Chinese Food While Pregnant

Chinese food while pregnant is something many future moms crave for. If you’re a fan of Chinese food, it will definitely be on your list of top foods during pregnancy.

There are so many foods that can seem dangerous to eat during pregnancy, and that’s why it’s important to do your research.

Many pregnant women don’t care about certain rules when it comes to their diet and pregnancy, but that kind of thinking is not very responsible.

Every future mom wants to do everything in her power to prevent possible complications and negative outcomes. It can be hard to avoid some food especially if you like it or crave it during pregnancy.

But, everything is possible with strong willpower. Chinese food while pregnant sounds delicious and comforting.

This article will tell you if it is okay to consume Chinese food while pregnant. Additionally, you will learn more about Chinese food and some things will be very interesting for you.

Being pregnant can be difficult, especially if you’ve waited for it for a while. You’re scared of possible bad things, and you want to protect yourself from every harmful thing, including food.

It’s hard to memorize everything, but it’s not impossible. Being responsible and cautious is desirable during this period of your life.

Can You Eat Chinese Food While Pregnant?

If you were wondering can you eat Chinese food while pregnant, I am here to tell you some positive news.

Yes, you can eat Chinese food while pregnant, but there are some rules to follow.

Chinese food during pregnancy can be a great source of healthy nutrients. Most Chinese dishes contain a lot of fresh vegetables, and protein.

Now that you know that consuming Chinese food while pregnant is safe, let’s talk more about some things to avoid.

Raw Meat, Fish, Shellfish, and Eggs

First of all, avoid uncooked or raw food. Asian cuisine is famous for many delicious meals made from raw fish, raw eggs, or raw meat.

Eating these dishes when pregnant can be dangerous because of bacteria. Food must be cooked completely to avoid Listeriosis or Salmonella.

Ceviche or medium steak during pregnancy is also not allowed because they’re raw. You can eat them only if you cook them.

Prosciutto during pregnancy and other deli meats are also not recommended unless cooked. Your immune system is weaker during pregnancy, and you’re more prone to different diseases.

Getting infected with bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella is dangerous for you and your. To avoid problems with your health, avoid raw foods when pregnant.

Luckily, you can choose amazing dishes that aren’t raw. Chinese food while pregnant gives you many options. Vegetable spring rolls, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, duck, and dumplings are safe to eat and they’re delicious.

Monosodium Glutamate – MSG

Besides avoiding raw Chinese food, it’s also important to avoid MSG in Chinese food.

Monosodium glutamate or MSG is a flavor enhancer. It’s a food additive used for savory foods. It makes them more delicious.

MSG is not only used in Chinese cuisine. This food additive is used by many cultures. Some studies show that MSG can be harmful to your health. According to those studies, MSG can cause premature labor and other delivery complications.

On the other hand, more studies show that MSG is not harmful to anyone, including pregnant women.

Monosodium glutamate is made of sodium and amino acid glutamate. These ingredients can be naturally present in some food, but they’re usually added to enhance the flavor.

Foods like tomatoes, walnuts, mushrooms, and sardines contain MSG. Many women believe that MSG is not dangerous to consume during pregnancy because it’s present in some healthy foods we consume.

However, there is always a risk. After all, natural MSG and manufactured MSG can have different effects on our health.

If you consume MSG in moderation, chances for pregnancy and birth complications are minimal. However, there is something else about MSG and pregnancy that will make you think twice.

MSG is connected with morning sickness, vomiting, fatigue, and similar pregnancy symptoms. Monosodium can worsen these symptoms, but it can also be the cause of them.

Luckily, MSG is added to Chinese food like it’s a seasoning. Therefore, you can ask the staff to skip adding MSG to your favorite meal.

If you’re still eating Chinese food while pregnant without avoiding MSG, at least try to drink plenty of water. Drinking water should help you to reduce the intensity of negative reactions to MSG.

Ordering Chinese food while pregnant is not difficult at all, as long as you stay focused on do’s and don’ts.

Unhealthy Preparation

Chinese food while pregnant can be a great source of nutrients because most meals are made from healthy, fresh ingredients.

However, you should avoid deep-fried dishes. Fried food tastes great, but it’s packed with unhealthy fats.

It’s better to choose healthier options. Eating deep-fried food can cause nausea and digestive problems. If you eat it often, it can also cause weight gain. Even though it’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy, it’s better to be careful.

You can eat these meals from time to time, but avoid eating them every day. Just like with most unhealthy foods – it’s okay to indulge sometimes, but it’s better to choose healthier options.

Hot Cheetos during pregnancy are also allowed, but you have to learn to eat these comfort foods in moderation.

Chinese food has so many options, and the best thing is that you can always order steamed and boiled food instead of fried.

Fermented Food

Eating fermented food when pregnant is allowed, but you have to be careful and consume it in moderation.

