The list of breast milk benefits seems to grow daily - and a powerful reason many moms wants to breastfeed is due to the immunity provided in their breastmilk for baby. Breastfeeding moms have two people to keep healthy during cold and flu season - and breastmilk contains vitamins and minerals and antibodies important not only for baby's growth but also to help boost their immune system while nursing.
Your diet can play a key role in maintaining your immune system - and a breastfeeding protein shake packed with fresh fruits and vegetables that have a track record of immune boosting is a great place to start! To help breastfeeding moms get the nutrition they need, we've created three wonderfully delicious smoothie recipes that are not only nutritious and simple to make, but can also help to support a healthy immune system. Smoothies are an easy and convenient way to jam-pack your body with vitamins, antioxidants, and superfoods. Plus, with a scoop of our Milk Drunk protein powder, both mamas and little ones can enjoy a milk boost!
Purple Power Lactation Smoothie
Featuring no less than eight immune-boosting ingredients, this bright smoothie is both tasty and nutrient-dense — making it perfect for fueling nursing moms. The star of the show is a mix of dark berries, providing over 50% of your daily Vitamin D needs! Vitamin D is vital to healthy immune function, and also increases calcium absorption in the small intestine. As well as Vitamin D, this smoothie also packs a healthy dose of vitamin C, B6, B12, potassium, zinc, folate, and fiber.
Ingredients
1 cup of frozen mixed berries
3 cups of spinach
1 cup of pineapple juice
1 orange
1 kiwi
1 cup plain greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
1 scoop Milk Drunk Strawberry protein powder
Instructions
Peel the orange and kiwi, and then combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If necessary, you can add almond milk to reach your desired consistency!
Carrot-Ginger Breastfeeding Smoothie
If you like a little bit of kick to your smoothies, you're going to love our Sweet Heat recipe. Featuring carrot juice and fresh ginger, this vibrant orange smoothie is both delicious and anti-inflammatory.
Ginger has long been revered as a superfood, but did you know that in some parts of the world, new moms are encouraged to eat ginger right after giving birth? Not only is it believed to help moms heal from childbirth, but some people also claim it's a galactagogue (a milk-boosting food). This smoothie also contains plenty of Vitamin C, which can help your white blood cells to function more effectively.
Ingredients
1/2 tablespoon of peeled, fresh ginger
1 large ripe banana
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup of carrot juice
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 scoop of Milk Drunk Vanilla protein powder
Instructions
Combine all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. You can also add unsweetened almond milk for a boost of Vitamin E and calcium.
Goodness Greenness - Breastfeeding Green Juice Smoothie
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard all of the amazing nutritional benefits that green juice has to offer! Our Goodness Greenness smoothie is built on a base of fresh baby spinach, ensuring that it packs a nutritional punch — as well as being an excellent source of Vitamin K (vital for bone health), fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate, and iron.
Plus, the addition of coconut water means this tasty smoothie is full of electrolytes, which are crucial for hydrating your body — especially if you're sick.
Ingredients
1 sliced banana
2 cups of fresh baby spinach
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup of coconut water
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
1 scoop of Milk Drunk Strawberry protein powder
Instructions
Combine all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. You can also substitute the yogurt for unsweetened almond milk if you prefer a thinner consistency!
For more delicious Milk Drunk recipes, head to our recipe page, and be sure to tag us on Instagram when you create your own immunity-boosting smoothie!