Children are one of life’s most precious gifts, meaning that they are something too many women must fight to have. While some women must go to great lengths to have children, others are simply faced with the fact that their bodies must be in tip top shape in order to conceive. Aside from ensuring that a woman is in good health, those hoping to have a child must maintain a proper diet designed to guarantee fertility. Lean proteins, whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, and certain dairies are all components necessary to build fertility-friendly recipes, and to incorporate while trying to conceive, for optimal health.
According to the Virtual Medical Centre, a woman’s macronutrient (energy) and her micronutrients (vitamins) require a drastic increase when she is of childbearing age and hoping to conceive. Her diet needs to sustain these needs, a reality that makes some women wonder if they must spend their days eating salads and plain boiled chicken, but that is simply not true. A plethora of delicious meals exist to prepare women for fertility, most of which will have you craving more!
Steak and Skillet Tomatoes
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
3 tsp. olive oil
2 strip steaks (1-inch thick)
salt and black pepper to taste
2 pints organic grape tomatoes
1/4 C. of fresh oregano leaves
Directions:
Over medium heat, use two teaspoons of olive oil to coat a large skillet. Season both pieces of steak with salt and pepper on each side. From there, cook your steaks to your desired degree of doneness. Before slicing, let the meat rest for five minutes.
Before cooking the grape tomatoes, wipe out the skillet. Use the remaining olive oil to coat the pan, increasing the temperature to medium-high heat. When the tomatoes begin to soften, add the oregano and then serve with the steak.
Chicken and Quinoa Burritos
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
4 whole wheat tortillas
1 C. cooked, shredded chicken
1 C. rinsed and warmed black beans
1 C. cooked quinoa
1 C. Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1 C. cilantro sprigs
1 sliced avocado
1 C. corn salsa
Directions:
After cooking, grating, cutting, and chopping your ingredients, begin piling them onto your tortillas. Roll your burritos and serve with the corn salsa.
Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad
Ingredients:
1 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
5 Tbsp. of balsamic vinegar
1 C. romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 C. mozzarella balls
Directions:
Once your ingredients are prepped, this salad truly just makes itself. Begin by adding your lettuce to a bowl. Add the chicken, grape tomatoes, avocado, and mozzarella balls. Toss with three tablespoons of the balsamic vinegar and use the other two to drizzle on top.
Garlic and Herb Cauliflower Casserole
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
1 Package Simply Organic Garlic and Herb Vegetable Seasoning, 71 oz.
1 large head of cauliflower, chopped
2 tsp. butter
1 sm. yellow onion, diced
2 tsp. whole wheat flour
1 3/4 C. of milk
1 C. grated cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
1 container of Greek Yogurt, at least 5 oz.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and then steam your cauliflower for at least four minutes. Sauté the onions in the butter in a large skillet on medium heat for five minutes before adding the flour. Stir the mixture until the onions are well coated. Next, add the milk and stir until the mixture thickens. Add the seasoning, cheese, yogurt, and cauliflower to the onions and stir until everything is combined. Transfer to a casserole dish and bake uncovered for twenty minutes.
Mushroom and Black Bean Chili
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
2 yellow onions, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
2 lbs. of cremini mushrooms, chopped
1 med. can of diced tomatoes
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté the onions and peppers until they become tender. Add the seasonings and mushrooms; cook for ten minutes. Add the tomatoes and the beans to the pot with the rest of the ingredients. Season the chili with salt and pepper and simmer on low heat for at least an hour.