Pregnancy is such an important time to eat healthy, balanced meals. But what happens if your appetite is non-existent or you have food aversions from here to Texas? Getting nutrients in when you’re nauseated or when nothing sounds appetizing can be tough. Enter smoothies!
While we are typically proponents of eating whole foods to get the adequate nutrients in pregnancy, we know that it’s not always easy or even possible, especially if you’re a mom on the go. Smoothies are a great way to bridge the gap, to get your body the calories and nourishment it needs for a healthy pregnancy. You can also easily blend one of these up in early labor and sip on it for a constant energy source while you birth your baby.
Below are some of our favorite pregnancy friendly smoothie recipes! These are easy to make at home and if you’re crunched for time we recommend prepping the ingredients on the weekend and freezing them in individual servings so you can pop them in the blender each morning and be on your way.
The key to a great smoothie is finding the best ingredients to create balance and limit sugar content. An ideal smoothie will have dark leafy greens (rich in antioxidants and high vitamin content), a protein source (nuts, seeds, yogurt/milk), a fruit (for fiber & to sweeten), and some ginger (great for nausea and also anti-inflammatory). We recommend using organic fruits and vegetables when at all possible.
You can mix and match to create your perfect combo or follow the recipes below. If there’s an ingredient you don’t love or are allergic to, just omit it or find an appetizing substitute.
SuperFood Smoothie
This is packed full of essential nutrients. Great throughout all of pregnancy or even while breastfeeding!
1 cup frozen berries
1 banana
1-2 big handfuls of leafy greens
2 tbsp flax/hemp seeds
6-8 oz dairy source (unsweetened almond milk tastes great!)
Blend for one minute and enjoy!
Mint Cucumber
This refreshing treat is super hydrating and perfect for those hot Summer days!
1 cup honey dew melon, cubed
2 cups spinach
2 inches cucumber, peeled and chopped
juice of 1/2 orange
handful of mint
1 tbsp chia seeds (soak for 15 minutes first)
Add spinach, cucumber, melon, orange, and mint together with some ice and blend until smooth. Add chia seeds and mix in by hand.
Protein Pack
This smoothie will give you that protein & fiber boost you crave. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals and oh so delicious!
½ frozen banana
½ ripe avocado
2tbsp nut butter (almond or cashew work best!)
2 tbsp ground walnuts
2 tbsp ground flax seed
6-8 ounces unsweetened almond milk
Blend all ingredients together and drink!
Berry Yogurt Bliss
1 cup frozen mixed berries
2 cups spinach
1 banana
6 oz. yogurt (dairy or coconut yogurt)
4 oz. milk (optional)
Blend berries, spinach, banana and yogurt together until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add up to 4 oz. of your milk of choice.
Golden Milk
A great source of protein and anti-inflammatory!
1 1/2 frozen bananas
3 tbsp golden milk (see below)
1 tbsp nut butter of choice
2 cups milk of choice (vanilla almond milk tastes great)
To make your golden milk, simmer a can of full fat coconut milk, 2 tbsp ground tumeric, and a cinnamon stick for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Set 3 tbsp of golden milk aside to cool and then drink the rest (great for a pre-bedtime beverage) or set the rest aside for other use). Once golden milk is cooled, blend with other smoothie ingredients until smooth.
Loving these smoothie ideas? Have your postpartum doula whip one up for you! She can even help prepare smoothie bags that you can freeze and throw in a blender each morning!