Appetizing Recipes for Expectant Mothers
During the first month of pregnancy, many expectant mothers suffer from severe morning sickness, often lacking appetite despite being surrounded by delicious dishes. Yet, nutritional needs actually increase during this period. How can we stimulate appetite while ensuring proper nutrition?
Tomato and Tofu Stir-Fry: Blanch tomatoes briefly in boiling water, peel off the skin, and cut into thick slices. Cut tofu into 3 cm cubes. Heat a small amount of oil in a wok, add tomatoes and stir-fry briefly, then add tofu. Season with a little soy sauce, sugar, salt, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Cook until the tofu is thoroughly heated, then serve.
Tomatoes are sour and rich in vitamin C, essential for bones, blood vessels, and muscle tissue. Tofu contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin C. Stir-frying tomatoes with tofu not only increases appetite but also provides balanced nutrition.
Sour Cabbage Carp Soup: Clean the carp, remove internal organs, fry lightly in oil, then add 2 bowls of water and bring to a boil. Add sour cabbage, scallions, ginger, and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes until the broth turns milky white.
Carp is rich in protein, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Sour cabbage removes fishy odor and stimulates appetite. Drinking a bowl of this soup before meals helps open the appetite and provides essential nutrients.
Homemade Pickled Cucumber: Wash cucumbers, slice into thin strips, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 15 minutes, drain excess water, then mix with a little vinegar and sugar. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before eating.
Cucumbers are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and folate. Early pregnant women may experience nausea when eating raw cucumbers. Simple preparation methods can make them tastier while retaining their nutritional value.