PREGNANCY // SUPER HEALTHY MEAL IDEAS

Since becoming pregnant my diet has changed dramatically mainly thanks to a really strong aversion to most aminal proteins and As a result I have found myself relying more and more on pulses, grains, seeds and veggies to keep my energy levels constant throughout the day. 

Here's what recipes I'm loving and why they offer kick ass nutritional benefits for everyone including beautiful mamas to be! 

QUINOA & VEGETABLE MASH-UP

Quinoa is a fantastic source of complete protein and I have been eating loads of it during my pregnancy.  The variety of vegetables in this recipe also provide an array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants including all important iron which can become depleted by the third trimester.

Boil up some Quinoa (make sure you give it a good rinse first) and leave to stand before fluffing up with a fork.  Meanwhile stick some chopped red onions, peppers, cougettes, baby tomatoes, garlic and basil leaves in the oven with a little coconut or olive oil to roast.  Towards the end of cooking steam some broccoli and wash some baby spinach leaves.  Once everything is ready mix everything (including the roasting oil) together and season with a twist of pepper.   

Keep this in a sealed box in the fridge: it makes a great next day meal or snack.

AVOCADO ON TOAST 

Super simple to make and packed full of energy giving carbs, fibre and B vitamin rich wholegrains and essential fatty acids.  Simply toast some granary bread and smother with mashed up avocado.  I also love to add a small pinch of dried chilli for an extra kick although maybe avoid this is you are suffering from the dreaded heartburn!

GREEN JUICES

Homemade Juices and Smoothies are fantastic way to pack in your fruit and veggies.  Adding spinach and kale can boost iron levels and as a great source of fibre can help sluggish digestive tracts.  I am a bit haphazard with my smoothie recipes and pretty much just throw together whatever happens to be in the fridge at the time.  Adding melted coconut oil (on the final blitz otherwise it will clump) is a geat way to boost your intake of Lauric Acid which is reputed to boost milk supply for when beautiful babba arrives!

Check out these two recipes to get you started: SUPER GREEN BREAKFAST JUICE

and FLAT TUMMY SUPER JUICE.

PORRIDGE WITH CHIA SEEDS & NATURAL YOGHURT 

I love my porridge made really thick with full fat milk, a huge dollop of organic natural yoghurt (recipe here if you fancy trying your hand at making your own) and a handful of blueberries or chopped banana. It's a great source of fibre, loaded with calcium and low GI so will release energy at a slow and steady pace through out the day.  Chia seeds provide a huge smack of protein as well as essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 which are vital for building and  maintaining nerve and brain function. 

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND LENTIL SOUP

As the cold weather arrives I always love soups to warm the soul on a winter afternoon.  The carrot and butternut squash in this recipe provide a huge amount of beta-carotene, essential for cell renewal and a healthy immune system while the lentils provide valuable fibre and protein.  Served with some homade granary bread it makes a great lunch time meal.

To make, simply sweat a couple of onions and a couple of carrots in some oil for about 15 minutes until they are soft but not coloured.  Add half a large butternut squash (peeled and chopped) and half a cup of lentils and top up with hot vegetable stock.  Simmer for about 30 minutes adding more water in needed.  Season and serve.  Yum. 

What are your pregnancy superfood recipes?