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Recipe

Protein and folate bowl

The months before conception matter more than most people are told. This bowl is built around the three things that most often need attention: protein, folate and iron.

Time
25 minutes
Serves
2
Protein
21 g
Fibre
12 g

Ingredients

  • ½ cup cooked rajma or chana
  • ½ cup cooked quinoa or dalia
  • 1 cup palak or methi, briefly cooked
  • ¼ cup paneer or tofu, cubed
  • ¼ cup pomegranate
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ avocado or 1 tsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ tsp roasted jeera powder
  • Salt to taste

Method

Step 1

Cook the quinoa or dalia and cool slightly.

Step 2

Wilt the greens briefly in a hot pan — two minutes, no longer, so the folate survives.

Step 3

Assemble the grain, pulses, greens, paneer, pomegranate and seeds in a bowl.

Step 4

Dress with lemon juice, oil, roasted jeera and salt. The lemon goes on last, off the heat.

Step 5

Eat away from tea or coffee, which block iron absorption.

Food does not replace preconception folic acid, and it does not replace a fertility assessment where one is indicated.

Why it works

Folate from food and from a tabletFood folate is worth having and it is not enough on its own. Guidance is a folic acid supplement from before conception — ask your doctor about it.
Iron with vitamin CThe lemon is what makes the plant iron in the greens and pulses usable.
Protein and unrefined fatBoth relevant to hormone production, and both commonly short in vegetarian diets.

Nutrition, per serving

Approximate values. Actual figures vary with portion and ingredients.
EnergyProteinCarbohydrateFatFibre
420 kcal21 g45 g16 g12 g

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Who this recipe is for

This recipe is used in our plans for the conditions below. Each page sets out the symptoms, the tests worth having and how the condition is treated.

Fertility support PCOS & PCOD Pregnancy nutrition

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This recipe is general nutrition information. It is not a treatment for any condition and it does not replace advice from your doctor. Never change prescribed medication on the basis of a dietary change.

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