Christmas is approaching rapidly, and it is FINALLY time for the Christmas buffet. You are pregnant, and suddenly you become very unsure about what you can and should avoid eating. We know, because we have read book after book and page after page that the Christmas buffet is a minefield of dangerous foods for your little one. And yes, the classic Christmas buffet does consist of products that are not recommended for pregnant women. But that doesn't mean you have to avoid the Christmas buffet because, when we think about it, there are plenty of things you can eat that can even be good for you.

Can I eat herring when I am pregnant?

Research has been done on whether all the products previously warned against are actually that dangerous. The result has been that preserved fish such as herring is perfectly fine to eat. If you don't want to risk eating certain types of fish whose origin you don't know but are still craving fish, there is always herring and Jansson's temptation. Fish contains Omega 3 and is a super healthy fat. When you eat fish, you build up your body and provide healthy nutrition for your baby. However, you should be a bit restrictive with fish from the Baltic Sea and inland lakes that may be contaminated with harmful pollutants.

Can I eat salmon when I am pregnant?

Salmon is a highly debated topic where several people have different opinions. The National Food Agency says that you can absolutely eat cured, hot-smoked, and cold-smoked salmon if you keep track of the opening and expiration dates. Ideally, packages of salmon or sandwich toppings should only be opened for a few days, even if the best-before date says otherwise.

Can I eat liver pâté when I am pregnant?

Even though we are advised to be a bit cautious with offal and raw meat during pregnancy, most liver pâtés do not contain enough liver to pose any danger.

Pregnant – This is what you can eat at the Christmas buffet

• Meatballs and prince sausages – Filled with proteins that build up your and your baby's body.
• Eggs – Packed with protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
• Ribs – Contains protein that keeps your energy up.
• Potatoes – Vitamin C, some B vitamins, calcium, and dietary fiber.
• Various types of cabbage – Contains calcium.
• Lutefisk – All fish is a source of Omega 3, calcium, selenium, and iron.
• Salmon: cured, hot-smoked, cold-smoked – Contains Omega 3, calcium, selenium, and iron.

Toast with Christmas soda when you are pregnant

Then we have the traditional schnapps... and even though it's hard to replace it with something equivalent, you can always splash a bit of Christmas soda in your glass if you feel the need to toast. Otherwise, you can choose to do the hostess a favor and save on the glassware. Pasteurized milk is also a both nutritious and tasty alternative. Milk contains calcium, which strengthens your and your baby's bones.

Can you eat all the candy when pregnant?

You can freely eat from the dessert and candy table, and isn't that the best part of the Christmas meal anyway? Unless someone chooses to serve blue cheese for dessert, as blue cheese should be avoided during pregnancy. If you don't want to eat candy, there are usually nuts, prunes, and fresh fruit, which are fantastic sources of vitamins and healthy fats.

Feeling nauseous at the Christmas buffet?

Does your family eat Christmas porridge? No problem, unless you are prone to nausea. In that case, dairy products are generally not very pleasant. Maybe you can replace your Christmas porridge with oatmeal just for this year? Oats are rich in fiber and can also be bought with extra fortification. An almond in the porridge is just a bonus! If you are prone to nausea, look around for ginger candies. Ginger alleviates nausea in many pregnant women. Another tip is to drink flat Christmas soda or weak beer!