I have been pregnant three times, and I know how I’m not the only one that felt like I was eating the same things, day in and day out. I see pregnant women on a regular basis, and I am always looking at their diets, trying to come up with suggestions to add even more healthful calories and protein to their diets. Instead of just suggesting more eggs or more greens, I have been compiling a “pregnancy cookbook”. Below is one of my favorite recipes.
Smoothies are a great way to work in lots of calories, protein and even supplements without having to do too much work. They can be great snacks or even meals, depending on the ingredients.
I came up with this one during my pregnancy because it has a lot of ingredients that made me feel good, and it packs a nutritional punch.
The milk and yogurt cover your calcium for most of the day. The flax seeds (store in freezer to prevent rancidity) are a source of omega 3’s-great for building your baby’s brain. Almond butter and eggs are 2 good protein sources, and the berries add some antioxidant power and vitamin C. Also, because eggs contain albumin, they give your stressed pregnancy liver a break in helping to break down your proteins.
My favorite coconut oil is Garden Of Life Extra Virgin. Whatever you choose, make sure it is organic, unrefined and unprocessed. (This brand actually tastes like coconut, but coconut oil is not created equal, and some really taste awful.)
Maryn’s Power Pregnancy Smoothie
½ cup milk (almond, raw, whatever you like)
1 cup plain, whole-milk organic yogurt
frozen banana, (½-1)
1 TBSP flax seeds
3 TBSP coconut oil (great for regulating blood sugar)
1-2 TBSP almond butter
2 raw eggs
frozen berries to thicken it up (blue/raspberries are good)
cinnamon, or other spice if you like it
Just put everything but the frozen fruit into blender and blend on high. Then add the frozen fruit and blend again. (Blending the coconut oil with the other ingredients first will prevent it from forming little balls of oil once it comes in contact with the frozen fruit). This smoothie is great for breakfast because it has just a little natural sugar, 30 grams of protein and over 700 calories!
Do you have any ideas for smoothies that include spinach, but that do not have any dairy, eggs, or bananas?
Do you have any ideas for smoothies that include spinach, but that do not have any dairy, eggs, or bananas?
Another shake that is great and tastes great too is one I saw on Opera (Really don’t watch her much but I saw this and likes it…)
1 Cucumber skinned
2 Stalks Celery
1 Green Apple or red depending on your pref.
1 lime (juice)
1 Lemon (Juice)
1 handful of fresh green leaf raw spinach.
Place in a blender…if you want a little extra sweet you can add a tbs honey but it’s really not needed. It looks like a green blob shake but tastes great. Even my husband will drink it and he hates nutritious food!
Another shake that is great and tastes great too is one I saw on Opera (Really don’t watch her much but I saw this and likes it…)
1 Cucumber skinned
2 Stalks Celery
1 Green Apple or red depending on your pref.
1 lime (juice)
1 Lemon (Juice)
1 handful of fresh green leaf raw spinach.
Place in a blender…if you want a little extra sweet you can add a tbs honey but it’s really not needed. It looks like a green blob shake but tastes great. Even my husband will drink it and he hates nutritious food!
The smoothie recipe sounds delicious, however pregnant women should not consume raw eggs due to the risk of salmonella. Instead omit the raw eggs and scramble them instead. Smoothie and scrambled eggs sounds good for breakfast or brunch!
The smoothie recipe sounds delicious, however pregnant women should not consume raw eggs due to the risk of salmonella. Instead omit the raw eggs and scramble them instead. Smoothie and scrambled eggs sounds good for breakfast or brunch!
Sure, every woman should make her own choices about things..I suppose raw eggs is one of them. I am not uncomfortable recommending this, because we have access to local, organic eggs. In any case, raw eggs can be awesome for you, but do what makes you feel comfortable……
Sure, every woman should make her own choices about things..I suppose raw eggs is one of them. I am not uncomfortable recommending this, because we have access to local, organic eggs. In any case, raw eggs can be awesome for you, but do what makes you feel comfortable……
raw eggs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dr’s say they are a big NO NO
Consider adding some low-fat yogurt to your smoothies. I like the tart flavor and it creates a nice smooth texture. You can use any type of yogurt. I usually stick to low-
Consider adding some low-fat yogurt to your smoothies. I like the tart flavor and it creates a nice smooth texture. You can use any type of yogurt. I usually stick to low-fat versions to keep the calories in check. You can also use greek yogurt which is thicker and has more protein per serving.
I’m enjoying this smoothie right now and it’s fabulous! I also buy eggs from a local organic farmer. I one I used was laid four days ago. I liked how it stayed thick because of the coconut oil and nut butter. Thank you for helping me and my growing belly find something else we can have for breakfast.
I read online that raw eggs are bad for you during pregnancy.
raw eggs carry listeria in them and are a HUGE NO for pregnancy, the words “pregnancy smoothie” and “raw eggs” can not go in the same sentance its ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a great recipe! Sounds so delicious! I’m pregnant with twins, and need more protein & calories! I’m not worried about raw eggs, we have our own free ranging chickens 🙂 .
ummm… just because you have free range chickens, doesn’t mean that the eggs don’t carry listeria! as a matter of fact, i’d be more worried about the free range chicken eggs because they have not gone through a thorough inspection process. believe it or not, you can buy pasteurized raw chicken eggs. i am a microbiologist, so please, please do not take a risk while you’re pregnant by eating raw eggs. There are many other delicious smoothie ideas that don’t contain raw eggs. If you do use raw eggs, make sure that it’s pasteurized!
I am excited to see you say raw eggs, despite the controversy. I’ve been mind boggled by the whole “no sushi and no raw meat thing” and have chosen to eat them throughout pregnancy. And I’ve been drawn to raw or undercooked eggs but never heard anyone question this one.
I just don’t understand how we get pregnant and suddenly foods that we eat all the time are dangerous. Because HOW often does a person ACTUALLY get sick from eating these things? In reality. . . I’ve gotten food sick twice in my life. Once was a luncheable when I was a kid. The meat or the cheese had mold on the bottom piece when I finally got to it. Ewwww. And the other being a fully cooked fish dish at a nice restaurant.
I’ll be checking out this smoothie. Thanks for pushing the edges. 😉