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Consuming Pumpkin during Pregnancy
Pumpkins are one of the most nutritious fruits out there. Yes, pumpkin is a fruit, at least scientifically, as it contains seeds. However, the nutritional profile of pumpkins is more similar to veggies than fruit. Pumpkins are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins and are truly a superfood! But if you are pregnant, you might wonder whether or not should you devour these tasty gourds! Well, find out! In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about including pumpkins in your pregnancy diet! Plus, you will get some tasty pumpkin recipes too!
Nutritional Value of Pumpkins
Pumpkins are highly nutritious and a great source of essential Vitamins, like Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin C and minerals like iron and zinc. They are packed with antioxidants too! Pumpkin seeds also offer immense health benefits to a pregnant woman. Pumpkin seeds too are packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. 100 grams of pumpkin has approximately 26 calories and contains no cholesterol or saturated fats. It's a wonderous fruit for pregnant women!
Health Benefits of Eating Pumpkins During Pregnancy
As mentioned above, pumpkin offers various nutrients, so you can incorporate this fruit in your pregnancy diet. A storehouse of various vital nutrients, pumpkin provides ample nutrition not only to you but also to your baby. It is loaded with proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Some of the benefits are mentioned below:
1. Helps Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check
Pumpkins are very effective in keeping your blood sugar levels during pregnancy. But in order to reap maximum benefit from pumpkins, you should eat them plain, i.e., without adding extra sugar.
2. Helps Prevent Diarrhoea
Eczema and diarrhoea are some of the common pregnancy ailments. Consuming pumpkins is helpful may help remove worms from your spleen and intestine, thus lowering your chances of catching any stomach infections during pregnancy, which cause diarrhoea and skin problems.
3. Keeps Constipation at Bay
Many women complain of constipation during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may hamper with your digestive system and you may experience constipation. To treat this problem, eat pumpkins. As pumpkins are an excellent source of protein and fibre, eating this fruit will ensure that your digestive system works fine and thus you won't feel constipated.
4. Helps With Abdominal Cramps
Pumpkins work really well in keeping pregnancy cramps in check. You may consume pumpkins in any form to get relief from pregnancy cramps.
Benefits of Eating Pumpkin Seeds During Pregnancy
Just like pumpkin, pumpkin seeds too offer various health benefits. Read on to know what health benefits you may derive by consuming pumpkins seeds in pregnancy.
1. Helps Keep Mood Swings in Check
Zinc is very beneficial for a pregnant woman, and pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc. Eating pumpkin seeds will help keep your mood swings in check and even help strengthen your immune system.
2. May Keep Your Heart Healthy
Eating pumpkin seeds can be very good for your heart. Including them in your pregnancy diet will help your heart to pump blood properly. Apart from this, they will also help in the formation of your baby’s bones and teeth.
3. May Help You Sleep Better
If you have trouble sleeping during pregnancy, eat pumpkin seeds. Eating a few pumpkin seeds before bedtime may help you sleep better. Tryptophan, an amino acid in pumpkin seeds gets converted into melatonin, a sleep hormone, and thus helps a person sleep better. So try this trick if you have trouble falling asleep at night.
4. Helps Prevent Diabetes
Pumpkin seeds are great for keeping insulin levels of the body in control and thus preventing diabetes in pregnancy. If you have diabetes or you are at high risk of having diabetes, consuming pumpkins may help.
5. Helps in the Brain Development of the Foetus
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats. These help in foetal brain development. So eat away pumpkin seeds!
Side Effects of Eating Pumpkins While Pregnant
Eating pumpkins while pregnancy can benefit your health greatly, no doubt, but as with any other fruit or vegetable, consuming it in large quantities may lead to some complications. Pumpkins, when consumed in large amounts may lead to stomach ache because of the high fibre content in them. Sometimes, pumpkins may also cause an allergic reaction which may lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting or abdominal cramps, though there is not enough scientific proof supporting such reactions in pregnant women. Therefore, it is suggested to include this fruit in your diet in moderate amounts and avoid probable health complications in pregnancy.
Pumpkin Recipes You Can Try During Pregnancy
Here are some easy and sumptuous pumpkin recipes that you can try and enjoy during pregnancy.
