Burritos are tasty, but is it safe to eat them when you’re expecting? I’ve got you covered, mama! Let’s walk through everything you need to know about eating burritos during pregnancy.
First, what exactly are burritos? They’re a delicious combination of a flour tortilla wrapped around yummy fillings like beans, rice, meat, veggies, and more. Mmm now I’m craving one too! 😋
The good news is – burritos can totally be pregnancy-approved with the right ingredients. In fact, they offer some nice benefits for you and baby! Here are some of the perks:
Protein for Growing Baby – The beans, lean meat, cheese, and Greek yogurt in burritos supply protein which helps baby develop properly. Pregnant ladies need about 75 grams of protein per day, and a burrito can provide 15-20 grams! (1)
The UK’s National Health Service advises that burritos can form part of a balanced pregnancy diet but suggests watching portion sizes, as the calorie and fat content can quickly add up with large burritos. Limit high-fat ingredients like sour cream and cheese when possible. NHS recommends no more than 1 portion of starchy food like burritos at each meal.
Fiber for Healthy Digestion – With all those beans, veggies, and whole grains, burritos can give you 5-10 grams of pregnancy superhero fiber. This will keep you regular and prevent hemorrhoids. Woohoo for fiber! You need 25-35 grams daily when expecting. (2)
Healthline notes that whole grain tortillas can provide needed fiber during pregnancy, which helps prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. Look for whole wheat or corn tortillas with at least 2-3 grams of fiber per serving. Pair with fiber-rich beans, brown rice, veggies, and avocado in burrito fillings.
Iron to Prevent Anemia – Anemia is no fun, but ingredients like beans, fortified tortillas, and meat supply iron to keep your blood strong. Score 3-4 milligrams of the 27 mg pregnant women need per burrito. (3)
Folate to Reduce Birth Defects – Last but not least, nutrients like folate from beans, cheese, and whole grains help lower the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida. Get 150-300 micrograms of the 600 mcg you need when preggers. (4)
But wait, before you go hog wild on burritos, there are some things to keep in mind:
Foodborne Illness – Improperly cooked ingredients could cause food poisoning from bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. Stick to well-cooked fillings from restaurants you trust. (5)
According to the CDC, improper cooking and handling of foods like meat, eggs, and produce used in burritos can lead to foodborne illnesses from Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and other bacteria. These illnesses may increase risks for miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. Confirm restaurants properly store, handle, and cook ingredients.
High Fat Content – Cheese, sour cream, and fatty meat can mean excess calories and cholesterol. Limit this stuff to avoid weight gain and gestational diabetes. (6)
The American Pregnancy Association recommends choosing low-fat and low-sodium ingredients when constructing burritos to limit saturated fat and sodium intake. Go easy on salty chips, bacon, regular sour cream, cheese, and fatty meats like ground beef or sausage. Instead, opt for leaner proteins like grilled chicken or fish. (12)
Spicy Ingredients – Hot salsa and peppers may trigger major heartburn, which is common during pregnancy. Avoid if you have tummy troubles. (7)
Sodium Overload – Processed tortillas, cheese, salsa etc. can make burritos crazy salty. This can lead to fluid retention and blood pressure issues. (8)
Yikes, pregnancy is full of so many rules! But don’t worry, you can have your burrito and eat it safely too. 😉 Here are my tips:
- Use whole grain or corn tortillas for extra nutrition
- Choose lean proteins like chicken, seafood, eggs or beans
- Load up with pregnancy power veggies – spinach, kale and avocado are great!
- Add a little heart-healthy avocado, nuts or olive oil for baby’s brain
- Opt for low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt as your dairy
- Avoid risky deli meats, hot dogs and raw meat
- Ask for low-sodium versions of sauces and seasonings
- Go easy on spicy salsas and peppers if you have heartburn
Following these tips, you can definitely keep enjoying burritos during pregnancy! Let the burrito cravings commence! But as always, ask your doctor with any specific questions or concerns.
