All posts tagged: second trimester

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Warming Ginger and Turmeric Lentil Soup

Published by Carmen

Okay, I admit, I think I over stayed my holiday time away from here, but I’m back! And this time with more energy than ever to bring you lots of exciting new developments on The Pregnant Chef platform. I’m kicking things off by giving you a recipe to the most amazing soup ever. I don’t say that lightly, I can safely say that this is my favourite soup. I make it at least a few times a month as it’s super easy, quick, and really delicious. Pretty much all of my friends and family that have come over for lunch or dinner have had this soup, and it’s always a huge hit! So, naturally, I knew exactly what recipe to share first after this long ‘holiday’. A Perfect Winter Warmer This lentil soup is perfect for the cold season, as it has lots of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric to leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, especially when it’s miserable weather outside. The lentils together with the coconut milk make a …

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Top 5 Skin Foods to Avoid Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Published by Carmen

Don’t we all want to be one of those lucky 10% of women that don’t get stretch marks during pregnancy? The reality is that most of us get at least some stretch marks while growing another human being under our skin. And if you think about it, it’s understandable given that our skin would not normally stretch at such a speed under normal circumstances. Stretch marks are there to be celebrated in a way, a mark that shows a woman’s incredible ability to grow and bring life into this world out of just two cells. But like those wrinkles that appear as we get older and wiser, stretch marks are generally not a welcome side effect of pregnancy. The real question is, how can we avoid pregnancy stretch marks? Did I hear everyone say – moisturizing? Yep, we all thought that. The truth is, moisturizing will help you deal with the common dry skin itchy feeling that you get around your growing belly. But, according to the research, no matter how much cream or oil …

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Broccoli and Almond Soup with Mint & Crème Fraiche

Published by Carmen

When it comes to pureed soups, I think there are two types of people; those who love them and those who don’t. A bit like marmite some might say. So for those of you who already love pureed soup, you can skip this paragraph. After all, I’d be preaching to the converted! But for those of you who, like me avoid pureed soups at all costs, read on my friends. I admit that I definitely fall into the non-soup eating category and rarely make soups unless they have lots of chunky pieces of veg, meat, or noodles in them (like ramen- yum). BUT, this soup is an exception. Yes, it is pureed. And yes, I don’t just like it, I actually love it! And I’m not the only one; we used to make this broccoli soup at a cafe I worked at while I was a student in London, and it proved hugely popular. Even among the pureed soup avoiders like me. And believe me, when you realize how easy and quick this soup is …

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Nutty Banana bread with a Twist

Published by Carmen

I have to admit, even I surprised myself with this banana bread. We all know that when we attempt to make things ‘healthy’, especially when it comes to cakes, we tend to lower our expectations to not be quite as indulgent. Well, prepare to be surprised! I definitely won’t be going back to the traditional banana bread from now on that’s for sure. Plus, it’s a one-bowl recipe. Oh yeah. So what do I mean by healthier? Firstly, it is low in sugar whilst also being high in protein and fibre. This is a good combination because it means that we don’t get a big sugar spike (and as a consequence, a sugar low later on). This banana bread is free from refined flours, and instead is a mix of almond meal and whole wheat spelt flour, with some cacao nibs and walnuts thrown in for added crunch and decadence (and health benefits too, of course). Banana’s and pregnancy leg cramps But there’s a bonus to this banana bread. Banana’s are high in potassium and …