Kimchi during pregnancy is a good choice, and so is douchi – fermented black beans. Fermented foods have high levels of sodium, so if you have problems with high blood pressure, don’t eat this type of food often.

Some people are sensitive to consuming fermented food because it can have a strong effect on their digestive system.

Since many pregnant women gave problems with morning sickness, nausea, stomach, and digestion, fermented food could worsen these conditions.

So, when eating Chinese food when pregnant, be careful when it comes to fermented foods.

Besides douchi, some popular fermented foods are Dou Jiang – fermented soybeans, Yulu – fermented fish sauce, and Jinhua ham – dry-cured ham.

Chinese Food As A Common Pregnancy Craving

If you’re researching Chinese food during pregnancy you’ve probably seen that craving Chinese food can be connected with expecting a boy or a girl.

This is just a myth. You only have two options to expect, so it’s normal that coincidences happen.

Don’t burden yourself with fairytales about cravings and genders. However, craving Chinese food is a common pregnancy symptom according to some moms.

Many women have reported that they started to crave Chinese food long before they knew about their pregnancy. But, craving anything can be a symptom of pregnancy.

In most cases, women crave something they like. They simply need that food in their system. In rare cases, women crave foods they never liked before.

Also, most women crave for food that should be consumed in moderation – fast food, fried food, Chinese food, sweets, and snacks.

So, craving anything can be a symptom of pregnancy. Chinese food is very popular among people, and it’s no wonder pregnant women crave it.

That perfect connection of sweet and sour, or spicy and savory flavors is something many people like a lot, not just pregnant women.

Chinese Food Recipes

Chinese food is not something you can only order at restaurants. After all, Chinese people cook these foods for themselves and you can do it too.

If you’re pregnant and you want some Chinese food, but you want it to be healthy and homemade, there are many recipes to help you with that.

Another great thing is that you can find everything you need in stores and supermarkets. So, let’s go over a few easy and popular Chinese dishes to cook at home. Keep in mind that you can always experiment with these recipes and add your personal touch to them.

Fried Rice

Rice is great as a side dish and you can always add the things you like to it. Fried rice is tasty, and it’s not so hard to make.

You need 4 cups of cooked rice, 2 green onions, 2 eggs, oil, soy sauce, and some salt and pepper. First, you need to beat your eggs and fry them. Remove them from the pan, add more oil, and add rice, seasonings, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.

Stir it often, and when the rice is very hot, add eggs and chopped green onions. Fry everything for a few more minutes, and serve this delicious meal while it’s hot.

Many people believe that rice is bad. But, rice is an important part of your diet. It’s healthier to eat proteins and veggies, but eating rice is also beneficial.

It contains a lot of healthy carbohydrates which are essential for energy.

Rice is also filled with nutrients. Brown rice is richer in nutrients than white rice, but both of these options are great and tasty for you.

When you learn to make this recipe, you can experiment by adding other things. Any type of vegetable will make a great combination with rice. You can also add the seasonings and sauces you like.

Some people make bigger batches of stir-fried rice and freeze it. That way, you could use rice as a side dish whenever you want to.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung pao chicken is a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants, and people love to order it.

You can make this delicious meal at home too. You will need 2 chicken breasts, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 green onions, 8 red chili peppers (dried), ½ cup of cashew, and some sesame oil.

You will also need some oil for stir-frying. For the marinade, you will need soy sauce, rice wine or dry sherry, sesame oil, and cornstarch.

The sauce is also made from soy sauce and rice wine, with a little bit of sugar. As you can see, the ingredients are simple.

First, make the marinade for the chicken. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of rice wine, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.

Mix everything and cut chicken breasts into small cubes. Add chicken to the marinade, and leave it there for half an hour.

While the chicken is soaking up this delicious marinade, you could make the sauce. Add two tablespoons of soy sauce (dark soy sauce is better for the Kung Pao sauce), 1 tablespoon of rice wine, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Mix everything together.

Chop your onions, garlic, and peanuts. Clean the peppers from the seeds, and cut them into cubes. Then, add some oil to your favorite pan and fry the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan, and add more oil.

When the oil is hot, add some garlic and fry it for a few minutes. Then, add the peppers and fry them until they’re dark red. Add the sauce and bring it to a boil.

Finally, add the chicken back to the pan, and add green onions and peanuts.

Stir everything for a few minutes, and then remove from the heat. When the meal is off the heat, add sesame oil and mix it well. It’s amazing when you serve it hot with some rice.

This meal is filled with protein and healthy fats. Vegetables are also a great asset.

Steamed Eggs

Steamed eggs are easy to make, and the best thing about this meal is that you don’t need a lot of ingredients. There is no need to run to the store.

You need water, salt, and eggs. When it comes to the sauce, you can choose the one you like, or you can eat it with something else.

Whisk the eggs and measure the amount of eggs, and add twice as much water. Whisk water and eggs together, and add a little bit of salt. Strain the mixture in two bowls, and cover them with aluminum foil.

