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Keeping yourself and your baby safe during pregnancy is typically started with eating healthy, being active, and asking for help. You may be hesitant to consume a sizzling hot smoked chicken dish, and you may worry if it is safe to consume while pregnant.
Yes, you can eat smoked chicken while pregnant, but its safety of it is mostly dependent on how it was prepared. It is perfectly okay to consume smoked chicken while pregnant as long as it has been well cooked and not grilled over an open flame.
During pregnancy, healthy protein is one of the essential classes of food needed for the well-being of both the mother and the unborn child. Chicken is a very healthy protein dish, and fortunately, it is also delicious and versatile, as you can prepare a variety of meals from this poultry. When you eat a variety of whole foods, the calories, minerals, and vitamins needed during pregnancy will be provided.
The CDC warns that the chicken must be thoroughly cooked to avoid the spread of listeria or toxoplasmosis, which is found in raw food or soil and can hamper the health of the unborn child or even cause miscarriage. With your food thermometer, make sure it reaches a temperature of at least 74 °C, and if there are leftovers, store them for a maximum of one day, and reheat them to a temperature of 60 °C before eating.
To avoid consuming the fat from poultry, boneless and skinless chicken are preferable. You should also consider making your smoked chicken over a low and slow heat rather than grilling it on an open flame, as some chemical compounds from the flames can affect the growth of the unborn baby, especially when eaten frequently.
Tips for Preparing The Perfect Smoked Chicken
When cooking, special care must be taken to ensure that the food is safe for consumption to prevent food poisoning or infection. Check out some guidelines you could follow when preparing smoked chicken.
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- Thoroughly wash your chicken under running water.
- Prepare your chicken with fewer seasonings and spices.
- Use separate kitchen utensils for the raw meats, and always wash up once you are done to prevent the spread of bacteria and, consequently, food poisoning.
- Using an oven or a smoker is great, but it must be low and have indirect heat.
- To keep the direct heat from flaring up the chicken, wrap it in foil.
- Smoke the chicken to about 74 °C and make sure you use your food thermometer to accurately ascertain the temperature.
- As much as you can, avoid inhaling smoke when grilling on a smoker.
Eating Healthy During Pregnancy; What It Entails
Good nutrition during pregnancy is a determinant for ensuring the unborn child’s growth and development. When pregnant, you should eat well and eat right. We have outlined some helpful tips for eating healthy during this period.
- Make sure you consume plenty of vegetables with your other dishes because they contain nutrients that are beneficial for you and your unborn child.
- By all means, avoid uncooked or undercooked meats, because they can cause toxoplasmosis, which is an infection that affects both the mother and child.
- Reduce your salt and sugar intake as excess sodium puts you at risk of heart disease and stroke, and excess sugar puts you at risk of diabetes and obesity.
- Baking or grilling your food is often preferable to frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Eat Smoked Chicken When Pregnant?
Yes. You can eat smoked chicken when pregnant. As long as the chicken has been thoroughly cooked, and it is preferably lean poultry, enjoy your meal.
Is It Safe to Eat Undercooked Chicken When Pregnant?
No. It is not safe to eat undercooked chicken when pregnant. Pink or rare meats have a high chance of containing toxoplasma or listeria which causes harmful infections for both the mother and the unborn baby.
Can I Always Satisfy My Craving For Smoked Chicken When Pregnant?
No. You cannot always satisfy your cravings for smoked chicken or any other food when pregnant. Cravings are very common for pregnant women, but eating must be done in moderation and with consideration. You should always prioritize eating well when pregnant.
Will I Get Sick From Eating Smoked Chicken When Pregnant?
No. When pregnant, you will not get sick from eating thoroughly and neatly cooked smoked chicken.
Can Eating Smoked Chicken Affect My Unborn Child?
Eating smoked chicken cannot affect your unborn child, as long as the chicken has been thoroughly cooked and is consumed in moderation.
Can Barbecue Smoke Affect Pregnancy?
Yes. Barbecue smoke can affect pregnancy because when you stay around grills or smoke frequently, you are exposing yourself to carbon monoxide and other harmful chemical compounds that are unsafe for your health and also toxic for the unborn baby.
Summary
Smoked chicken is safe to eat while pregnant. However, you should eat in moderation, as you do not need to “eat for two.” Undercooked meats put you at risk of contracting listeria or toxoplasmosis, both of which are detrimental to both you and your unborn child.
Because nutritious food aids your baby’s development, you must prioritize eating well over indulging your cravings.
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