5 Healthy Pie Recipes for Pregnancy: Delicious and Nutritious Options

Pregnancy is a time of great change and excitement, with the journey involving physical, emotional, and nutritional considerations. The food choices you make during this time play a crucial role in supporting both your health and your baby’s development. While indulging in the occasional treat is completely acceptable, it’s important to make healthy choices that nourish your body and help maintain your energy levels. Pies, often considered a guilty pleasure, can be transformed into nutrient-dense delights when made with wholesome ingredients. In this article, we will explore five healthy pie recipes that are ideal for pregnancy. These pies are crafted using nourishing ingredients that provide essential vitamins and minerals such as fibre, protein, iron, and healthy fats, all of which are key to supporting a healthy pregnancy. By incorporating these recipes into your antenatal diet, you can enjoy a sweet or savoury treat while ensuring that you’re giving your body what it needs.

1. Sweet Potato and Spinach Pie

Why It’s Great for Pregnancy: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene (vitamin A), which is essential for fetal development, particularly for the baby’s eyes, skin, and immune system. Spinach, rich in folate, is another vital nutrient during pregnancy, supporting the development of the baby’s nervous system and reducing the risk of neural tube defects. This savoury pie combines two pregnancy-friendly ingredients, creating a dish that is both comforting and nutrient-packed. Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade) Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a pie dish.
2. Boil the sweet potato cubes in water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and mash.
3. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
5. Combine the mashed sweet potato, sautéed vegetables, and spices in a bowl. Stir in the feta cheese if using.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden.
7. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. This sweet potato and spinach pie is a nourishing dish packed with essential nutrients for both mother and baby. The combination of vitamins A and C, folate, and healthy fats ensures that you’re supporting your baby’s development while enjoying a tasty, satisfying meal.

2. Chicken and Broccoli Pie

Why It’s Great for Pregnancy: Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is vital for the growth and development of your baby’s muscles and organs. Broccoli, on the other hand, provides vitamin C, calcium, and fibre, all of which are crucial during pregnancy. This hearty and filling chicken and broccoli pie is perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner. Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade) Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a pie dish.
2. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the steamed broccoli and shredded chicken to the pan, stirring to combine.
4. Stir in the cream cheese or Greek yogurt, thyme, and black pepper, creating a creamy filling.
5. Transfer the filling into the pie crust and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
6. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. The chicken and broccoli pie provides a well-rounded meal that combines protein, fibre, and essential vitamins. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake during pregnancy, which is important for fetal growth and development.

3. Apple and Cinnamon Crumble Pie

Why It’s Great for Pregnancy: Apples are an excellent source of fibre and vitamin C, both of which are beneficial for digestion and immune health during pregnancy. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with bloating and discomfort, which some women experience during pregnancy. This sweet pie offers a healthier alternative to sugary desserts, as the natural sweetness from apples reduces the need for excessive sugar. Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds (optional) Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a pie dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the apple slices with honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Place the mixture into the pie crust.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, oats, coconut oil, and chopped almonds (if using). Mix until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
5. Bake the pie for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving. This apple and cinnamon crumble pie is a wholesome and nutritious dessert option for pregnancy. It provides fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which support both your immune system and digestion.

4. Lentil and Vegetable Pie

Why It’s Great for Pregnancy: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and iron, both of which are essential during pregnancy to support the development of red blood cells and prevent anaemia. This lentil and vegetable pie combines the richness of lentils with a variety of vegetables, providing fibre, vitamins, and minerals in every bite. The hearty filling also helps support energy levels, which is important as pregnancy can sometimes leave you feeling fatigued. Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade) Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a pie dish.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the diced carrot, zucchini, and peas, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked lentils, oregano, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Transfer the vegetable-lentil mixture into the pie crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This lentil and vegetable pie is a great source of plant-based protein, iron, and fibre, making it a fantastic choice for maintaining your energy levels and supporting healthy blood circulation during pregnancy.

5. Salmon and Leek Pie

Why It’s Great for Pregnancy: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. Leeks are rich in folate, which is crucial for preventing birth defects. Combined with the health benefits of these ingredients, this salmon and leek pie provides a satisfying meal that’s full of good fats, protein, and important vitamins for pregnancy. Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked
• 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade) Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a pie dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and sauté the leek until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the peas, salmon, dill, lemon juice, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden.
5. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This salmon and leek pie is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your baby’s brain development, as well as protein and vitamins.During pregnancy, maintaining a balanced diet is essential for the health of both you and your baby. Incorporating healthy, nutrient-rich pies into your diet is an enjoyable way to boost your intake of vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats. These five pie recipes are packed with pregnancy-friendly ingredients like sweet potatoes, spinach, chicken, lentils, and salmon, making them perfect for satisfying both your cravings and your nutritional needs. Remember to pair your healthy diet with regular antenatal care and antenatal appointments to ensure the best outcomes for you and your baby. Additionally, complementing your diet with prenatal yoga or antenatal fitness can help you stay active and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.