Follicular Phase Recipe | Nutritious Dinner Idea
Feeds: 2 (plus extra for freezing) | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins
Can’t decide what to cook for dinner? Don’t fret because I’ve got the answer! When thinking about how to prepare for pregnancy, meals like this braised beef and lentil stew are ideal.
It’s a hearty and delicious option perfect for the follicular phase. During this phase, energy and stamina often rise, making it the ideal time to enjoy a flavourful and nutritious meal.
The best part? This pop-in-the-oven-and-forget-it dish requires minimal effort, yet it creates a mouthwatering meal that’ll have you going back for seconds. So treat yourself to this delicious stew during your next follicular phase because you deserve it!
Plus, this recipe makes extra, so you’ll have leftovers for breakfast beef and lentils with baked eggs for tomorrow's breakfast recipe.
Ingredients
When it comes to pre-pregnancy planning, taking the right steps can set a strong foundation for your health. How to prepare for pregnancy isn’t just about eating well; it’s a comprehensive approach.
In my eBook, I recommend giving yourself at least 6 months to a year to prepare. Start by addressing menstrual health concerns, checking your iron levels with a blood test, and focusing on a balanced, nutritious diet.
It’s also essential to regulate your sleep, never skip breakfast, and work on reducing stress levels to create the best environment for conception. Tracking your Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is another helpful tool for understanding your cycle and timing.
This braised beef and lentil stew is a perfect recipe to incorporate into your routine, with its high protein and iron content that supports your body’s needs during the follicular phase.
1kg beef chunks – A rich source of iron and protein for sustained energy.
2/3 cup dry green or puy lentils – High in protein and iron for energy.
1 onion, diced – Adds flavour and supports immune health.
2 small carrots, chopped – High in vitamin A and fibre.
2 garlic cloves, crushed – Known for its immune-boosting properties.
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar – Adds a depth of flavour.
Beef, chicken, or vegetable stock – Provides richness and supports hydration.
A few sprigs of thyme – Adds aroma while promoting relaxation.
3 tbsp olive oil – Provides healthy fats to support hormone health.
Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning.
Step-by-Step Dinner Preparation
Understanding why preconception care is important can be transformative when planning for a healthy pregnancy. When learning how to prepare for pregnancy, this knowledge can significantly improve your chances of natural conception, support hormonal balance, and enhance your overall health.
It's also worth mentioning some essential steps, including focusing on a balanced diet, regulating sleep, and managing stress levels. Effective pre-pregnancy planning also involves tracking your cycle and checking for signs your body is ready for pregnancy, such as a regular menstrual cycle and optimal iron levels.
With the right approach, you increase the likelihood of conceiving naturally while preparing for a healthy pregnancy. So start cooking, enjoy this delicious recipe, and prepare your body for the journey ahead!
Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to gas mark 4.
Brown the beef: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a heavy skillet or oven-proof pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides. Set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and chopped carrots to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the balsamic vinegar, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Combine beef and vegetables: Return the browned beef to the pan with the vegetables. Add enough stock to cover about halfway up the meat. Cover and cook in the oven on low heat for 45 minutes.
Add lentils and thyme: Stir in the lentils and thyme, adding more stock. Cover the lentils generously. Cover the pan and return it to the oven for another 30 minutes or until the lentils and meat are both tender.
Serve and enjoy: Serve hot and savour the flavour!
Tips and Variations
Keep half the stew in the fridge for tomorrow’s breakfast beef and lentils with baked eggs recipe.
This stew freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch!
For those who want more, add a side of mashed potatoes to go with the stew. Yum!
Want to up your iron intake? Toss in two handfuls of spinach before serving.
Pushed for time? Canned lentils work just as well, reducing the cooking time by around 40 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
For those counting every nibble, here’s the calorie scoop because I know some of you are keeping score!
Calories: Approximately 500 kcal
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 40 g