Smoothie Creations

Growing a baby is hard work!  Before getting pregnant, I heard about the morning sickness, fatigue, swollen ankles, etc. but I didn't realize the full spectrum of 24 hour care that ungraciously invites itself into a momma-to-be's life until SURPRISE! It was happening to ME!  This baby isn't kicking my side, or crying when it needs something, but it will not let me forget that it needs me.  It's a miraculous experience, growing a baby but speaking candidly: it's stressful.  I worry about my diet--if I'm eating enough calories, getting enough calcium, iron, micronutrients.  And then I worry about being worried because worry equals stress and stress effects baby negatively!  My sweet mother lovingly reminded me the other day that I can't be perfect, and I'll do the best job I know how--whether it's now or as I raise this child.  Those words, though simple, were profound.  I've since said them to myself as worry creeps back in my mind.  Sometimes I remind myself, even crack babies sometimes come out generally healthy!  And what about those "crazies" that didn't know they were pregnant until they squatted on the pot and out came a baby?!  They didn't change any habits knowing that they were growing a life and their babies were find.  I should just take a chill pill. 

In an effort to get more veggies into my diet, I made a Spinach Pineapple and Orange Juice smoothie.  You must try it for yourself if you're curious.  It tasted delicious.  I've since made it again for Kyle and I for an on-the-go breakfast. 

Here's my recipe:

1 cup of orange juice
1 cup of frozen pineapple (Trader Joe's tidbits is what I prefer because the pieces are smaller)
1 cup of loosely packed spinach leaves, steams removed
2 Tbsp. flaxseed meal
1/4-1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
a drizzle of honey

Blend the orange juice and spinach together to liquefy.  Then add remaining ingredients and purey.

For afternoon snack, I created another quick smoothie:

1 cup of Mango Naked Juice (I like this because it's pure veggies and fruits with no added sugars, artificial ingredients.  Healthier than processed juices)
1 fresh or frozen banana
1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries
2 T Wheatgerm
1/4-1/2 plain Greek yogurt
ice cubes, if using fresh fruit to yield a thick smoothie texture.
Blend all ingredients together.  YUM!