Green Goddess Smoothies for Postpartum Healing

Nutrition is one of those things that we all know is important. But it's easy to feel lost when it comes to eating healthy.

Eating (and drinking!) well usually means lots of prep time.

This is why I’m a huge fan of soups and smoothies. They're super nutrient-dense. And they can be made ahead of time and eaten all week long. Or frozen for a quick thaw in the future.

Another way to maximize your nutrition + time + money + social life is to:

Host a Soup & Smoothie Swap with friends. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Get a group of friends on board for doing this once a month. I like to couple it with a soul-rejuvenating girl's night.
2. Purchase ingredients in bulk. This will save you money and be enough to make one huge batch of soup and/or smoothie. 
3. Make a huge batch of your awesome concoction.
4. Store it. Save enough for you to enjoy 1-2 servings for yourself. Then dose out 2 quart-sized mason jars for each friend in your SWAP group.
5. Label it with what it is and the date.
6. Invite your friends over. Have them each bring their creations.
7. Put your containers of soup/smoothie contents on the counter. Pick up a jar from each chef, and put it in your cooler to take home.

This way, you only have to buy ingredients for one thing.

You only made one thing.

You only cleaned up after one thing.

But you end up with a nutritious variety of grab-and-go meals. It's easy to pull each meal out of the freezer as needed. It’s economical and socially beneficial. It’s the don’t-always-love-to-cook person’s way around kitchen-dread. And it's a good solution to adding variety to your diet. It helps you get out of your eat-the-same-thing-all-the-time rut. Plus, it’s fun!

In this article, I’ll show give ya some nutritional info and green smoothie ideas. This can be a reference for such an event. Particularly if an expecting or new mom is in the swap group. The NHANES study by the CDC found that 47% of pregnant or breastfeeding women in the US are deficient in at least one micronutrient. This stat is way too high!

Foods for Prenatal Nutrition, Postpartum Healing, and Quality Breastmilk

Before you graze the recipes, I wanted to give a little nutritional background. This will help you learn why these ingredients are included.  

Avocado 

Avocado is a healthy fat. It has over 20 vitamins. Did you also know they are also called “butter fruit” or “alligator pears”?!

Bananas

In smoothies, bananas serve as the natural sweetener.

Dates

These little guys have folate, iron, vitamin K and fiber. Fiber helps to prevent constipation (which strains the pelvic floor)

Eggs

I’m a fan of boiled eggs in smoothies. Our bodies absorb more protein and biotin when ingesting cooked vs. raw eggs. One boiled egg has 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of total fat, Vitamins B2, B12, B5, phosphorus, and selenium. They have all the amino acids needed to qualify as a “complete protein”. The yolk has the most nutrients, the white has the most protein.

They also have choline. This is CRUCIAL for the nervous system. Pregnant women need to decrease the risk of neural tube defects in their babies. This is the reason that folic acid supplements are taken during pregnancy, too. Choline also helps the eyesight and improves memory and learning.

Ghee/Coconut Oil

Good fats

Greek Yogurt

Protein, probiotics, calcium, iodine (just watch out that the brand you purchase doesn’t have a lot of sugar)

Herbs

In general, herbs are great for the cardiovascular system, anti-inflammatory properties, and flavor

Nuts

Chock full of protein and good fats

Oatmeal

Half a cup of dry oats adds up to about 20% of the iron breastfeeding moms need in a day

Seaweed

Seaweed contains iodine, which is crucial for healthy thyroid function. The better your thyroid functions, the better your metabolism, body temp regulation, and heart rate.

Tea

Read all about powerful teas for pregnant women here. 

Tumeric

A great natural anti-inflammatory.

Wheat Germ

Another great way to intake choline. 

5 Green Smoothie Recipies for Optimal Pre and Postpartum Health

Have I mentioned yet that I love smoothies? They are so refreshing, nutritious, and just downright practical! They're such a convenient way to nourish yourself while nursing a baby. Or in the car on the way to an appointment.

You’ll notice a common theme with these recipes. They all have greens, protein, and a form of healthy fat. On top of these recipes, you can always add a tablespoon of wheat germ, chia seed, flaxseed, or even a sprinkle of your local bee pollen for extra nutrition. If you’re adventurous, ghee and seaweed can also be added!

Simple Start Smoothie

• 1  banana
• 1 cup kale
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 boiled egg
• dash of turmeric
•  ½ a banana
• ½ medium avocado
• ½ cup spinach
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 cup oat milk
• 1/2 cup dates
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

 Basil Boost

• 3-4 basil leaves
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 boiled egg
• ¾ cup Greek Yogurt
• ¼ cup walnuts
• ½ cup oat milk 

Rosey-Day

• 1 banana
• A sprinkle of fresh rosemary
• ½ cup alfalfa tea (pre-brewed and cooled)
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 boiled egg

Tropical Veggies

• 1 cup tropical frozen fruit
• ¼ cup frozen cauliflower
• 1 cup kale
• 1 carrot
• 1/4 cup rolled oats, uncooked
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Have you made more green smoothies than you can handle right now? If the Smoothies Swap idea doesn’t resonate with you, here are some other ways to recycle your masterpiece:

1. Make Green Smoothie pancakes (which can also be frozen for later consumption). Check out some recipes here and here.
2.  Make Green Smoothie popsicles! I like silicone molds like this one. 

Other Nutrition Resources for Busy Moms

This blog, written by a registered dietician/nutritionist has some GREAT, up-to-date information about how your nutrition affects the quality of your breastmilk. Any questions? Always feel free to reach out!