Smoothie Additive Suggestions

I sell and personally use this protein powder. My children love it:
http://healinghappens.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sk...

You can add Brewer's Yeast, flax seeds, chia seeds or ground up walnuts, almonds or sunflower seeds. There's a lot of nutrients packed in those little things!

I would suggest, since you are trying to conceive, to take pre-natal vitamins... that is what my OB/GYN said.
Get a pre-natal that also has Omega-3's in it. This helps with brain and eye development in the fetus.

It is also recommended, that when you are breastfeeding, to take pre-natal vitamins, and with Omega-3's in it... since this helps development in a baby too.

I would avoid adding ingredients in your foods/smoothies that are natural blood thinners... or that have naturally occurring hormones in it (called 'phytoestrogens.' It may help or hinder conceiving.

all the best,
Susan

Cucumbers
Celery (if your blender can handle the fiber)
Parsley -- just a little goes a very long way
Mint for a refreshing difference
Apples
You might try chard or kale...Kale is really good in quiche and soups by the way.
Blueberries
Beets
Ginger root -- just a wee bit
really, whatever is in season

Some folks don't believe in mixing fruites and vegetables with the exception of carrots and apples being allowed to "cross over". I do not know the logic behind it though.

When we make smoothies at home, we add fresh ground flax seed. We originally just added the seed but too seedy so we grind them a bit.

I don't have any suggestions for add-ins, but I just wanted to make sure that you know that microwaving or boiling veggies (like carrots) zaps out all of the vitamins. If that is how you're softening them, consider steaming to preserve the good vitamins!

Flaxseed has a lot of health benefits and you barely notice a taste difference. Try adding a tablespoon to your smoothy.

Didn't read all respones sorry if I repeat. Flax seed is a awesome source of Omega-3, Omega 6 and omega 9. It comes in pill form, powder and oil. Its just a thought. I would ask dietry nutricinist what they would recommend since you are trying to concieve. Good Luck!

.

I actually make a "shake" for my son who is a ridiculously picky eater. It's got bananas, peaches, pears, steamed zuchini or cooked sweet potatoe, yogurt, strawberries - and an enevelope of carnation instant breakfast! He'll drink the whole blender full if I let him.

Becca,
CBS just ran a segment on protein shakes. They tested 15 and they all contained heavy metals. I use Shaklee's and you never have to worry about contamination. You can find them at http://www.shaklee.net/healthforlife.
Victoria

Yum! I have green smoothies everyday!
I like to add things like: chia seeds (so healthy!), hemp seeds, Omega 3-6-9 Oil (I like Barleans), Maca Powder, Acai Berry Powder, Green Powder (I like Garden of Life and Amazing Grass), Protein Powder (I am using Garden of Life Raw Protein now- awesome nutrition!), frozen berries, greens (spinach and kale are my favorite), bee pollen, flaxseed, etc. I use liquids like almond milk, raw milk kefir, coconut water, water, etc for mixing my smoothies. I pack a lot into my smoothies- I know it is at least one meal that I will get an amazing amount of nutrition!
You might check out Green for Life by Victoria Boutenko for lots of ideas and recipes.
H.

I have a shake every day. I use a shake and cleanse program which is very high in nutrients and protein. I will add 2 scoops of the shake and put in frozen strawberries, blackberries, and a handful of spinach. This shake has all the amino acids, live digestive enzymes, and electrolytes your body needs. It is safe throughout pregnancy in case you do get pregnant. At night after along day of play (work) you take 2 ounces of cleanse juice with 8 oz of water. Americans aren't used to cleansing everyday even though we really need to. We breathe toxic air, drink toxic water, eat foods that could be harmful. Check out this web page to get info on it. http://phytomom.isagenix.com. go to isavideos to learn more. Good luck with the smoothies. They are sooo good!

I usually make green juice for myself whenever I'm feeling a little sluggish. Mine usually consists of the following:

Kale or Romaine Lettuce
Celery
Cucumber
Parsley or Cilantro
Lemon
Apple
Carrots

And then there are those Fridays with fruits and veggies that are close to their expiration date and I know we won't eat them up in time, so I just toss all those into the juicer as well. Oh, for an extra boost of nutrition, I usually gather up all of the leftover pulp and toss that into spaghetti sauce, meatloaf, mac & cheese, or whatever main dish we are having that night.

You're not just trying to be overall healthy, but to concieve and continue them throughout pregnancy. That makes me nervous. lol I wouldn't add anything until talking to a dr. Be careful with supplements, powders, etc. I think a good rule of thumb would be if it's part of a recommended pregnancy diet and you don't already get a healthy portion of it. Too much of anything can be bad.

Yum, I make these all the times and my 3 year old loves them as well...so good kid food. I do add 1 scoop of vanilla whey powder and 2T of ground flaxseed. I also use plain yogurt and lots and lots of spinach. I have found frozen strawberries or blueberries seem to work best for me. Experiment and enjoy!

I use vanilla protein powder in my smoothies. A great recipe is 2 scoops of protein powder, frozen berries and cold 100% unsweetened cranberry juice.
It's amazing! My kids even love it! But, you must drink it right away or the protein makes it thick like sludge. (Not near as appealing!)