Quick and Easy Recipes for Pregnancy and Beyond

Guest Editor: Catherine McCord, Author + Blogger of Weelicious

My third pregnancy was filled with so many firsts. Kenya, my oldest, was old enough to really understand what’s happening inside my belly. Chloe, my second, was about to become a big sister for the first time. The kids and hubby waited on me hand and foot and I’d say they loved my pregnancy cravings as much as I did! They all thought it was funny that I had to have my daily pregnancy parfait every morning, and that I followed them around eating their leftovers. Somehow, I still had late night cravings for a smoothie. I try to keep a healthy balance of foods in my diet all the time, but with a baby camping out in my belly it felt even more important to listen to my body and stay healthy.

Photo: Instagram / @weelicious

I also still had to feed a grown man and two children, so I made tons of dinners the whole family would enjoy and that required minimal prep, but that were fresh and wholesome. Here are a few of my favorite easy meals that satisfied my pregnancy cravings and my family during pregnancy number three:

Chilled Avocado Soup // Hummus Veggie Wraps // Superfood Salad // Pesto Pasta with Roast Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes // Asian Rice Bowls with Egg

When you’re pregnant, it’s also important to remember that getting your fat and calories from nutrient dense foods with tons of vitamins and minerals (and don’t forget those omega 3 fatty acids) is essential. If you decide to breastfeed your baby this is especially true. This is not the time to start dieting as you need to eat plenty of nutritious calories to keep up with milk production. A great way to get tons of vitamins and minerals is drinking a pregnancy smoothie! Here’s a recipe I love:

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, frozen in chunks
• 1/2 cup frozen blackberries
• 1 10-ounce bag frozen raspberries
• 1 cup milk (almond, soy, or cow’s)
• 1 teaspoon bee pollen
• 1/8 teaspoon pink himalayan salt
• 1 teaspoon hemp, chai, or flax seeds, optional

Directions:

1. Place ingredients in a blender and puree pushing down with spatula to combine between pulses (mixture is very thick so it may take a few minutes).
2. Place in a tall glass and drink immediately or freeze for several hours to achieve the consistency of ice cream.

Photo: Instagram / @weelicious

Lastly, to keep you energized all day long after baby arrives here’s a few of my favorite snacks. The bonus? I can make them for my older kids too, so we’re all happy!

Avocado Toast // Sweet Potato Dippers // Breakfast Cookies // Brainy Breakfast // Veggie Garden Cups // Protein Bars

This blog post provides general information and discussion about health, diet, lifestyles and related subjects.  The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care worker. The views expressed on this post represent those of the blogger and not of Destination Maternity.