When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, the first thought is how her life will change. At the top of her mind is the issue of diet. Most of your favorite foods take a back seat as you think about what is best for your unborn child. Eggs are a popular food world over and they are arguably the most common breakfast staple. It is very important to find out the best way to cook your eggs during this period. Before consuming eggs, you need to think about your cholesterol level first and foremost.
There are safe ways to cook eggs for pregnant women. If you suffer from high cholesterol, consult your doctor before making eggs a part of your regular diet. It is also important to note that while raw eggs might be a rich source of protein, they are unsafe to eat during pregnancy. Fortunately, you can still enjoy cooking and eating eggs while pregnant and you can do so safely and conveniently.
Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are not just healthy, they are very easy to prepare. Boiling eggs is one of the safest ways to cook your eggs during pregnancy because the process helps to kill any salmonella bacteria present in the eggs. The eggs can be refrigerated and eaten within two days making them a very handy snack.
However, it is important to hard-boil the eggs to ensure that both the white and the yolk are properly cooked. This means that you boil the eggs for slightly longer for a firmer yolk. Soft-boiled eggs can contain harmful salmonella bacteria.
Omelets
Omelets are tasty and convenient and you can eat them at any time of day. The best thing about cooking omelets is that you can add ingredients that can help to enhance your egg dish.
Many women find that omelets help to combat the issue of nausea because the cooking process helps to reduce the smell. They are also quite filling and you can turn them into a complete meal by adding ham, cheese, or your favorite vegetables.
Baked Eggs
This cooking process involves cooking eggs in the oven. To prepare this dish, break the eggs onto a flat-bottomed dish and then place it into the hot oven. Wait until the egg is set before taking it out. The process is simple and you can cook the egg to your desired texture. Do not leave the egg in the oven for too long to avoid burning.
Fried Eggs
Fried eggs are a safe and quick option for pregnant women who want to enjoy a simple yet delicious snack. When frying your eggs, cook both sides for at least 2 or 3 minutes to make sure that the white is solid and you do not have any runny parts.
The idea is to ensure that the eggs are thoroughly cooked or "over easy". Make sure that you eat the eggs soon after cooking them for the best result. Avoid eating eggs that have been stored for a couple of hours as they may contain the listeria bacteria.
Scrambled Eggs
When cooking scrambled eggs, make sure that the whites and the yolk are thoroughly cooked. Cooking eggs kills salmonella bacteria and this helps to reduce the chances of poisoning.
Select the best eggs during pregnancy and remember that the number of eggs that you can eat each day will depend on your cholesterol levels. You can add spices to your scrambled egg to enjoy different texture and flavors.
Poached Eggs
If you are looking for a healthy way to cook your eggs, poaching is a great option. Poaching eggs is a quick and convenient way to prepare eggs that leave them softer than boiled eggs. The fact that they are not cooked with extra fat means that they are much healthier. However, it is important to ensure that you cook the eggs until they are firm. This might seem counterproductive because the idea behind poaching eggs is to have a runny yolk. You can get around this problem by using eggs pasteurized in the shell.
The good news is that eggs are safe to eat while pregnant. Eggs are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for the growth of the baby. Eating eggs during pregnancy is quite safe as long as they are cooked properly. Always choose home-cooked eggs over eating out because you have control over how the eggs are prepared. Do not use eggs that have a damaged shell and be careful to avoid contamination while handling raw eggs.
Sources: parenting.firstcry.com, healthline.com, momjunction.com.