1. Pumpkin and Lentil Soup
If you want an appetizer, there is nothing like pumpkin soup! Plus when it is a combination of pumpkin with lentils, it will be all the more healthy! Here is how you can make pumpkin and lentil soup!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of oil
2-3 chopped garlic cloves
2 chopped, medium-sized onions
1 small pumpkin (approximately 700-800 grams), without the skin and seeds
1 cup or 100 grams split red lentils
1 litre of vegetable stock
Salt to taste and a pinch of sugar
Half a cup of fresh cream
How to Make
Heat some oil in a pan. Add the onions and fry till golden brown.
Next, add the chopped garlic, pumpkin flesh and lentils, and stir well.
Add in the vegetable stock, give it a nice stir, and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring in between!
After some time the pumpkin pieces will be tender. Turn off the flame and let it cool.
Once cool, blend the pumpkin mix, then add in some cream and blend again, then strain.
Take the soup in a bowl and garnish with some fresh cream.
2. Pumpkin and Sage Spaghetti
If you crave for an Italian cuisine during pregnancy, try out this recipe!
Ingredients
700-800 grams of pumpkin flesh
15-20 chopped sage leaves
100 grams of butter
300-400 grams dried spaghetti
1 tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of castor sugar (golden)
50 grams of grated parmesan
Salt and pepper as per taste
How to Make
Heat a pan and take the pumpkin flesh in it. Add in the sugar and salt and mix well.
Add in a few spoons of water, stir the mixture and cover the pan with a lid. Cook until the pumpkin is soft but holds its shape.
Heat some butter in another pan. Then add in the sage.
Add in the pumpkin mixture to this pan, followed by parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
Next, add in the spaghetti and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Your pumpkin and sage spaghetti will be ready!
3. Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
If you love to eat the very healthy pumpkin seeds, we are sure you will love to eat when they a bit spicy too. Here's how you can make spicy pumpkin seeds!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups of raw pumpkin seeds
2-3 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
A pinch of garlic salt
1 tbsp butter
Salt to taste
How to Make
Preheat the oven to 140° C.
Mix all the ingredients well and place them well in a baking tray.
Bake for an hour or till done.
FAQs
1. When Should You Not Eat Pumpkins?
If you are allergic to pumpkins, it is best that you avoid eating them during pregnancy.
2. What Pumpkin-Based Foods Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
Pumpkins are very healthy but if you eat pumpkin chips or pumpkin pie, it may not be very good for your health, especially during pregnancy. So avoid eating pumpkin-based junk food like pumpkin pies, pumpkin candies, or a pumpkin cake.
Including pumpkins in your pregnancy diet can help meet your nutrient requirements. That said, you should eat pumpkins in moderate amounts and eating too much of pumpkins can lead to stomach issues. Have a balanced diet - eat everything that is safe to consume during pregnancy and will benefit you and your baby. And do consult your doctor or nutritionist before including this fruit in your pregnancy diet!
Also Read: 15 Foods To Eat During Pregnancy For Healthy Baby Read more
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Teaching Toddlers To Sit in a Chair
Encouraging toddlers to sit on chair can be a daunting task for parents. Since they're so energetic and easily distracted, it's tough getting them to listen. However, it's important to start teaching them to sit still as it enforces discipline and teaches them when to play and when not to.
Toddlers can get very fidgety and uncomfortable when they’re asked to sit still and behave for a while. It can send parents into frustration, trying hard to keep their patience! Yet, there are times when you really want kids to sit still and quietly especially when out at a restaurant with the family, or when there are guests at home. How does one achieve this? Let’s find out.
When Can Toddlers Sit in a Chair By Themselves?
Toddlers between 20-24 months old are usually capable of sitting in a chair by themselves. Some children might even start earlier than that. It’s believed that as soon as a toddler is able to pull himself up from his sleeping position to a wobbly sitting posture, he’s ready to be trained to sit on a chair. However, making a 24-month-old toddler sit still is another matter! He’s full of energy and wants to explore everything. Fortunately, it’s not impossible and with a few hints, you should be able to succeed!
Tips for Teaching Toddlers to Sit on a Chair
Make your toddler practice sitting still, even if without a chair. You can also make a game out of it and challenge him to sit still for as long as possible, and reward him with an incentive like a little chocolate. Start by making him sit on your lap, and then move on to a chair. If he has older siblings, ask them to play too.
When teaching him to sit still, don’t play with him as he’ll get distracted.
Try reading his favourite book or story while he sits on the chair. Tell him that you’ll read him a tale only if he sits quietly.
