Recipe

An increased appetite is a common occurrenceduring pregnancy because you, as a future mom, are eating for two - your babyis consuming what you do. That’s why a healthy and balanced diet is vital duringpregnancy as you supplement the fetus with all the nutrients necessary for itsproper development.

You should remember to stick to the generalrules of a proper diet - five meals a day, including whole grains, lean meat, poultry,fish, calcium-rich dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Also, take all thevitamins and supplements prescribed by your doctor. You can easily find vegan prenatal vitamins if you are on such adiet. Those are some of the guidelines you should follow. However, preparingmeals may be challenging, especially with pregnancy cravings.

However, eating the same old meals can quicklyget boring so that’s why you should look for new exciting recipes to prepare.Read this article to find our idea for grilled chicken with pesto, noodles withchicken and vegetables, tofu and veggie stir-fry, and more. Here you’ll finddifferent meals rich in necessary nutrients that’ll satisfy your palate andyour baby’s needs.

Grilled Chicken with Pesto

This delicious recipe is perfect for the firstweeks of your pregnancy since it’s simple to prepare, healthy, and delicious.You can also serve it to the rest of your family and be sure everyone will be content.Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

●    Chicken breasts, boneless – 4

●    Olive oil – 1/2 cup

●    Salt, black pepper – to taste

●    Grated parmesan cheese – 1/3 cup

●    Lemon, juice – 2 tbsp

●    Basil pesto – 1/4 cup

Preparation:

First, preheat the grill on medium heat. In ashallow bowl, mix the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat the grillto 350 degrees F. Spread the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes oneach side or until done. Remove from the grill and set aside. In a small bowl,mix the lemon juice and pesto. Drizzle over the cooked chicken breasts andsprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Noodles with Chicken andVegetables

This tasty dish is a complete meal in itselfas it contains noodles and vegetables. It can be prepared in less than half anhour so you can have time to relax and enjoy the meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

●    Noodles, frozen – 1 pack (3 oz.)

●    Chicken breast, boneless – 3 smallor 2 large ones

●    Garlic, crushed – 2 cloves

●    Olive oil – 2 tbsp

●    Green beans, fresh – 6 oz.(package of frozen beans will do if you can’t find fresh ones)

●    Carrots, diced – 1 cup

●    Peas – 1 cup

●    Bunch of fresh basil – 1 bunch(chopped)

●    Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup(grated)

●    Tomato sauce – 1 jar (1/2 cup)

Preparation:

First, cook the pasta according to theinstructions on the package. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil overmedium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, then remove fromthe pan. Add the garlic to the same pan and cook for one minute. Add the greenbeans and carrots, then cook for 5 minutes. Add the peas, basil, and tomatosauce, stir well and cook for 5 more minutes. Add the cooked pasta to thevegetables. Cut the chicken into strips and add to the pasta. Cook for about 8minutes or until heated through. Serve.

Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry

This dish is another one that will satisfyyour baby’s needs as it contains tofu – an excellent source of protein and calcium – plusfresh veggies that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All youneed is time to properly prepare this delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

●    Tofu - 1 pack of extra firm tofu(about 3 oz.)

●    Carrots - 2 cups (diced)

●    Broccoli - 1 cup (diced)

●    Soy sauce - 1/4 cup

●    Sesame oil - 2 tbsp

●    Garlic - 2 cloves (minced)

●    Sugar - 1 tsp

●    Sesame seeds - 1 tbsp

Preparation:

First, drain the tofu and cut it into cubes.Cook in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a papertowel. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat, add the sesame oil and onceit’s hot enough, add the diced carrots and tofu. Cook for about 5 minutes untilgolden brown on both sides. Add the broccoli, soy sauce, and sugar, stir welland cook for another 4 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a servingdish and sprinkle with sesame seeds. You may serve it with rice.

Chili Con Carne

This is a perfect meal for the first weeks of your pregnancy becauseit’s easy to prepare, filling, and tasty. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

●    Ground beef, lean - 1/2 lb

●    Tomato paste - 1 small can

●    Onion, chopped - 1 cup

●    Green pepper, chopped - 1 cup

●    Garlic, minced - 2 cloves

●    Canned tomatoes, diced - 1 can

●    Beef broth - 3 cups

●    Dried oregano - 2 tsp

●    Chili powder - 2 tsp

●    Dried basil - 2 tsp

●    Cumin seeds - 2 tsp

●    Pepper - to taste

Preparation:

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook theground beef until brown and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add the onion,green pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste,canned tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, chili powder, dried basil, cumin seeds,and pepper. Stir well and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutesor until the mixture is thickened. Serve with rice or pasta.

Conclusion