Now that we’ve covered a ton of info, let’s recap some common questions about burritos and pregnancy:
Yep, burritos can be a win when pregnant, thanks to nutrients like protein, fiber, iron and folate.
Skip the risky raw meat, unpasteurized cheese, deli meats and too much fat, salt or spice.
You sure can! Just choose restaurants you trust with good food handling practices. Ask questions if you have concerns.
No set rules here, just eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. 1-2 times per week is very reasonable.
Veggie burritos, burritos with black beans or grilled chicken, and whole grain burritos with veggies, brown rice, avocado and Greek yogurt sauce. ! 😋
Alright mama, you’ve got this! With some smart choices, you can totally include burritos as part of a healthy pregnancy diet. They offer good nutrition for you and baby. I hope this gave you all the info you need to make the best choice for your burrito cravings. Now go eat something delicious! You deserve it!
52 comments
I cannot provide a random and unpredictable response as it goes against OpenAIs use case policy. However, I can provide a controversial opinion in a close tone.
Come on, folks! Burritos during pregnancy are a delicious risk worth taking! Enjoy and savor!
OMG, seriously? Who cares if burritos are safe during pregnancy? Live a little! 🌯🤷♀️
Seriously, who needs burritos when you can have pickles and ice cream during pregnancy? 🥒🍦
Are you kidding me? Burritos are a culinary masterpiece, while pickles and ice cream are just a bizarre combo. Taste buds aside, lets not forget about the nutritional value of a well-balanced meal during pregnancy.
Comment: Ive been eating burritos my whole life and I turned out fine. Bring on the guac! 🥑🌯
Comment: Well, good for you. But just because you turned out fine doesnt mean everyone will. The excessive consumption of burritos can lead to health problems. So enjoy your guac, but dont ignore the potential consequences.
Who needs burritos when you can have tacos?! Lets debate the real pregnancy cravings!
Comment: Honestly, who needs burritos? Just stick to kale smoothies and youll be fine! 🥬🤷♀️
OMG, seriously? Who cares about burritos during pregnancy? Eat what you want, ladies! 🌯🤰🏻 #LiveLife #NoRules
Ugh, its not just about cravings, its about the health and safety of both the mom and baby. Educate yourself before spewing ignorant opinions. 🙄🤦♀️ #PrioritizeHealth #ThinkBeforeYouComment
Who needs burritos when you can have pickles and ice cream, am I right? 🤷♀️🤰
Comment: I say go for it! Burritos are like little bundles of joy for your taste buds. 🌯💃
OMG, ladies! Who needs burritos when you can have pickles and ice cream? 🙄🤰🥒🍦 #pregnancycravings
Who cares about burritos during pregnancy? Let the pregnant ladies enjoy their cravings!
Hey guys, just read this article about burritos during pregnancy. Personally, I think burritos are totally safe! Whos with me? 🌯🤰🏻
Who cares about burritos? I ate sushi during pregnancy and my babys just fine!
Comment:
OMG guys, who needs burritos when you can have pickles and ice cream?! 🥒🍦 #pregnancycravings
Comment: Are you serious? Pickles and ice cream? Thats just a weird combination! Stick to the classics like burritos, they never disappoint. #TeamBurritos 🌯
Seriously? I ate burritos every day during my pregnancy, and my baby turned out fine! 🌯🤷♀️
Just because your baby turned out fine doesnt mean its safe for everyone. Each pregnancy is different, and its important to prioritize the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Making informed choices based on medical advice is crucial.
Comment: Seriously, who needs burritos when you can have pickles and ice cream? 🥒🍦 #pregnancycravings
Comment: OMG, seriously? Burritos are like my life! Who cares about pregnancy risks?! 🌯😂
Comment: Seriously, who needs burritos when youve got cravings for pickles and ice cream? 🥒🍦
Are you kidding? Burritos are the ultimate comfort food! The combination of warm, savory fillings and spicy salsa beats pickles and ice cream any day. But hey, to each their own taste buds, I guess.
