Shake it up!
Chill out with this quick, nutritious smoothie.
Back-to-back meetings, prenatal appointments, baby showers — who has time to sit down and eat? Even if you’re short on this most precious commodity, pregnancy is no time to skimp on nutrition. Mothers-to-be need an extra 100 calories daily in their first trimester and 300 calories a day during their second and third trimesters. Additionally, higher amounts of all nutrients, including bone-building calcium, iron and folic acid, are needed during every month.
This refreshing smoothie recipe is so jampacked with nutrients that it’s a virtual meal-in-a-glass. It’s also delicious, light and easy to make, so you’ll have a better chance at beating the clock — and the summer heat.
Hurry–Up Tropical Smoothie
Serves 2
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 banana (frozen optional)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup skim milk
4 tablespoons powdered skim milk
4 ice cubes
1 cup strawberry fat-free yogurt (sweetened with fruit juice)
In a blender, whirl all ingredients except yogurt for 1 minute or until smooth. Add yogurt and whirl for 30 seconds. Pour in a tall glass and enjoy.
For another quick meal, freeze the extra smoothie. When ready to drink, thaw for 5–10 minutes. Place in blender with 2 ice cubes and whirl on high speed for 1 minute.
Nutritional information per serving (16 ounces): 223 calories, 4 percent fat (1 gram), 71 percent carbohydrate, 25 percent protein, 118 micrograms vitamin A, 437 milligrams calcium, .6 milligram iron, 56 micrograms folic acid.
