnancy doesnt mean you cant have any fun treats.
Comment: Seriously, who cares about churros? Lets talk about the real issues like pizza cravings!
Hey, to each their own, right? Churros may not be your thing, but for some of us, theyre heavenly bites of pure bliss. Pizza cravings are great too, no doubt. Lets just celebrate our diverse taste buds without dismissing others.