Who Says Pregnant Mummies Can't Have Yee Sang? Here Are Some Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives

Chinese New Year is not complete without the iconic Yee Sang or Yu Sheng (Prosperity Toss). Each ingredient has its own symbolism and meaning to ensure prosperity and wealth for all those who participate in the tradition. First and foremost a family group activity, it is also a great time to make wishes for the New Year. However, while many of the ingredients in Yee Sang are safe for regular people, they may not be so for those who are expecting. But fret not, mums! There’s a way to have a healthy and safe Yee Sang that you can actually enjoy, without risking your or your baby’s wellbeing. What Each Ingredient Represents in Yee Sang Much like everything in Chinese culture, everything works off homophones. Words that sound the same impart their meaning and symbolism upon one another. In this case, Yu means both 'fish' and 'abundance', and sheng means both 'raw' and 'life'. As a result, Yu Sheng means both 'raw fish' and 'abundant life'. This the primary reason why salmon sashimi has become the main ingredient in his prosperity salad. Over time, other ingredients are added to increase the layers of symbolism to the dish. These are some noteworthy ones: Pomelo: 'good luck and smooth sailing' Carrots: 'good luck is approaching' Green radish: 'forever young' White radish: 'progress at a fast pace' Peanut crumbs: 'household filled with gold and silver' Sesame seeds: 'prosperity for the business' Plum sauce: 'may life always be sweet' Deep-fried flour crisps: 'floor full of gold' Modern versions include red pepper, turnips, coriander, ginger, jellyfish and orange slices. Why Yee Sang May Be Unsafe for Pregnancy Most people will usually buy pre-made Yee Sang 'kits' from restaurants and some even let you personalise the ingredients. So, there’s a lot of freedom when it comes to expanding your options during festivities. Raw Fish Eating raw fish can increase one’s chances of getting parasites, food poisoning, toxoplasmosis and even listeria. And this is true even for those who are not pregnant. Even though many esteemed eateries will do well to maintain their food safety regulations, it’s important to be safe than sorry. Solution Some restaurants have begun offering Yee Sang with other protein alternatives like chicken and even beef. So, if you’re not particularly thrilled about going completely vegetarian this Chinese New Year, you may opt for cooked meats instead of raw fish. Fried Crisps Yee Sang also often contain crispy things like prawn crackers, crispy dumpling strips or deep-fried wonton skins. These often contain a lot of oil and saturated fats. High intake of saturated fats during pregnancy is associated with pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and preterm delivery. Solution If you still desire some crunchy bits, try something else like crushed almonds, pistachios, walnuts and of course, peanuts. Peanuts are a great source of folate and which is an important nutrient for pregnant women. Plus, they also symbolise longevity and good fortune according to Chinese culture. Excess Sugar and Sodium The main seasoning in Yee Sang is plum sauce which is chockful of sugar and salt. While delicious and mouth-watering, it is not exactly ideal for pregnancy. Store-bought plum sauce, may contain about 1000mg of salt which is equivalent to 50% of your daily sodium needs. Definitely too much. Solution Go for another seasoning if the restaurant offers their own. Alternatively, there are zero calorie sugar substitutes that you can use to make your own homemade dressing. You can also consider switching to low-sodium salt which is much safer for pregnant women. These include potassium salt, pink Himalaya salt and Kosher salt. That said, why not make your own plum sauce for the reunion dinner? Certain Veggies Yes, contrary to popular belief, not all veggies are safe for pregnant women. Especially not when they’re eaten raw and unwashed. Some root vegetables like radish and carrots (popular ingredients in Yee Sang) can be unsafe. Basically, anything that comes out of the ground needs to be washed thoroughly to get rid of any lingering bacteria in the soil. Solution Prepare your own Yee Sang! There is nothing quite like taking back your own power. In the case of Yee Sang, preparing your own veggies ensures that you’re taking extra precaution when sourcing and cleaning the ingredients. Here are some delectable Yee Sang recipes that you can consider trying, mummies. Yee-Sang Recipes Vegetarian Yee-Sang https://youtu.be/pXw0PS3wzhg Nyonya Yee Sang https://youtu.be/ND1So_qRwsQ Truly Malaysia Yee Sang https://youtu.be/HsBKlWBcJ2k?listPLjVKXrINSZn6QLHFg4msRYV5VxdLrCqCc Modify Your Yee Sang to Fit Your Needs It can be hard to feel very festive when you’re trying to maintain your health. With so many decadent and rich foods around, the temptation is even greater. But this doesn't mean you have to sit out from the celebrations! Prepare your own healthy and pregnancy-safe Yee Sang and toss to prosperity with your family this CNY. You've got this, mummies! 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. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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