We believe that it is super important to feed your kids the nutrients they need to grow and develop.  But we also believe that it is just as important to give your unborn child those necessary nutrients to grow and develop while you are pregnant! One easy way to pack in the nutrients is through a smoothie.  Our Perfect Pregnancy Smoothie has important nutrients to not only help your baby’s healthy development, but also to support you as well!

Each ingredient in this smoothie has important nutrients needed during pregnancy.  These are nutrients that not only help your baby grow and develop, but also help keep you healthy during your pregnancy.

Mango:

A good source of Vitamins A, C, some B vitamins, Potassium, and dietary fiber.   When you are pregnant, your iron needs increase and eating foods high in vitamin C help you absorb more iron.  Fiber is a must during pregnancy to help prevent constipation.   Vitamin A is particularly important for women who are close to giving birth; because it can help the body heal with postpartum tissue repair.

Greek Yogurt:

Greek yogurt has a higher protein content than regular yogurt and protein is important for cell growth, and also to help you feel fuller longer.   Yogurt has probiotics which help support your immune system which is important during pregnancy, as it is a time of suppressed immune function.   Yogurt is a good source of calcium.  This is a nutrient that your baby needs a lot of in-utero.  If you don’t consume enough calcium, your body will take calcium from your stores to give it to your baby.  Consuming enough calcium keeps your bone strong.

Chia Seeds:

Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, Omega-3’s, Calcium, and other minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your baby’s  brain and eye development. Many people choose to meet their daily requirement by consuming fatty fish or fish oil supplements. The mercury content in fish is a concern for some women and so chia is a great alternative.

Spinach:

Spinach contains folate which is a vitamin needed to help prevent spina bifida and neural tube defects.  (eating spinach should not replace a vitamin containing folic acid, just gives you a boost) Spinach also contains a good amount of calcium, and iron.  Iron is a nutrient that many women are low in during pregnancy, and eating spinach can definitely help boost your iron levels.

Orange Juice

Orange Juice is incredibly high in vitamin C.  This helps absorb iron (especially from the spinach in this smoothie!), also reduced inflammation, is necessary for the healthy production of collagen which is the structural component of bones, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.   Orange juice also contains a good amount of folate, and in a lot of brands folic acid.  Folic acids in orange juice help boost brain, spinal cord and neural system health.

This smoothie is not only full of so many important nutrients you need, but it is amazingly delicious!  It is smooth and creamy, but also really fresh from the mango and orange juice.  It is thick and definitely can be eaten as a meal, but is light enough to boost your energy when you might be dragging as an afternoon snack.

This is definitely a recipe you will want to keep handy because you will want to make it everyday of your pregnancy!