Green Smoothies for Pregnancy

There’s no time like pregnancy to get into a green smoothie habit. A Green Smoothie is basically a fruit smoothie with dark leafy greens blended into a satisfying breakfast. And since we all know that food aversions during pregnancy can leave your body pining for nutrients, now’s the perfect time to practice making these…before baby arrives.

And as a new mom, optimal energy is essential, and a well-balanced breakfast is the best place to start. As a personal chef and health coach, my mom clients often tell me they can’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen making breakfast every morning. An energy-boosting, nutrient-rich, time-saving Green Smoothie is the perfect choice.

Here are a few reasons you’ll be hooked.

1. It’s nutritious. Dark leafy greens are full of minerals, vitamins, fiber and even protein. Vitamins A, C and K, as well as minerals like iron and manganese, are abundant in my favorite smoothie green, kale. Fresh fruit is full of vitamins and fiber, and also contains energizing sugars. Fiber in the greens and fruit will work to stabilize your blood sugar levels, thus supplying your body with a steady stream of energy until lunch. Add hemp, flax or chia to your smoothie for heart and brain healthy Omega-3 fats, and extra bulk.

2. It’s simple. Smoothies are easy to make because the blender does the majority of the work. To save even more time in the morning, simply wash your greens and prep your fruit the night before. All you’ll have to do is add the ingredients to the blender, and turn it on. Frozen fruit is a great option for smoothies as well because it is frozen at peak freshness, helps to create a lovely smooth texture, and of course, it’s easy to use.

3. It’s delicious. Greens for breakfast may sound strange, but when they’re blended into a fruity smoothie, they taste great!

Here are my suggestions for the perfect Green Smoothie:

Greens: Kale, Spinach, Collards, Beet Greens, Chard (without stalk), Baby Bok Choy, Fresh herbs

Fruit: Mango, Banana, Peach, Berries, Pear, Apple, Oranges, Pineapple

Liquid: Pineapple (so juicy, this is all I use), coconut water, almond milk

Additions: Fresh Ginger and Turmeric, Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Flax Seeds, Coconut Oil, Spirulina, Green Powder

Tropical Green Smoothie Recipe

serves 1

2-3 cups Kale, chopped

1 cup Cilantro (optional)

1 cup Pineapple, diced

1 cup Frozen mango

1/2 cup Fresh mango (optional)

1/2 cucumber, diced or 1/2 cup coconut water (or both…)

juice of one lime

1 tsp Spirulina powder

Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender, with the heavier, more liquid contents at the bottom. This includes the pineapple, cucumber and mango. Blend until smooth and silky. Add more coconut water, cucumber or pineapple to thin the mixture, if necessary.