Appetizing Recipes for Expectant Mothers
During the first month of pregnancy, many expectant mothers suffer from severe morning sickness, often losing appetite despite being surrounded by delicious food. 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 hot water, peel off 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 briefly. Then add tofu, along with a little soy sauce, sugar, salt, and monosodium glutamate. Cook until the tofu is thoroughly heated, then serve.
Tomatoes are sour and rich in vitamin C, crucial for bones, blood vessels, and muscle tissue. Tofu contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, B2, and C. Stir-frying tomato and tofu together not only boosts appetite but also provides balanced nutrition.
Sour Cabbage and Carp Soup: Clean carp, remove internal organs, fry lightly in oil, then add 2 bowls of water and bring to a boil. Add sour cabbage, scallions, ginger. Simmer over high heat for 3–5 minutes, then reduce to low heat and cook 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 and let sit for 15 minutes. Drain excess liquid, 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-pregnancy women may feel nauseous eating raw cucumbers. Simple preparation methods can make them tastier while retaining nutritional value.