One thing that I didn’t realize before I had a baby was how little time there was to make meals and to actually eat them. We all know those days when the baby refuses to nap or you need to do a million errands because he/she is finally sleeping. These are the days (its ok if its everyday) that this super-charged smoothie comes in handy. I also make up little zip lock baggies of the dry ingredients ahead of time so I can grab and go. This way I don’t have to measure anything when my hands are full. This smoothie is full of amino acids that are crucial for your body. Our cells, muscles, and tissues are made up of amino acids. They play a key role in the transport and the storage of nutrients. Amino acids are essential for the healing of wounds, repairing tissue, especially the muscles, bones, skin and hair. As mothers, our bodies are taxed tremendously from hosting a beautiful new being inside our bellies for 9 months to now, trying to function without rest or proper meals. Breastfeeding also taxes the body to provide the proper nutrients to the baby. Amino acids are very important to consume for moms especially for that reason.

The spinach in this smoothie is great for getting a great dose of Vitamin C, which we all know, helps us from getting sick. Not only does it boost the immune system, but it also helps maintain the elasticity of the skin. Vitamin C also is a powerful antioxidant for the synthesis of collagen, which helps to make blood vessels and muscles strong. This vitamin needs to be taken in through food and other supplements, as our bodies do not generate this vitamin on its own.

Now let’s talk about our daily MOOD. Parenthood doesn’t always lead to days full of rainbows and unicorns. From not sleeping to having a teething baby, our moods are constantly being challenged. Well did you know that Vitamin C plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine?  Yes, that is right! Vitamin C helps produce neurotransmitters, which in turn helps the brain to function properly. This is what we need gals, proper brain function to be the best mothers we can be and not burn the house down.

Super Mom Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Organic Spinach
• 1 cup of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (or unsweetened Cashew milk or a combo)
• 1 Scoop of Core Nutritionals ISO Vanilla Cake
• ½ a Ripe Banana
• 2-3 Cubes of Ice
• 1 cup of Water
• ½ Tablespoon Chia Seeds
• ½ Tablespoon Flax Seed Meal
• ½ Tablespoon Hemp Protein and Fiber
• 1/8 cup Gluten Free Oatmeal
• Stevia to Taste (I use about 2 tsp. of Sweat Leaf Stevia)

Blend ingredients together in a blender (I have the Nutra Ninja and it works great). Remember, you can put the protein powder, chia seeds, stevia, hemp, oats, and flax seed meal in little zip lock bags ahead of time.  Then add the wet ingredients by grabbing two handfuls of spinach, a banana half, pour some almond milk and you’re ready to go.

The total calories for this very filling smoothie is 306 calories with:

• Fiber - 10g (which helps you stay fuller longer)
• Protein - 32g
• Carbohydrates - 32g
• Fat - 6g

Enjoy!