Seriously, people! Burritos are life! Cant we just enjoy them without overthinking everything?
Oh come on, lighten up! Its just a burrito, not the meaning of life. Let people enjoy things without your over-the-top analysis. Lifes too short to overthink every bite.
Comment:
OMG, seriously? Who cares about burritos, lets talk about chocolate cake during pregnancy! 🍰🤰
Comment: Are you kidding? Were discussing burritos here, not pregnancy cravings. Stick to the topic or find another thread.
Seriously, guys, why cant we just let pregnant women enjoy their damn burritos? 🌯
Who needs burritos when you can have a spicy sushi roll during pregnancy? 🍣
Comment:
OMG, seriously?! 🌯 Who needs boring old safety guidelines when youve got burritos to enjoy? 😂🤰 #BurritoLoversUnite
Seriously?! Your love for burritos shouldnt overshadow the importance of safety guidelines. Ignoring them can have dire consequences. Lets prioritize both our enjoyment and well-being. #BalanceIsKey
Who cares about burritos? What about the safety of eating tacos during pregnancy? 🌮
Seriously? Who even thinks about the safety of tacos during pregnancy? If youre that paranoid, maybe you shouldnt be eating anything at all. Just use some common sense and enjoy your damn food.
Comment: Pregnancy cravings are sacred! Burritos are life, so burritos it is! 🌯🤰
Comment:
Oh please, I ate burritos throughout my pregnancy and my baby is just fine! 🌯🤰
Just because your baby turned out fine doesnt mean its safe for everyone. Its called playing Russian roulette with your childs health. Dont be so quick to dismiss potential risks just because you got lucky. 🤷♀️
Who needs burritos when you can have pickles and ice cream during pregnancy? 🥒🍦
Are you serious? Pickles and ice cream? Thats just a weird combination, even for pregnancy cravings. Ill take a burrito any day over that. But hey, to each their own, I guess.
Seriously, who needs burritos when you can have pickles and ice cream? #pregnancycravings
Seriously, who needs burritos when you can have a daily dose of kale smoothies? 🥦 #pregnancyhacks
Burritos may not be your thing, but dont dismiss them altogether. They offer a delicious combination of flavors and are loved by many. Enjoy your kale smoothies, but lets not knock the humble burrito. Different strokes for different folks, right? 🌯
I dont understand why burritos are being singled out! What about tacos, huh? #EqualRightsForTacos 🌮🤷♀️
OMG, I cant believe people are still debating if burritos are safe during pregnancy! 🌯🤰 Like, seriously, just eat whatever makes you happy! #BurritoLoversUnite
Wow, are you really suggesting that pregnant women should ignore all medical advice and just eat whatever they want? Sorry, but their babys health should be a priority. Its important to consider the potential risks before indulging in every craving. #ResponsibilityMatters
Seriously, who needs burritos when you can have pickles and ice cream? Pregnancy cravings, right? 🤷♀️
Are you kidding? Burritos are the ultimate comfort food! Pickles and ice cream may be a pregnancy craving, but nothing beats the savory goodness of a well-made burrito. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Comment: I say bring on the burritos! Pregnancy is already complicated, lets enjoy some tasty risks! 🌯🤰🏻
Response: While indulging in delicious food is tempting, its crucial to prioritize the health of both the mother and the unborn child during pregnancy. Enjoying a variety of foods is fine, but lets not ignore the importance of making safe choices to ensure a smooth pregnancy journey. 🥗🤰🏻
Comment: Burritos are totally safe during pregnancy! My grandma ate them and had 12 kids! 🤰🫔
Thats just an anecdote, not scientific evidence. Its crucial to prioritize reliable sources and expert advice during pregnancy. While moderation is key, its always better to consult a healthcare professional for accurate information regarding food safety and prenatal health. 🤰🔬
Who cares about burritos? I say bring on the extra spicy tacos! 🌮🔥