Encourage artistic activities like drawing and painting. Make sure that your child has access to a table or some hard, flat surface for this activity.
Praise his good behaviour. You’ll see that he gets more eager to sit when he associates it with something positive.
Start to observe silent moments, especially during meal times, more frequently than you normally do. This will encourage your toddler to keep quiet like the rest of the family. Children learn what they see adults do, and when your child witnesses everyone in the family keeping quiet, he’ll be more inclined to do the same.
If your 24-month-old refuses to sit on a chair, it could that he’s uncomfortable. A conventional wooden chair might make his back sore and painful, so use soft cushions or have him sit on an upholstered one.
With toddlers, the best course is to have a plan and a lot of patience. They’ll learn how to sit on a chair gradually. You can’t force it. Consistency is very important too. You must make your tot practice sitting still every day otherwise he won’t get used to it. What practices do you adopt to make your toddler sit quietly? Read more
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Paneer 65
Spicy yet irresistibly delicious paneer 65 from the Hyderabadi cuisine is a dish to die for. The tongue tickling taste of paneer 65 is brought about not by the Chinese soya sauce and chili sauce, but by the use of authentic Indian spices.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
3 People
25 - 30 Minutes
25 - 30 Minutes
Ingredients
200 grams paneer/cottage cheese
3 tbsp rice flour
1 tbsp besan/gram flour
2 tbsp corn starch
1 tsp green chili paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
½ tsp red chili powder or kashmiri red chili powder
¼ to ½ tsp garam masala powder
¼ tsp lime juice or add as required
4 tbsp water
5 tbsp oil for frying salt as required
3 tbsp chopped onions
2 to 3 green chilies, sliced diagonally
½ tsp chopped ginger/adrak
½ tsp chopped garlic/lahsun
6 to 7 curry leaves/kadi patta
1 to 2 dry red chilies
½ tsp mustard seeds (optional)
¼ tsp sugar or add as per taste (optional)
2 to 3 pinches of salt
2 tsp oil
Method
Step 1
Take rice flour, besan/gram flour and corn starch in a mixing bowl.
Step 2
You can also take corn flour (makki ka atta) instead of corn starch.
Step 3
Add the following spices & herbs - 1 tsp green chili paste, 1 tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp ginger paste, ½ tsp red chili powder, ¼ to ½ tsp garam masala powder and ¼ tsp lime juice. Add salt as required.
Step 4
Add 4 tbsp water. Whisk to form a smooth paste. You can also add a few drops of natural colour. I used a drop of orange colour.
Step 5
Add the paneer cubes.
Step 6
Gently mix the paneer cubes with the batter. Cover and allow to marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature.
Step 7
Heat 5 tbsp oil in a pan. The oil should be medium hot. Coat the paneer cubes with the batter and add them to the hot oil. Keep some space between the paneer cubes so that they don't stick. I prefer shallow frying over deep frying.
Step 8
Once the base is done, flip and fry the other side. Flip all the paneer cubes for a couple of times and fry till the outsides become crisp and golden. Don't over fry the paneer cubes else they'll become dense.
Step 9
Drain the fried paneer cubes on kitchen paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 10
In the same pan, heat 2 tsp oil. add ½ tsp mustard seeds.
Step 11
After the mustard seeds, crackle, add ½ tsp chopped ginger, ½ tsp chopped garlic, 2 green chilies chopped diagonally, 1 to 2 dry red chilies and 6 to 7 curry leaves. stir well.
Step 12
Then add 3 tbsp chopped onions. Stir and saute the onions till they turn translucent.
Step 13
Add salt and ¼ tsp sugar. Addition of sugar is optional.
Step 14
Stir well and add the fried paneer cubes.
Step 15
Mix and toss the paneer cubes properly and check the taste. Add more salt or green chilies if required and switch off the gas.
Step 16
Lastly, add chopped coriander leaves and give it a last final stir.
Step 17
Serve paneer 65 hot.
Read more
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Carrot pumpkin puree
Carrot and pumpkin – these sweeter tasting vegetables from the yellow-orange vegetable category, are rich in antioxidant beta-carotene. Hence, this soup will help your baby develop good vision.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
1 People
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Ingredients
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup pumpkin peeled and chopped
2 cups filtered water
A slice of lemon
Method
Step 1
Put water and the chopped pumpkin and carrot in a pressure cooker.
Step 2
Cook for two whistles or until the vegetables are soft.
