Just recently, researchers discovered the first known pregnant mummy. The find is not only spectacular in that it’s the first of its kind, but it also came as a surprise to scientists who expected to discover the remains of a male priest and not a pregnant female.

The Pregnant Mummy Dates Back to the First Century

Although the mummy had been kept at the University of Warsaw in Poland since 1826 when it was donated, it wasn’t until recently that scientists did a detailed analysis to learn more about the remains. A team of researchers was studying the collection of animal and human mummies at the National Museum in Warsaw when they stumbled upon the pregnant mummy.

The cartonnage case and coffin where the remains were held were made for a male priest named Hor-Djehuty, which really baffled researchers when the CT and X-ray scans revealed the mummy was actually a female. The results showed the remains belonged to a woman who had died between the age of 20 and 30, and she was about 6.5-7.5 months pregnant at the time of her death. The woman lived in Egypt during the first century.

Many Unanswered Questions

Although, as customary, the woman’s lungs, heart, liver, and stomach were mummified and placed back into her body, her fetus had been similarly treated. That’s why researchers aren’t able to determine the sex of the fetus or explain why it was left in the womb. Some theorize that people may have left the fetus untouched because they considered it a vital part of its mother’s body, but without evidence, there’s room for further speculation.

Another major question that scientists are yet to answer is why the female mummy was found in a male coffin. It may have been the result of illegal excavations and looting, researchers speculate. Their theory is backed by damage found on the mummy’s wrappings which may have been caused by robbers meddling with the remains.

Getting cozy on the couch, pigging out on your favorite comfort food, and drinking your ideal beverage choice, be it some sweet soda or a nice merlot: the experience is a beloved one in many households. But as people start changing their mindsets and thinking more about getting fit, their attitudes will begin to shift. While comfort foods can soothe cravings, they don’t always help with nutrition – until now. Take a look at some of the food swaps below to see how you can incorporate these changes into some of your favorite comfort meals to satisfy your cravings and stay healthy.

Pizza

Making your own pizza is a healthier option than store-bought or dining out because you know what ingredients you are using. Taking it a step further by using an almond flour crust, which is full of protein and healthier fats. A plant-based cheese can help keep your pizza indulgence vegan and keto-friendly, too.

Mac and Cheese

This is something adults and kids enjoy. Ingredient swaps for mac and cheese include replacing the mac with broccoli and other vegetables. Riced broccoli and cauliflower give that “pasta-like” feel and add flavor. You can add your favorite cheese or choose to puree sweet potatoes and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy consistency.

Hot Chocolate

A nice and warm cup of hot chocolate – who would pass that up? You can enjoy your sweet treat with two easy ingredient swaps. Using nut milk and raw cocoa can increase the flavor, and you can enjoy a decadent treat without feeling guilty.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Swapping basic recipe ingredients like regular milk for nut milk, regular flour for almond flour, and using raw ingredients can make a difference in your food. These ingredient swaps can give off similar or even better flavors for your favorite comfort foods so you won’t have to feel guilty about satisfying your cravings.