The Chinese New Year is a time for reunions, celebration and of course, good food. A holiday is not complete without a table full of decadent dishes and delicacies.
That said, many of you may also be having your own personal celebrations of being new parents.
As we all know, pregnant women need to take extra care about what they eat. Not only for their health, but for the health of the baby.
Chinese New Year brings us many delicious (but at times unhealthy) foods.
If you’re currently pregnant, here are some dishes and beverages that you should avoid (or at the very least eat in moderation) during your Chinese New Year dinners.
High Sodium Foods
Decadent Chinese New Year dishes are flavourful because they are packed with seasonings. And that typically includes salt.
It’s important for pregnant women to avoid high-sodium foods as this will cause high blood pressure, which can endanger both mum and baby.
The broths typically used in steamboats (hotpots), for instance, also contain a lot of salt. So, it’s best to avoid that.
Steamboats can often be a breeding ground for bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
Immersing raw animal products (often undercooked) into the broth can cause a variety of pathogens to mix and proliferate.
Raw Fish
Yee Sang (or Yu Sheng) is a Prosperity Toss commonly observed during Chinese New Year.
A plate of cucumber, carrots, radish and condiments are arranged in a circle before everyone joins in with chopsticks to toss and mix everything together.
Unfortunately, pregnant mums may have to forego this tradition this CNY. Or at least when it comes to the eating portion.
This is because many typical recipes include raw salmon in the mix.
Eating raw fish (like sashimi) increases your risk of getting salmonella infection, food poisoning and even parasites. These can all be dangerous for a developing foetus.
Pork
Porcine-based dishes and snacks are a staple of Chinese New Year reunion dinners. From Bak Kwa to Siew Yoke and Dongpo Rou.
But be careful about eating undercooked pork. While rarely a problem in Malaysia, undercooked pork harbours a lot of parasites.
It is one of the main causes of a condition called ‘brain worms‘. While you can still enjoy a few pieces of pork here and there, be sure they’re in small quantities.
Even if they are well-cooked, pork in general is high in fat, and that could cause unwanted cholesterol problems.
However, there are still other protein-rich dishes you can still enjoy like steamed fish and chicken.
It’s also a good idea to bulk up your vegetables too. Bamboo shoots, lion’s mane, and lotus seeds, which are often eaten during Chinese New Year, contain lots of nutrients.
Tea
Teas are an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations. The tradition where the younger members in the family will serve tea to the previous generation of elders.
One such tea that is most popularly included in this custom includes oolong tea.
It’s important for pregnant women to limit their exposure to caffeine and as far as teas go, oolong contains a high amount of caffeine (although much lower than black tea).
So, while you may not have to exclude yourself from this popular Chinese New Year tea ceremony, do keep in mind to limit how many cups of tea you drink.
Excessive caffeine during pregnancy can inhibit the growth of the foetus and put the baby at risk for diabetes and heart disease later in life.
Try and enjoy other beverages that may be available this CNY aside from alcohol.
Sweet Treats
Eating sweet desserts during Chinese New Year is a symbolic tradition of embracing the ‘sweet life’. So, candy and dried fruit are a staple accompaniment in every reunion dinner.
While sugar isn’t dangerous for pregnant women, it’s important to enjoy these treats in moderation.
Consuming too much sugar during pregnancy has been linked to gestational diabetes. Even if often reversible, this condition can endanger the baby in many ways.
Some common desserts that contain lots of sugar include glutinous rice cakes (niangao) and sweet rice balls (tangyuan).
If you’re still looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, opt for oranges and tangerines, which are also common Chinese New Year treats.
Have a Safe and Happy Pregnancy This CNY
While it’s definitely okay to indulge a bit during the festive season, it’s also best to put you and your baby’s health in mind.
Even if you miss out on many of the typical Chinese New Year delicacies this time around, fret not as there is still next year.
That said, with moderate consumption and a healthy diet the rest of your pregnancy, you have nothing to worry about in terms of delivering a healthy, happy baby.
Reduce the intake of these foods and drinks and you should be fine.
Motherhood wishes you and your family a Happy Chinese New Year full of love and prosperity, Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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