Hello sweet friends 🌸
Vancouver’s in peak bloom, and I’m officially 30 weeks now—feeling very round, very full, and waddling through life at a slower pace again (baby’s apparently somewhere between the size of a cabbage and a bundle of asparagus? These produce comparisons are getting a little wild!).
This season has really put things into perspective, and the past month has been about tuning in and nourishing my mind, body, and baby, who’s been kicking lots and putting serious pressure on my organs.
Growing a human is no joke, and I’ve been doing my best to show this body some love. Between gentle movement and cozy rituals, I’ve also been intentional about what’s on my plate (he’s literally growing half a pound a week at this point!)—focusing on protein, iron, omega-3s, and fiber to keep things…moving along. All great things for anyone, pregnant or not. It’s been a gift to have the space to care for myself in this way, and I don’t take that lightly. 💛
Here’s what that’s looked like lately—gluten-free as always (aside from the separate bread I keep on hand and the occasional gluten pastry):
Protein
Eggs have been on heavy rotation—whether soft-boiled, scrambled with veg, poached on toast, French omelette-ed with cheese, or turned into silky Chinese-style steamed eggs like the ones my gong (maternal grandpa) used to make. Light, satisfying, and full of comfort—especially over steamed rice.
Chinese-Style Steamed Eggs
Serves 2
Ingredients
3 eggs
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 1/4 cup tepid water
drizzle of sesame oil and (gluten-free) soy sauce or tamari
scallion greens and/or cilantro, chopped (optional, as garnish)
Instructions
Bring an inch of water to a boil in a steamer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, salt, and water until smooth and uniform. Strain the mixture into a shallow, heatproof dish that fits your steamer.
Place dish in the steamer, cover with a plate, and steam for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit, covered, for another 5 minutes until set and slightly jiggly.
Carefully remove with kitchen towels, rest for 2 minutes, then cut slits across the top into squares for optimal sauce absorption. Drizzle with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garnish with scallions and cilantro. Serve with steamed rice.
I’ve also been big on braise-y meats, roasting or sous-viding chicken for easy meals, and sipping soothing bowls of bone broth made with Attitude of Soups’s pre-mixed herbal packets to support digestion and energy. Bonus points for all that collagen!
Iron
I recently found out I’m slightly anemic (from pumping up to 50% more blood!), so I’ve been reaching for iron-rich goodies like pâté, steak, and clams. When I learned that clams are a great source, we naturally made a trip to Granville Island’s The Lobster Man for some fresh manila ones and whipped up a tomatoey, garlicky spaghetti alle vongole with anchovies, lemon, and gluten-free Rummo spaghetti.
Fiber & Probiotics
Another thing about pregnancy is that digestion slows way down. Leafy greens have been going into everything from soups, stews, stir-fries, and smoothies. Go-to snacks have been yogurt with berries and super seeds, plus these feel-good dark chocolate peanut butter dates with walnuts and flaky salt. Dates are packed with fiber and supposedly help with labor, so I’m all in!
Dark Chocolate Covered Dates with Peanut Butter, Walnuts, and Flaky Salt
Makes 12
Ingredients
1/2 cup dark chocolate
12 Medjool dates
12 tsp natural peanut butter
12 walnuts, toasted
flaky salt (like Maldon)
Instructions
On medium-low heat, melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with 2 inches of water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Stir until smooth.
Meanwhile, slice open the dates halfway and remove the pits. Fill each date with a teaspoon of peanut butter and a walnut, then gently press to close.
Dip into melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined plate. Sprinkle with flaky salt and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before digging in and storing in an airtight container.
For something fun, quick, and craveable, these cheesy corn kimchi quesadillas (recipe on Roux) are probiotic-rich, thanks to the cheese and kimchi.
Healthy Fats & Omega-3s
These support nutrient absorption, regulate hormones, and help with baby’s brain development—so I’ve been adding salmon, sardines, nuts, seeds, and grass-fed butter to the mix whenever I can.
Speaking of butter, a friend and I made our own by whipping heavy cream in a stand mixer until it separated into fat (butter) and buttermilk. Simply rinse the butter under cold water while gently squeezing out any remaining buttermilk, season however you’d like, and voilà! So easy. We made a sea salt version (1 teaspoon of salt per pound), rosemary & thyme, and dill & chive. Such a treat on toast or melted into dishes.
I also made The Loopy Whisk’s buttermilk biscuits from The Elements of Baking using the homemade buttermilk—served with sea salt butter and mango peach jam. Silly good.
Hydration
You need more of everything when you’re growing a baby, including fluids. I’m aiming for 2 to 3 L a day (it’s a mission), with help from coconut water, fresh juices, and herbal teas. Faves right now: Earth Mama Organics’ Third Trimester Tea, Tazo’s Calm Chamomile, and the internet-memed classic, Celestial Seasonings’ Sleepytime.
With all that said, even when I feel like I’m doing the “right” things, there are still moments when my body feels out of sync. It can be a mind game. What I’ve truly learned during pregnancy is the importance of being gentle with yourself, doing what feels good in the moment, and finding that sweet spot between wellness and joy.
These are the things that have nourished me lately, and by no means do you have to do it this way. What matters most is doing what feels right for you. 💕
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RECENT JOYS
📚 No-Pressure Cookbook Club – Rebekah Ho’s inaugural cookbook club warmed my heart, with around 30 people gathering to share dishes from Tiffy Cooks.
📺 Top Chef Season 22 – I love that Top Chef US is doing a season in Canada, and I got the chance to be a diner in Episode 2 at the maple brunch challenge at Café Boulud in Toronto.
📖 The First Forty Days – From the same authors as Nine Golden Months, this book is a rare gem on the postpartum experience, filled with thoughtful guidance and healing recipes.
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That’s all for this update, but I’ve got a super exciting announcement coming soon! For now, we’re soaking up this in-between season of nesting and caring for each other as we prepare for all the big, beautiful changes ahead.
✌🏼 Peace, love, and good food,
Jannell