THE SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU GLOW

Hey Guys! It’s Tieghan, here again with a superfood smoothie recipe for any of you expecting moms, that’s sure to intensify that pregnancy glow… or for a girl who just needs a nutrient-packed smoothie!

When Chriselle shared the news with me that she was pregnant, I knew she’d need some nutrient-packed recipes that would help keep her energy levels high while helping to develop that little growing baby inside her. We’ve been sharing healthy versions of Chriselle’s favorite foods all month long (did you guys see the Superfood Tacos and Avocado Brownies?), but this smoothie is the healthiest and prettiest recipe of them all. Plus? It tastes like a milkshake. No really.

Before developing this smoothie recipe, I put together a list of foods that I knew would keep Chriselle feeling good all day long. When pregnant, you need between 350-500 extra calories a day and while we’d all love to consume those calories in cookies and ice cream, it’s best to eat foods that will keep you full and help the baby’s brain to develop. Foods high in calcium, protein, and vitamins are ideal, and a diet rich in these foods will also help you to lose pregnancy weight easier and faster after the baby is born.

Bottom line? Being pregnant isn’t an excuse to eat anything and everything you want. It’s all about balance! Smoothies for breakfast, a cookie for dessert…

Okay. Let’s run through a few of the superfood ingredients in this smoothie.

Milk
Your body absorbs roughly twice as much calcium during pregnancy so it’s extremely important to keep your intake of calcium-rich foods up. Organic cow’s milk and goat milk are great sources of calcium. Most people can tolerate goat milk (so many benefits), however, if you just can’t do dairy, almond milk has the next highest source.

Greens
Greens are another amazing source of calcium. As we all know, greens provide so many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, iron, folate, and potassium. Greens are a power source for anyone, pregnant or not, and if you’re looking for a glowing complexion, a handful of raw greens will help do that for you!

Bananas
Not only are bananas a smoothie’s best friend (because they make smoothies creamy, sweet, and delicious), but they provide large amounts of potassium and offer an instant boost of energy to help fight off lethargy. In addition to being a great source of energy, bananas are also easy on the stomach and help with nausea.

Dates
Dates are the secret ingredient that make this smoothie taste like a milkshake. They act as a plant based sweetener and provide fiber, iron and potassium.

Chia Seeds
Another nutrient-packed superfood, chia seeds provide large amounts of calcium, omega 3’s (for the baby’s developing brain), and protein.

Almond Butter
This creamy nut butter provides healthy fats to keep you full longer along with protein and calcium. It’s a nutrient powerhouse.

Probiotics 
I can’t say enough good things about probiotics. Probiotics support a healthy gut, boost nutrient absorption, and decrease sugar cravings. The best part? They can help to reduce the risk of postpartum depression. To sum up why you should include probiotics in your smoothie: easier digestion, stronger immunity, increased energy, elevated mood, and of course, glowing skin. Note –it’s always best to check with your doctor first before introducing anything new to your system when pregnant.

So you see? Not only is this smoothie pretty, it’s guaranteed to keep you feeling amazing and leave you with that pregnancy glow, pregnant or not!

Hope you all enjoy this smoothie!

Coconut Kale Smoothie

Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Makes: 1

1 1/2- 2 cups coconut or almond milk
1 cup raw kale
1 small fresh or frozen banana
2-4 pitted medjool dates, to your taste
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 chunks raw, frozen coconut meat
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 teaspoon Moon Juice probiotics
1 pinch of cinnamon
bee pollen, for topping

1. Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy, adding more milk or water to thin the smoothie if needed. If more of a frozen smoothie is desired, add ice. Pour into a glass and top with bee pollen.

x Half Baked Harvest

Photography by Karla Ticas