Steam the eggs for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re completely set. That’s it, you got some delicious, soft, and fluffy eggs.

You can add some soy sauce or some fresh vegetables to your dish. I suggest making a sauce from sesame oil, soy sauce, chives, and hot chili oil.

Just mix these ingredients together and you will create a perfect sauce to go with your steamed eggs.

I am sure that this sauce will amaze you and you will combine it with other foods too. You can also experiment with steamed eggs by adding some finely chopped vegetables to the mixture.

Many people like they’re steamed eggs to be softer and undercooked, but since you’re pregnant, avoid raw and undercooked eggs.

Mango Pudding

Mango pudding is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy dessert. This pudding is easy to make, and even if you’re not great with desserts, you will succeed.

You need 2 cups of mango cubes, 3 gelatin sheets (unflavored), ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of water, 100ml of cream, and 150ml of milk.

Most of these ingredients are already in your house. First, cut your mango into little cubes.

Soak the gelatin sheets in some cold water. Then, use a small pot for dissolving sugar. Put the pot on medium heat and when the sugary water becomes hot, add the gelatin in it.

Stir until everything is well-combined. Add the mixture to the blender and add your mango cubes. When everything is nice and smooth, add milk and cream and blend for a few more minutes.

Cool your mango pudding and enjoy. If you don’t own a blender, you can use a regular mixer, or mix everything by hand. Just make sure to mash your mango before mixing everything together.

Mango is a great source of vitamins and proteins. Other ingredients for this pudding are also acceptable, and they will satisfy your need for something sweet and refreshing.

Fun Facts About Chinese Food

Learning what’s safe to eat during pregnancy can be annoying and overwhelming. Therefore, try to find comfort in learning new things.

Chinese food is popular everywhere, and most of us don’t know enough about it. So, let’s mention some popular facts about Chinese foods

• Chinese food is one of the healthiest in the world. Most dishes are made from fresh ingredients.

• It’s common for Chinese people to eat soups, noodles, and rice all the time. I am sure you have that one friend that can’t imagine one day without eating something some soup, noodles, or rice.

Most people that love Chinese food have these foods with everything. It’s like a perfect side dish and main dish too.

• Fruit is very popular in Chinese culture. You might say that fruit is popular everywhere. However, Chinese people like to eat fruit instead of dessert.

They love it so much that they find it more delicious than sweets and cookies.

• Ice cream originated from China. Even though we all think that ice cream is something that was invented in the USA or Europe, it’s actually a part of Chinese culture.

Ketchup was also invented in China.

• Noodles are famous in Chinese cuisine, but most of us are firm believers that pasta was invented in Italy. Archeologists found evidence that pasta is probably created by Chinese people.

• Japan is famous for its sushi, but according to history, sushi was created in China. It wasn’t the same version of sushi as we know it, but the idea came for China.

• Their food is always finely chopped and the pieces are always on the smaller side. This is not just for decoration. It’s simply easier to consume smaller pieces of food with chopsticks.

• Chinese food can be prepared in so many different ways. Chinese people believe that every food can be made differently, and that’s why they experiment with different ways of preparing it.

• It’s common for Chinese people to eat rare things, plants, and animals. Many people who visit China are surprised that eating snakes, scorpions, insects, ears, hearts, and other organs is quite popular in some places.

They are modest people who respect food. They try to make a good meal out of everything. Some of these things might be unhealthy and harmful, but they’re used to eating them, so they have issues with them.

For example, eating bone marrow has become a hit in the past few years. Chinese people have been eating bones and bone marrow for a long time.

• Chinese food is also unique because it’s always nicely decorated. In Chinese culture, it’s normal to decorate the meal and make an effort to make it appealing.

• Many Chinese meals have names that have nothing to do with the food. In Chinese cuisine, it’s important to think of catchy, cool names.

Sometimes, they can have the weirdest meaning, but they’re special and easy to remember.

• General Tso’s chicken is actually a Chinese-American dish, that originated in Taiwan. It’s not connected to General Tso at all.

Conclusion

Chinese food is safe to eat when pregnant, as long as you stick to some rules I’ve mentioned in this article. Chinese food has many fans around the world because it has so many delicious combinations and flavors.

Sweet and sour, sweet and spicy, sweet and savory, savory and spicy are just some of the tasty combinations.

Just like every other type of food and drink, you should also consume Chinese food in moderation.

Avoiding raw foods, deep-fried foods, high-sodium foods, and MSG is something to have in mind when craving Chinese food.

Chinese food is truly healthy because it has so many options, and most of its meals are packed with vegetables.

As a pregnant woman, choosing Chinese dishes is a good thing, because they will nurture your body with healthy ingredients.

It’s better to crave Chinese food compared to craving fast food. Chinese food offers healthier options and it can give your body and your baby what they need.

Chinese culture is filled with healthy things for our health. For example, Chinese herbs for fertility are very helpful and effective.