Getting enough greens can be challenging, especially during pregnancy as food aversions can make eating certain foods near impossible. Our favorite suggestion to pregnant folks who cannot eat their veggies, is to drink their veggies! And if you add a little chocolate to it, it makes everything better.
Spinach is a great dark leafy green that is high in important nutrients and low in calories, perfect for our pregnant and newly postpartum clients. Two cups of spinach contains about 1.4 grams of fiber, about 10% of your daily intake needs. Furthermore, two cups of spinach contain almost 25% of daily folate needs during pregnancy. Folate, and folic acid, are necessary in pregnancy to reduce the chance of spinal cord birth defects. (Spinach, raw nutrition facts)
This smoothie is also great with some added beet powder. Beet powder can help improve circulation and maintain a healthy blood pressure, all important benefits during pregnancy. With the risks of preeclampsia associated with pregnancy or the postpartum period, maintaining a healthy blood pressure is extremely important.
Spinach Smooth with Chocolate Nibs:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup milk or milk substitute
- 1/4 cup chocolate nibs
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1/2 frozen banana
- Option: 1 scoop beet powder (great for regulating blood pressure especially if you are at risk for pre-eclampsia)
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!
We hope you love this easy and tasty smoothie that helps get some important nutrients into your diet. Did you add anything to make it even more delicious? If so, we would love to hear about it in the comments!
