You are probably yearning for the rich, pleasant smell of Vietnamese cuisine and wondering if indulging during these crucial months is safe. You aren’t alone!
Pho is not just a meal. With its steaming broth, delicate noodles, tender meats, and fresh herbs, I’d rather call it an experience of warmth and nourishment.
But how does it fit into a pregnancy-safe diet? Luckily, the answer is largely positive, however, with a couple of caveats to keep you and the little one safe. Let’s dive in:
Craving Pho While Pregnant: Why?
During pregnancy, it’s more or less like your cravings take on a life of their own. Suddenly, you might be dreaming about a big, warm bowl of pho. There’s actually a mix of reasons behind this;
First off, your body is overworking at these moments to grow a tiny human, which makes you need more nutrients to support the process. Pho packs more of these.
It contains proteins sourced from the meat. Vitamins from the herbs and veggies might be exactly what your body is asking for. Pho is not only cozy and comforting but can also be the remedy you need for that nausea (morning sickness).
It isn’t only about the ingredients. How you feel gets into the picture. While pregnant, your senses of taste and smell are pretty high, making pho’s rich flavors and scents more attractive than before.
Also, staying hydrated is crucial when you’re expecting, and a hot bowl of pho can be more tempting than drinking another glass of water. Your cravings might also have a deeper significance, addressing a need for comfort.
Let’s be honest: pregnancy can be unpredictable, and at times, what you want is some emotional warmth. Being nutritious and filling, Pho can feel like receiving a big warm embrace from within.
Hormonal changes could also be the actual culprit. Hormones can really turn your food preferences upside down. Foods you used to skip mostly even become must-haves. And pho could be one of these new favorites. It’s your body’s way of adapting to the exciting changes happening inside.
Is Vietnamese Pho Safe for Pregnant Women To Eat?
Yup! Vietnamese pho is very safe to eat while pregnant as long as you prepare with fresh, thoroughly cooked ingredients.
Ensuring the meat and added veggies are fully cooked is the number one key to savoring this now, as it avoids any bacteria or parasites that could harm you and your baby.
Sodium content is another concerning factor, as high sodium intake can lead to unnecessary water retention and high blood pressure. Always go for a less salty version if possible, or make it at home. The latter allows you to control the amount of salt added.
Food safety is equally necessary to keep pho healthy and harmless, too. It is important to have it from a reputable place which ensures sanitary practices.
Eating well-cooked meat and avoiding raw and undercooked toppings is crucial because undercooked meat can lead to bacterial infections like listeriosis, which can be dangerous for your journey.
The broth, herbs and spices found in pho can offer a tasty meal yet provide essential nutrients once you heed these precautionary measures.
Additionally, while rice noodles and the broth base of pho are perfectly safe if you come across versions that use wheat or egg noodles, don’t worry—these are safe as well, as long as they’ve been fully cooked.
Always check that any addition to your pho, like bean sprouts or herbs, is fresh and clean to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Should you notice any strange, questionable herbs coming with it, double-check with your dietitian or obstetrician to ensure there’s nothing that could negatively impact your pregnancy. It’s all about keeping a balanced diet and playing it all safe now.
Tips To Eat Pho Safely While Pregnant
I’ve highlighted some of these factors above, but I would want to put it a bit more detailed here. You want to take them into account to ensure pho is good for you and your baby:
Go For Fully-cooked Meat:
When you’re having a bowl of pho, it becomes extra important to cook the meat all the way through. This means no pink or raw spots in your beef or chicken.
Making sure the meat is well-done kills off any bad germs that could make you or your baby sick. Each piece should be steaming hot and cooked just like you would at home in your kitchen.
It’s okay to ask the person making your pho to cook the meat a little bit more to be on the safe side.
Check for fresh ingredients.
The freshness of the ingredients should never be overlooked. Bright, crisp vegetables and vibrant, fresh herbs not only make your pho taste better, but they also significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Fresh ingredients are less likely to harbor bacteria that could be harmful to you and your baby. This means looking for signs of freshness in everything from the basil leaves to the bean sprouts that often accompany a steaming bowl of pho.
