I love smoothies. They’re a great way to pack nutrients into my day. Being pregnant, I’m extra sensitive to my daily nutrient intake…did I eat enough protein, fruit, veggies? The answer, sadly, is commonly no. Especially this pregnancy, I’m chasing around a 10 month old (I know, we’re crazy for being pregnant again so soon!). Since my pregnancies are so close, I’m also running an extra risk of being nutrient deficient because each pregnancy takes so much out of the mom. Needless to say, good nutrition is so important when you’re carrying for a little one. 

This smoothie is rich, chocolat-ie, and super yummy! It contains 30 grams of protein, tons of calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and so much more! 

Getting enough protein during pregnancy is vital. Most moms know you need about 70 grams per day. That is a lot for me since my diet is mainly fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is a challenge to get my needed amount. 

 The Whole Journey blog talks about the importance of magnesium, vitamin C, and collagen during your second trimester (this is when the baby’s skin and bones are forming.). Cacao is an excellent source of magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants! Raw cacao contains more magnesium and antioxidants than any other food on the planet! Definitely deserving of the title super food. 

Magnesium is needed for nerve activity and function. Thus adding appropriate amounts to your diet can compliment baby and moms health. 

Vitamin C is excellent for many things including antioxidant activity, tissue repair, and collagen protection. A benefit to adding raw cacao to your diet, instead of coco, is that cacao, being raw, contains Vitamin C. Heat destroys vitamin C, thus all processed chocolate has zero vitamin C. 

Collagen is a vital part of skin, ligament, tendon, blood vessel, and bone growth. As you can imagine, providing your body with good nutrition while pregnant gives your body the necessary tools to support baby’s rapid growth without depleting the mom.

So let’s make a smoothie! 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup of almond milk 
• 1 scoop of high quality protein powder. I used Sunwarrior Classic Protein Chocolate sprouted and fermented brown rice protein. 
• 1 serving of high quality collagen
• 1 banana 
• 1 cup of ice 
• 1 Tablespoon of raw cacao
• 1 handful of spinach 

Directions 

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend together. Serve immediately. 

Prep time: 5 minutes 

Enjoyers: 1  

Disclaimer: post not intended for medical advice, talk with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.