Pregnancy brings with it many joys, as we’re sure you’ve already discovered. That said, there are a few moments where the phrase, “woe is me,” becomes your mantra. For example, those carrying a bun in the oven deal with excessive fatigue, inability to get comfortable, and, for some, the sudden lack of delicious cocktails that were once an enjoyable part of life.
Fortunately for you, we here at PregnancyCorner.com have pulled together five pregnant-friendly mocktails that are as good for you and baby as they are delicious. Let’s dig right in, shall we?
Chia Hachiya Eggnog
Not only is this eggnog delicious and non-alcoholic, it’s both vegan and gluten-free. “It’s made with chia seeds, an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and calcium, persimmons, a great source of vitamins A and C, and almond milk, a great source of vitamin E and calcium,” says Joanne Williams, a PhD nutritionist and author of the book, Health Begins in the Kitchen. She’s also the founder of the blog Foods For Long Life. “It’s one-third the calories of regular eggnog and 85% less fat. The recipe also demonstrates the trick of ripening a hachiya persimmon overnight.”
What You Need:
- 2 large hachiya persimmons
- 4 cups Silk vanilla almond milk (or other non-dairy vanilla, sweetened milk)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg plus some to sprinkle
- 2 packets stevia, or to taste
- Tiny pinch of salt
Instructions:
1.The night before, or sooner, place the hachiya persimmons in the freezer.
2.Take them out of the freezer to defrost. Meanwhile, sprinkle chia seeds into the vanilla almond milk and stir vigorously until they are well separated. Do this several times over the course of 10 minutes to make sure they don’t clump together. Set aside for an hour or more while the persimmons are just defrosted enough to cut.
3.Slice the top off the persimmons and then cut each vertically in four pieces, cutting away the inner, fibrous center vein that tends to be astringent.
4.Scoop out the flesh and place in the blender, discarding the skin.
5.Stir up the milk and chia seeds and add them to the blender along with the cinnamon, 1/8th teaspoon of the nutmeg, stevia and salt. Blend until smooth.
6.Pour into glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg and serve.
Peppermint Patty Green Smoothie
This mocktail is perfect throughout the winter months and features protein-rich almond milk, spinach and bananas. It comes to you from Sari Davidson-Crevin of BooginHead.com, a food and lifestyle expert, and mom, whose goal is to make parents’ lives easier.
What You Need:
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 cup spinach, about 1 handful
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, stems removed or 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 heaping tbsp chocolate chips
Instructions:
1.Place all the ingredients, except chocolate chips into your blender
2.Start on low speed, and increase to high
3.Blend until smooth, about 1 min
4.Then add the chocolate chips and blend for a few seconds. Just long enough to break them down into smaller pieces.
5.Enjoy!
Blended Pina Colada
You can have Christmas in July, so why not tropics in December? If you’re craving a bit of sunshine and warmth, whisk yourself away with this healthy, pregnancy-approved pina colada. We’re happy to have Mirta Desir, founder and CEO of Smart Coos, share this healthy recipe. “Part of raising a smarter child is a healthy diet during pregnancy,” she notes.
What You Need:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup ice cubes
- 2 teaspoons honey (optional)
- Pineapple wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1.In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks, coconut milk, yogurt, banana, ice and, if desired, honey.
2.Puree until smooth.
3.Pour into 2 large glasses.
4.Garnish each serving with a pineapple wedge.
Spiced Pomegranate Cider
Are you a fan of mulled wine or spiked cider? This pomegranate juice alternative is probably right up your alley, then. It comes to you from the lovely people at POM Wonderful and is tasty enough that everyone will want a little sip.
What You Need:
- 32 oz. POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
- 8 oz. water
- 4 cinnamon sticks (broken in half)
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 6 green cardamom pods
- 6 juniper berries
- 1½ tsp. vanilla extract
- Zest and juice from half of an orange
Instructions:
1.Combine all ingredients in a medium pot and bring to a slow simmer over low heat.
2.Keep the heat low and allow to simmer for an additional 45 minutes, then turn off heat.
3.Allow mixture too steep for at least two hours off the heat.
4.Strain and refrigerate.
5.Serve hot or cold; garnish with an orange slice.
Gingerbread Smoothie Recipe
Here’s another cold-weather goodie from Davidson-Crevin at BooginHead. It’s definitely a sweet treat, but you can feel better about drinking it thanks to the almond milk and bananas.
What You Need:
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 frozen bananas, peeled, sliced and thawed slightly
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon fresh, grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
1.Start by adding the liquid to your blender, followed by the soft fruit.
2.Add the greens to your blender last.
3.Blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.