201 Organic Smoothies and Juices for a Healthy Pregnancy: Nutrient-Rich Recipes for Your Pregnancy Diet (3 page)

From the Green Go-Getter and the Kale Carrot Combo to the Mango Madness and Cherry Vanilla Treat, this selection of delicious smoothies makes every calorie count. Some are a little more sweet and others a bit more savory, but all offer a tasty way to get those nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

Helps boost energy levels

This potassium-rich smoothie will leave you feeling energized by supporting fluid and electrolyte balance in your cells. Since your blood volume expands by up to 50 percent during pregnancy, your electrolyte needs also increase… and this smoothie will help keep the extra fluid in the right chemical balance.

YIELDS: 1 QUART

2 cups spinach leaves

2 ripe bananas, peeled

1 apple, peeled and cored

1 cup purified water

1. Combine spinach, bananas, apple, and
   ¹
   ⁄
   ₂
   cup water in a blender and blend thoroughly.
   
2. While blending, add remaining water until desired texture is achieved.
   

A NATURAL THICKENING AGENT?

Because bananas have such a low water content, they can be used as a great natural alternative to common thickening agents. You can actually watch the bananas take a liquefied smoothie and turn it into a delightfully thickened version. Experiment and watch as the banana thickens the smoothie before your very eyes!

Good for your baby’s bones and development

Rich in beta-carotene, this smoothie is particularly essential for women who are about to give birth, because it helps to repair postpartum tissue. Vitamins A and C also play key roles in encouraging bone growth. They also help the development of the heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, and bones, and the circulatory, respiratory, and central nervous systems of your baby-to-be.

YIELDS: 1 QUART

2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded

3 carrots, peeled and cut into sticks suitable for blender’s ability

1 apple, peeled and cored

1 cup purified water

1. Combine first 3 ingredients in the order listed in a blender.
   
2. Add water slowly while blending until desired texture is achieved.
   

Good for pregnancy cravings

The cloves and cinnamon in this smoothie add a flavor reminiscent of apple pie, which can be useful if you’re experiencing cravings for sweets or feel like a nighttime treat, and the fiber alone may help your body feel balanced. Healthy
and
delicious? Indeed!

YIELDS: 1 QUART

2 cups spinach

1 teaspoon cloves

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 apples, peeled and cored

1
¹
⁄
₂
cups coconut milk

1. Layer the spinach in the blender’s container.
   
2. Add the spices, followed by the apples.
   
3. Add milk slowly while blending until desired texture is achieved.
   

THE SURPRISING POWER OF CLOVES

Although most consider cloves an essential when it comes time to make pies for the holidays, Ayurvedic healers utilize this spice for its healing powers—it’s believed to alleviate symptoms of irregular digestion and headaches, which can be common during pregnancy. Although cloves are only used in small amounts, their antibacterial and antiviral properties in any amount can’t hurt and could keep you from having to take any medications during your pregnancy!

Helps boost energy levels

This smoothie is packed with rich antioxidants, powerful phytochemicals, and loads of protein that will get you through a busy day of doctor’s appointments. Soymilk is safe to drink during pregnancy and some soymilks have omega-3 fatty acids, which are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that reduce inflammation and are essential for health.

YIELDS: 1 QUART

2 cups mixed baby greens

1 pint raspberries

1 pint blueberries

1 banana, peeled

1 cup vanilla soymilk

1. Combine greens, berries, and banana and blend thoroughly.
   
2. While blending, add soymilk slowly until desired texture is achieved.
   

Helps boost energy levels

This fruity blend will leave you energized with its combo of vitamins C, A, and B
₆
and folic acid. It will help you conquer the most hectic morning!

YIELDS: 1 QUART

¹
⁄
₂
cup dandelion greens

1 cup iceberg lettuce

1 ripe mango, peeled and pit removed

1 cup pineapple, cubed

1 orange, peeled

¹
⁄
₂
cup purified water

1. Combine dandelion greens, iceberg, mango, pineapple, and orange with
   ¹
   ⁄
   ₄
   cup water and blend thoroughly.
   
2. While blending, add remaining water until desired texture is achieved.
   

Good for strengthening your immune system

This vitamin C booster can help prevent vitamin C deficiencies in your baby, which has been related to impairing mental development. Vitamin C also supports iron absorption. Iron is important for making hemoglobin, that carries oxygen to your cells, and maintains a healthy immune system. You will need extra iron for your growing baby and placenta, as well as to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, which can result in low birth weights and premature deliveries.

YIELDS: 1 QUART

1 cup iceberg lettuce

3 oranges, peeled

¹
⁄
₂
cup coconut milk

1. Blend iceberg and oranges until just combined.
   
2. Add coconut milk slowly while blending until desired consistency is reached.
   

VITAMIN C

Oranges are well known for their immunity-building power, and rightfully so! Eating at least one orange a day can help expectant mothers stay healthy and strong throughout their pregnancy. You can thank the rich beta-carotenes and the vitamin C. An orange is a definite for health and longevity.

Helps boost energy levels

Booming with the strong flavors of pineapple, orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime, this sweet and tart smoothie will liven your senses. In addition, pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which has been said to help soften your cervix, which may stimulate your uterus and, toward the end of your pregnancy, may help induce labor.

YIELDS: 1 QUART

2 large kale leaves

1 cup pineapple, peeled and cubed

1 large orange or 2 small oranges, peeled

1 grapefruit, peeled

¹
⁄
₂
lemon, peeled

¹
⁄
₂
lime, peeled

1. Combine kale and all fruits in a blender in the order listed.
   
2. Blend until desired consistency is reached.
   

FEED YOUR BRAIN!

With 4 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables, the vitamin and mineral benefits of this smoothie are obvious, but this citrusy green mix is also especially high in iron and folate. Necessary for optimal brain function, folate is especially important for pregnant and nursing women.

Adding the flesh of the coconut and the coconut milk to this smoothie results in a sweet flavor that complements the iceberg nicely. This smoothie will make you crave coconuts like crazy!

YIELDS: 3–4 CUPS

1 cup iceberg lettuce

Flesh of 2 coconuts

1 cup coconut milk

1. Combine iceberg, coconut flesh, and
   ¹
   ⁄
   ₂
   cup coconut milk in a blender, and blend.
   
2. Add remaining coconut milk while blending until desired texture is achieved.