ABC News reports that Oscar winning actress, Natalie Portman, has started eating eggs and dairy, now that she is pregnant.  Portman, once known for selling “vegan shoes” now claims that she was “listening to my body,” and giving into cravings.

Portman adopted the vegan diet and lifestyle a few years back, avoiding all animal consumption and products.  But she said in an interview that it was sweets that she craved the most.

“If you’re not eating eggs, then you can’t have cookies or cake from regular bakeries, which can become a problem when that’s all you want to eat,” she said. “I actually wanted eggs at the beginning and then they grossed me out after a while.”

The kinds of foods we eat are indeed important, and it’s vital to not only get what we need in terms of nutrition, but also be in-tuned with what your body is saying to you.  This is especially important when pregnant, as the health of both mother and child must be considered.

I do have a bit of concern, though, when someone says that they’re craving a lot of sweets.  That can sometimes mean an imbalance of nutrition, and sometimes might signal a need for more energy, rest and even a need for hydration.

Vegans need to have complete protein, like anyone, and it’s hard to do that without animal products.  It’s not impossible, however, but one must make sure they get enough amino acids, vitamin B-12, and iron.

Most importantly, ask your doctor or registered dietician, and your OB/GYN specialist if you’re pregnant.

Here’s the ABC News article.