Healthy Chinese New Year feasting for pregnant
mums
Just like everyone else, pregnant or breastfeeding moms should enjoy
the holiday festivities - and food fest. Arm yourself with these tips to stay happy
and healthy during the upcoming Chinese New Year.
"The Chinese New Year is a great time to be pregnant. If you happen to be pregnant
during the season, you’ll find yourself the center of attention at social gatherings.
Apart from everyone asking, “When is the baby due?”, “Is it a boy or a girl?” or
“How are you feeling?” friends and family will implore you to eat, eat, eat!
And you should; by all means enjoy the delicacies of the season - they only come
once a year. But remember some basic tips to keep you and baby as healthy as possible
during the festivities and beyond.
Choose dishes whose nutritional benefits are
worth their calories
When presented with a bountiful feast, go for those high in vitamins
(particularly folic acid), calcium, protein, iron or other nutrients. Salads, vegetables,
grains, grilled foods, ham and stews are all excellent choices. If you do indulge
in less-than-healthy fare, keep your portions small and don’t go back for second
servings. If still hungry, get a refill of healthy main courses, vegetables or salads.
Watch out for raw or contaminated food
Scan the dishes being served and choose the ones that look the freshest.
Avoid raw shellfish, fish (yee sang, sushi and sashimi), meat, poultry and dishes
that contain uncooked egg — havens for dangerous bacteria that cause food-borne
illnesses. Make sure all meats, fish and poultry you eat are cooked well done.
Pregnancy is a time to eat with extra care. So look out for the above as you receive
blessings to have a safe pregnancy and smooth delivery in the year of the pig according
to Chinese traditions.
Article copyright © 2007 CMPMedica."