Easy Lemon Garlic Spinach image

Vitamins A, C, and K and folate promote your baby’s cell, brain, nervous system, bone, and tooth development, and vitamin C keeps you healthy, too.

SERVES 4

BURSTING with folate, spinach is awesome during pregnancy. This easy dish is a partner to just about any main course.

12 ounces baby spinach leaves (2 [6-ounce bags])

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced, or to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Squeeze of lemon juice, or to taste

• Rinse the spinach and spin it dry in a salad spinner, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves.

• In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Add the spinach (you may need to add it in batches, depending on the size of your skillet), season with salt and pepper, and stir. Cook for 2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning. Transfer the spinach to a serving bowl and top with a squeeze of lemon.

Meal ideas

• Protein, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, or plant-based

• Whole grain or starch (Lentil, Brown Rice, and Mushroom Pilaf, here)

• Reduced-fat milk or yogurt

• Fresh fruit

Meal ideas and tips for diabetes

• Protein, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, or plant-based

• Whole grain or starch (above)

• Reduced-fat milk or unsweetened reduced-fat yogurt, 1 CARB

½ cup spinach: Calories: 82 cals; Protein: 3 g; Carbohydrates: 4 g; Fat: 7 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 68 mg; Vitamin A: 7,975 IU; Vitamin C: 26 mg; Vitamin K: 415 mcg; Folate: 166 mcg; Manganese: 0.7 mg; 0 CARBS