Meal replacement smoothies have become an on-the-go staple not only for health-conscious eaters but moms and moms-to-be. When everything you eat affects a little human with you, you have to eat right.
However, remember that all smoothies are not alike. There is a huge difference between the ones that you make in your kitchen blender and the ones you find in supermarkets. The latter might be convenient, but if people knew what they were, they would probably vomit. The emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners used to extend their shelf lives are hard to digest and can cause unsettling side effects.
Therefore, we favor the usage of DIY meal replacement shakes for women who have given birth or are about to.
Meal Replacement Smoothies for Moms-to-be
Pregnant women require a whole bunch of extra calories in their diets; 340 calories in the second and 450 in the third trimester. Meal replacement shakes with at least 20 grams of protein per serving cater to their need to boost their calorie intake. Besides, they can provide enough nutrition if morning sickness shows up and someone doesn’t want to eat.
- Protein Punch Smoothie
A healthy fruit drink filled with great taste and tons of fiber and nutrients is all you need during pregnancy. It is dairy-free, requires 10 minutes to prepare, and is a great way to obtain those additional calories during pregnancy.
Chop some peaches and nectarine and add them into a blender, followed by plums, blueberries, and strawberries. Then, add some cashew milk, chia seeds, and a pinch of cinnamon. Busy moms-to-be can even refrigerate it for later.
- Choco-Berry Smoothie
This one is a healthy drink for moms-to-be with a crazy-going sweet tooth during pregnancy. Where berries manage cholesterol levels, chocolates are rich in antioxidants.
Add ¾ cup of frozen berries, some dark chocolate, and a ripe banana into a blender. Include unsweetened vanilla soy milk and natural peanut butter if you want. Blend well with chia seeds and cocoa powder.
- Oatmeal, Banana, and Strawberry Shake
This quick and easy shake is perfect for pregnant women on the go. Plus, it is one of the most common shake recipes for breakfast because there has never been a better one than this.
Puree some almond milk, strawberries, organic vanilla protein powder, a ripe banana, and oatmeal in a blender. Add chia seeds to boost energy levels and fiber to combat constipation during pregnancy.
- DIY Healthy Energy Drink
This recipe is for you if you feel morning sickness and low energy when beginning your day.
Place two tablespoons of peanut butter, two tablespoons of cocoa powder, 8 ounces of Greek yogurt, and some ice in a blender and puree. Stop, add a banana, and start blending again. Serve it chilled with a pinch of cinnamon on top.
- Spinach, Carrot, and Mango Smoothie
Pregnant women are vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies, especially iron. Mother Nature has provided us with spinach to protect against anemia and the lethargy that it brings. So, add two cups of spinach, a cup of frozen mangoes, and ½ cup of baby carrots into a blender. Blend well with plain low-fat yogurt, orange juice, and coconut water.
Meal Replacement Shakes for the Nursing Mothers
Nursing moms frequently complain about struggling with their protein and other nutrient intakes. It can get frustrating as they need to cater to the fuel needs of two bodies. In such a situation, a convenient and healthy energy drink seems no less than a magic potion. Besides, no one can say no to a refreshing and yummy yet easily digestible beverage.
- Berry Bowl Delight
This recipe is perfect for new mothers that want to stimulate lactation. It is rich, creamy, healthy, and above all, yummy!
You’ll need a handful of frozen or fresh blueberries, almond milk, 1/3 cup of rolled oats, and a tablespoon of honey. Put the ingredients into the blender, followed by a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds, a teaspoon of Brewer’s yeast, and a half cup of Greek yogurt for extra protein.
- Banana and Flax Shake
Bananas are popular for their fiber content, antioxidants, and aiding weight loss. So, this meal replacement shake is perfect for moms that want to lose weight without compromising their child’s nutrition.
Add 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, a tablespoon of unsweetened dark cocoa powder, almond milk, and two ripe bananas in a blender. Then, add flaxseeds and some organic peanut butter if you like.
- Pumpkin Ginger Smoothie
Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants and aid weight loss. So, this meal replacement smoothie is perfect if you want to lose some weight while still breastfeeding your baby. You will need a cup of pumpkin puree and a ripe frozen banana. Include some ground cinnamon and vanilla powder, followed by crushed ginger root.
- Avocado Smoothie
Avocado smoothie, loaded with heart-friendly fatty acids, potassium, and fibers, is an excellent healthy energy drink for nursing moms.
Add 1/3 ripe and frozen avocado into the blender, followed by ½ ripe banana. Include some oats, flax seeds, and ¼ cup protein powder as well. Top the smoothie with some more almonds or nuts, and enjoy!
- Berry Beet Shake
Not only are pregnant ladies prone to anemia and iron deficiency, but busy nursing moms are also. This shake is perfect for moms that want to combat nutritional deficiencies while nursing their babies.
Add beetroot powder, a ripe banana, strawberries, chia seeds, vanilla extract, almond milk, and your favorite protein powder into a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth, then enjoy!
Here’s the Thing
Meal replacement smoothies are safe to use before, during, and after gestation. However, its nutritional value should be at par with your dietary requirements. Moreover, the number of macronutrients like carbs, proteins, and fats should also not go overlooked.
Postpartum nutrition becomes even trickier when nursing mothers want to lose weight on the side. For many, the desire to lose weight may take precedence over nourishing their body with the right foods to aid postpartum recovery, breast milk production, and other activities during this challenging period.
Meal replacement shakes can help them feel full while consuming fewer calories, but without compromising on nutrition.
