Why is it that the things you can’t have, are the things you crave the most? Being pregnant is a wonderous and joyous time. But it also comes with it’s challenges (just a few) including diet restrictions. And it just so happens that they are all the things we love to eat and drink. Standard.
But don’t despair! We’ve got an “oh yes” for every “oh no” with pregnancy-safe and just as delicious alternatives.
Here are six alternatives to some of the things you have to give up during pregnancy.
Coffee to decafe
The good news is, you can have coffee. Yipee. It is recommended that you limit your caffeine intake to 200mg per day. That means even a coffee a day should be safe as long as you’re not a double shot kinda gal. If coffee is a must, just make sure you monitor other sources of caffeine such as tea, coke and even chocolate.
If you are concerned about your caffeine intake and just looking for that rich, smooth flavour, why not enjoy a decaf coffee or coffee flavoured ice cream.
Favourite vino to alcohol-free
While having a glass of vino is off the table you may miss the feeling of having a glass as much as the nectar itself. There are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic wines out there that will have you back to enjoying a “wine” on a Friday night.
Sushi train to homemade
Another of our favourite things, sushi is the perfect go-to for a yummy and healthy lunch. But raw fish and seafood, and ready-made foods such as sushi rolls can contain nasty parasites and have a high risk of listeria.
Bummer. However, take out the raw fish and pre-cooked element by making your own sushi and you’re set. Check out this killer recipe for a sushi sandwich from Lazy Cat Kitchen. Oishee!
Soft cheeses to baked soft cheeses
Sweet cheesus, not cheese too? Yep, the gooey goodness of soft, mould-ripened and blue-veined cheeses is a no go. Why? They are more likely to grow bacteria, such as listeria, which can harm your unborn baby.
Will Cook for Friends have you covered with this backed camembert cheese recipe.
Antipasto to cooked meats
Cold cured meats are another risk, potentially harbouring that wicked listeria. But as with cheese, cooking is the solution as it will kill the bacteria and parasites.
So enjoy an extra slice of chorizo pizza piping hot from a wood fire oven or make your own at home with this Mushroom, Salami and Black Olive Pizza recipe brought to you by Playful Cooking.
Poached eggs to scrambled eggs
Breakfast bummer. Poached or fried eggs with that moorish, runny yolk should be substituted for well-cooked eggs to prevent the risk of salmonella poisoning which can be very harmful to bub. Luckily eggs are super versatile and there are plenty of other options such as scrambled, hard-boiled, omelette or quiche just to name a few. Get your eggy fix with this scrumptious scrambled egg recipe from Foodie Crush.
Bon appétit.
