Do you ever read a book and think, 'Gosh, I wish I'd had that when I was expecting.'? That's exactly the thought that went through my head as I flicked through the pages of Annabel Karmel's latest book, 'Eating for two'. It's still perfect for me even though I've had my baby because I am still exclusively breastfeeding my Daughter, and it's really important for me to eat well. I love Annabel Karmel, and I have most of her books since discovering her when I started weaning my first child 12 years ago.
'Eating for two is a 'complete guide to nutrition during pregnancy and beyond', and guides expectant mothers throughout each stage of their pregnancy, offering tips and advice on what to eat and avoid.
From the best foods to eat to promote conception, through ideas for avoiding morning sickness in the first trimester, to the best nutrition to combat sleeplessness, anaemia and heartburn later on, the book steers readers through pregnancy and beyond, even suggesting meals to make and freeze ready for when baby arrives.'
The book is packed with mouth-watering and nutritious recipes and tips on what to eat during the first, second, third trimester and beyond. Annabel explains the importance of good nutrition during pregnancy and early Motherhood, and there is a section on 'pregnancy supernutrients' which is really interesting to read as well.
The book made me feel well-educated on what sort of diet I should be having, and after making some of the recipes, I honestly had forgotten just how good healthy food can taste. I do eat well on the whole, but sometimes as all busy Mums know, it's easy to 'forget yourself' when you're so busy looking after everyone else.
It's not all 'rabbit food' as one of my friends calls it; there are really tasty meals, snacks, and gorgeous desserts too! I made the recipe featured on the front page, Chicken salad with pears, rocket and chargrilled courgettes and yes; it's as yummy as it sounds! I did tweak it a bit to suit our budget and supermarket stock, but it really was an enjoyable meal. Best of all, even the kids want to eat it - bonus!
The tweaking I did was very minor. The recipe calls for pine nuts, which are probably my most favourite thing ever to grace my salad bowl, but when on a budget I cannot justify paying £3 for them when that's how much I managed to get the chicken for (and that was to feed 5 of us!) So I used toasted sesame seeds instead; not quite as delicious but still very tasty and they go really well with chicken and salad alike. I also couldn't get rocket on its own so I had rocket and baby leaf spinach - one of my favourites and really, really good for you. If you grow your own, or visit a greengrocer/farm shop, you can probably have more choice, but I adore baby leaf spinach and it was amazing!
I'd never had pear in a salad before, but oh my word, it gives a fantastic sweetness and as I used Comice pears; a little bit of crunch too. Comice pears are one of my favourites when eating them raw as they are sweet and juicy, but crisp at the same time. These worked really well here.
I decided to go all out with this meal and also made Annabel's Lemon Cheesecake - I am salivating as I type this, because it uses all of 6 ingredients but it is without a doubt, the best cheesecake I have ever made. I could have easily eaten the whole thing (I didn't, of course!)
It's creamy and tangy and is not sickly or heavy like some cheesecakes can be; the lightest of desserts and now one of my absolute favourites.
Overall, I think this is a fantastic book for any new Mum or Mum to be. It would make a wonderful present for someone who has just announced they are expecting a bundle too. I love it, and I am hoping to make some more of the recipes very soon.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of the book for review purposes. My opinions remain honest as always. I am also a Babyhuddle Elite Blogger and posts sometimes contain links to lists and reviews I have created there.