If anything looks wilted or expired, skip it. You tend to get the most nutritional value with your pho once freshness is your priority.
Pick a Clean Place
Choosing a clean place to eat pho is super important, especially when you’re looking after your health. A spot that’s neat and tidy is a good sign that the people making your food pay attention to keeping things safe and clean behind the scenes too.
Before you sit down to order, take a quick look around. Are the tables wiped down? Is the floor clean? Does the kitchen area (if you can see it) look organized?
These hints or indications tell you a lot about the restaurant’s values of cleanliness. Eating at a place that values a clean environment helps lower the risk of getting sick from contaminated food.
Watch The Spice Level
Your stomach might be a bit more sensitive now; thus, it becomes important to pay attention to how spicy your pho is. While a bit of spice can be fine, going overboard with hot peppers or chilli sauce might make you uncomfortable.
Some folks find that too much spice leads to heartburn or indigestion, which isn’t fun when you’re already dealing with pregnancy’s ups and downs.
So, a little spicy kick to start with can be your safer bet. If you find that spice stuff does not irritate your tummy, then you can add more, gradually, though. Always listen to your body and adjust the spice to what feels suitable for you.
Be careful With Add-ons
When you’re diving into a delicious bowl of pho, those little extras you can add in — like lime wedges, bean sprouts, basil, and jalapeños — make it even more special.
However, it’s smart to be a bit cautious with these add-ons, particularly when you’re looking out for your health. While these ingredients are meant to enhance your meal and are usually safe, it’s important to ensure they’re handled properly and are fresh.
Also, be heedful to how much you’re adding, especially if you’re watching your salt intake; perhaps you have a high-risk pregnancy, and your stomach is a bit more sensitive.
Allergies could be a concern, too. Go ahead and personalize your pho to your taste; just remember to do a quick check for freshness and think about how each add-on might affect you, ensuring your meal is not only tasty but also comfortable for you to enjoy.
Listen to your body
Our bodies work differently, and what works for me might not be right for you and vice versa. For example, if you find that eating too fast or having a really big meal makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s a perfect idea to slow down and maybe eat a little less.
Or, if you notice that certain add-ons in your pho, like spicy sauce or a lot of lime, don’t sit well with you, it might be best to use just a little bit or simply skip them on your next.
It’s all about paying heed to how you feel during and after eating. Are you satisfied but not overly full? Do you feel energized rather than sluggish?
Your body will give you clues about what’s best for it. Listening to these signals can help you savor your pho in the best way for you.
Benefits of pho during Pregnancy
As long as it’s made safely and you’re mindful of certain ingredients, eating pho can be pretty good for you while pregnant. Here are some perks you might stand to gain:
- Nutrients: The broth, meat, and veggies in this dish pack the vitamins and minerals you and your baby need. Protein is also part of the mix, from beef or meat, which is important for your baby’s growth.
- Hydration: The tasty broth can keep you hydrated. Maintaining hydration can aid digestion and revitalize your energy.
- Comfort Food: Pho can be that comforting and can offer the relief you need from queasiness. The broth isn’t too heavy, and if you keep it simple, it can be soothing for your stomach.
- Customizable: You can always make it fit your needs and tastes. You can choose lean meats and loads of veggies and manage the amount of sodium for a healthy meal.
Just a couple of things to keep in mind: make sure the meat in the pho is fully cooked. This is to avoid any foodborne illness.
Also, if you’re watching your salt intake, ask for less broth or a lighter version, as it can be quite salty. Keeping these at your fingertips would help you reap the nutritional benefits without hurting your journey.
Can You Eat Pho While Pregnant? Wrap!
Don’t give up pho just yet – go ahead and incorporate it into your pregnancy diet. It’s comforting, nutritious and flexible to customize to fit your dieting needs.
On top of these, pho can be both a delicious and smart choice during pregnancy. Ensure the meat is fully cooked to avoid any chance of a foodborne illness. Also, check the sodium(salt) content and pay heed to your body’s needs.
