[jessaroo]

Hello All-

I am 35 weeks pregnant. I have begun to feel super tired and not very hungry. Any good recipes or ideas for high iron&high protein foods. I am trying to consistantly drink dandelion tea for iron.

j

 

[Mama2Rio]

cook up some kale with red beans with a little olive oil and veg stock. i cook the kale until it wilts. you don't need too much stock, you could use water. good iron and protein, simple fast, good for you.

 

[NC EcoMaMa]

Beets. I use them cooked, steamed, raw and I use an organic beet powder to sprinkle in other things. A really great iron source. Be aware that it comes out the same color it goes in and if you are eating it daily you may be startled at first.

Also quinoa is a prefect protein and excellent for vegetarians or vegans.

Mama2Rio, you made me very hungry and I am going shopping. Yummy!

 

[MoonStarFalling]

Lentils are high in both. Or lentils with kale...yum yum.

 

[EnviroBecca]

This pasta dish has protein (esp. with whole-wheat pasta) and you can use high-iron vegetables. It also has nutritional yeast, a good source of B vitamins. This often perked me up when pregnant and nursing.

Here's my favorite recipe for lentils. It's easy to throw together, and then you can rest while it bakes! I sometimes crumble a leaf of kelp into it or add some finely chopped kale for extra nutrition.

Also try oatmeal with almond butter and raisins. I use quick oats and just throw everything in a bowl, pour boiling water on it, and stir.

 

[buttercupmama]

The last month was a tiring time for me too and my iron level was very good.

Spinach is a wonderful source. If you're taking a vegan prenatal, chances are you're getting enough iron. Beets are wonderful for B vitamins and iron. I'm not sure how it works so well, but I'm anemic and just a couple slices every morning is enough to keep my blood count up when absolutely nothing else works. I even gave my gerbils a little everyday and they suddenly had a major growth spurt and tons of energy. I hate the taste of beets, but you can bet I always have it in the house anyway.

If you want tons of protein, soy foods would be your best bet. But you don't need as much as you think. The World Health Organization recommends about half the RDA after conducting a study on protein consumption in various countries. Plus the more protein you eat, the more calcium you need. Otherwise, it leeches the calcium from your bones and you end up with osteoporosis. So you don't really want to overdo it. Many beans and peas (other than soybeans) are a great source of protein without being excessive.

If you're still concerned about iron, you can also buy cast iron cookware (not the enamel type) which will ensure everything you cook in them has a little.