Can you eat gnocchi when pregnant?
In this article we are going to answer can you eat gnocchi when pregnant, what is gnocchi, what are the varieties of gnocchi, how to safely eat gnocchi when pregnant, and some recipe ideas for you to eat gnocchi when pregnant.
Can you eat gnocchi when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat gnocchi when pregnant. Gnocchi is not the problem, the main issue might be if the sauce is made with soft cheese made with unpasteurized milk. If served steaming hot, then it is safe to eat.
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi is a variety of dumplings made in Italian cuisine. They are made of tiny small balls or lumps composed of semolina, wheat flour, egg, cheese, potato wheat, breadcrumbs, or cornmeal. The ingredients may vary.
Original gnocchi recipe is made from cooked mashed potato, flour, and eggs. There are some varieties of gnocchi
Roman Gnocchi
They are a variety of the original gnocchi recipe. They are made with semolina instead of potato and flour. It is shaped similar to polenta and is backed with butter, egg yolks, and parmesan cheese.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
It is a chicken soup made with gnocchi. It is served with mini gnocchi.
Spinach Gnocchi
They are originally from Tuscany and are made with potato starch, spinach, and ricotta cheese. It Is one of the most served versions of gnocchi.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
It is a gluten-free and low-carb version made from cauliflower and gluten-free flour and potato starch. You can usually find them in the supermarket ready to eat.
How to safely eat gnocchi when pregnant?
Gnocchi is generally safe to eat. You just need to be sure that the eggs they are using are pasteurized and if they are using cheese in the sauce that is made with pasteurized milk.
You don’t have to worry a lot because gnocchi and the sauce are cooked, as long as it is steaming hot you are safe!
What happens if I eat too much gnocchi?
First, you may get stomach sick if you eat too much gnocchi when pregnant. Second, you need to eat in moderation when pregnant. Gnocchi for sure can be part of a healthy diet. Just remember variation and moderation is the key.
One cup of gnocchi without sauce contains 254 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 18 mg of sodium, 320 mg of potassium, 52 grams of carbohydrates of which 0.8 grams are from sugar, and 7.7 grams of protein.
They are a dish high in carbohydrates, so eat them in moderation. The sauce is missing so, they usually are higher in calories, carbohydrates, and fat. They are good for once in a while.
Try to stick to your healthy and balanced diet. Also, you can choose a sauce made with vegetables so the dish doesn’t add up to many calories.
In general, when pregnant you should follow a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A few nutrients need special attention during pregnancy, like folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids.
- Ideally, 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day
- Increase your intake of whole grains and cereal foods. Choose high fiber options
- Milk, hard cheese, and yogurt are great options because they are high calcium foods.
- Choose low-fat options and good fats: fats from vegetable sources like almonds, olive oil, and avocado.
- Choose lean proteins and choose low mercury fish options.
- Drink plenty of water
- Always stay active
Weight gain should be closely monitored because the mother and baby’s health depends on it.
Here is a table with the recommended weight gain during pregnancy based on your prepregnancy BMI.
| BMI at beginning of pregnancy (kg/m2) | Recommended weight gain during pregnancy (kg) |
| 18.5 underweight | 12.5 -18.0 kg |
| 18.5 – 24.9 healthy | 11.15 – 16 kg |
| 25.0 -29.9 overweight | 7.0 – 11.5 kg |
| more than 30 overweight | 5.0 – 9.0 kg |
How can I make gnocchi?
Gnocchi is not that easy to do but here are some recipes for you to follow.
Other FAQs about Pasta that you may be interested in.
Can you eat ravioli without sauce?
Can you eat pasta without sauce?
Conclusion
This article answered the question: can you eat gnocchi when pregnant, what is gnocchi, what are the varieties of gnocchi, how to safely eat gnocchi when pregnant, and some recipe ideas for you to eat gnocchi when pregnant.
Citation
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-gnocchi/
https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-07/Pregnancy_brochure_21_0.pdf
