Pregnancy is a time when every bite counts. Eating nutrient-rich, whole foods not only supports your baby’s development but also helps you feel your best through every trimester. Two humble summer vegetables, corn and zucchini, are seasonal staples that offer an impressive array of benefits for expecting moms. And the best part? They’re absolutely delicious when paired in dishes like our Summer Garden Risotto.
Corn: Sweet, Satisfying, and Full of Key Nutrients
- Folate: Critical for fetal development, especially in the early weeks, folate helps prevent neural tube defects. Corn is a natural source of this essential B vitamin.
- Fiber: Helps with one of pregnancy’s most common complaints, constipation. Corn’s fiber content keeps things moving and supports gut health.
- Antioxidants: Corn contains lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that support both your vision and your baby’s developing eyes.
Zucchini: Light, Versatile, and Full of Pregnancy Supporting Nutrients
- Vitamin C: Helps boost the immune system and aids in collagen production for healthy skin and tissue development.
- Potassium: Supports muscle function and helps balance blood pressure.
- Water content: Zucchini is more than 90% water, making it a hydrating addition to any meal, particularly helpful in warmer months.
For those with celiac disease, pregnancy adds an extra layer of attention to food choices. Thankfully, risotto is naturally gluten-free when made with traditional arborio rice and gluten-free add-in ingredients. It’s a satisfying, versatile dish that doesn’t require any gluten-containing flours or thickeners.
Our Summer Garden Risotto is made with fresh vegetables, creamy mascarpone, and fragrant basil. It’s a perfect comfort food that feels indulgent while still supporting your nutritional needs and dietary restrictions. Check out the recipe here.
Pro Tips: Use vegetable stock to keep this dish vegetarian and choose pasteurized cheeses to keep it pregnancy-safe. Serve with a leafy green salad for an extra boost of folate, iron, and fiber.
Whether you’re newly pregnant or well into your third trimester, adding seasonal vegetables like corn and zucchini to your meals is a delicious and easy way to support your growing baby.