Step 3
Cool slightly and blend in a mixer to a smooth purée.
Step 4
Pour the purée into a broad non-stick pan and bring to boil, with occasional stirring.
Step 5
Squeeze lemon for taste.
Step 6
Serve lukewarm.
Nutritional Information
Serving: 1 (1.5 cup cooked)
Calories
71
Sodium
706 mg
Total Fat
0 g
Potassium
585 mg
Saturated
0 g
Total Carbs
17 g
Polyunsaturated
0 g
Dietary Fiber
8 g
Monounsaturated
0 g
Sugars
2 g
Trans
0 g
Protein
2 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Vitamin A
85%
Calcium
5%
Vitamin C
23%
Iron
9%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tip: By eighth month, you can add ingredients like onions, garlic, pepper that have a strong flavor. Read more
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Big Reasons to Quit Sugar Today!
The love for sugar and sugary treats is strong with many! It's so easy to indulge in a tempting chocolate pastry or homemade 'gajar ka halwa'. But high sugar intake is a very bad idea as the health benefits of quitting sugar are many!
Do you have a sweet tooth? Well, that means anything that’s rich in sugar is what you crave. But, did you know that eating too much of it can play havoc with your entire body? If you’ve been meaning to cut back on the sweet stuff but have been struggling, maybe you need more motivation.
7 Reasons to Stop Eating Sugar Today
1. Say Hello to Beautiful Skin!
Sugar wreaks havoc on your skin and robs it of its suppleness and glow. It adds to problems like pimples and acne too. It also damages collagen production and causes skin to lose its elasticity and sag. If you want beautiful skin, quit or cut down on sugar.
2. You’ll Keep Your Weight Down Better
The sugar you consume is converted into fat and gets stored in your body. This means you gain weight. Looks aside, excess weight is not good for health. You may end up suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. So, if you want to lose a few kilos but haven't succeeded, it’s time to give up on sugar.
3. You’ll Feel More Energetic
If you’ve been feeling tired and weak lately, there’s all the more reason why you should stop eating sugar. It’s true that after consuming sweet stuff, you feel happy and energetic. But, what follows is a drastic dip in energy that leaves you tired. By ditching sugar, you’ll actually be able to maintain your energy more consistently. Think of the running around you'll be able to do behind the kids!
4. Bye Bye Cravings!
Becoming addicted to sugar is quite easy and the more you consume, the more you crave. Don’t become a victim to this, but start keeping cravings a bay by ditching sugar. Choose to eat fresh fruits instead. Although they contain sugar, they’re also packed with vitamins, potassium, folic acid and fiber.
5. Welcome a Better Immune System
One of the major health benefits of quitting sugar is that it improves the immunity of your body. Consuming too much triggers the growth of bad bacteria and fungi that have an adverse affect on your health. Reducing sugar, on the other hand, accelerates the growth of good bacteria that’s beneficial.
6. Pain, Pain Go Away
Consumption of sugar in high quantities can increase inflammation and lead to more pain. This holds especially true for people who might be suffering from joint pain. Reducing or eliminating sugar in your diet can, therefore, do a world of good where pain is concerned.
7. You'll Have Healthier Bowels
Sugary food travels faster through the digestive tract, leading to indigestion and diarrhoea. Cutting down on your sugar intake will improve your digestive system and aid in regular bowel movements.
Don't forget that your body requires sugar in moderate amounts for proper functioning. Include fruits and vegetables that contain natural sugar in your diet. The next time you get tempted to tuck in on sweets, just remember what happens when you quit sugar–all the good stuff! Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 hours ago
Q. Hi, are matte sunscreens suitable for oily skin? I am a new mother and I have to join office after my maternity leave, please suggest me a good one.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Cetaphil SPF 50 sunscreen lotion is going to be a very good choice for you to use for your skin it’s one of the best things that you can currently use and I’m very certain it is going to be good for your skin options also otherwise if you want you can try consulting a dermatologist for that
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. can i use pain relief spray at time of pregancy
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
3 hours ago
A. yes
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. hi iam 13th week pregnant my mind is completely in pressure stress and I cried alott does this affect my baby or baby growth
Anu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
3 hours ago
A. yes. mood swings are normal
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts 300 vochure
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. If you have any question concerning the parenting platform then please feel free to post your question once I know what are you willing to ask with all the necessary details associated it will be easier for me to give you appropriate help and response onto your question
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
11 mins ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
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