All posts filed under: Recipes

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Banana, Oat and Almond Smoothie

Published by Carmen

This smoothie is so deliciously indulgent that you’ll think that you’re actually having a milkshake. It is perfect for breakfast on the run, or when you feel like an afternoon treat. It literally takes 2 minutes to make, so there’s no excuse not to make it. We used to make this smoothie at Rose Bakery, a wonderful cafe I used to work at that started in Paris, but is now also in London. This smoothie was very popular, and you’ll know why when you try it. Whenever someone ordered it, I would make a little extra just to I could have some too. As you know, dairy milk is high in calcium, a mineral very much needed during pregnancy for the healthy formation of bones, teeth, nails, as well as the muscles, heart, and nerve development among others. Your need for calcium doubles during pregnancy, and if you don’t get enough to support your baby’s development, your body will remove calcium from your bones, leading to problems later in life such as osteoporosis and brittle bones. I’m …

anemia-in-pregnancy

Anaemia in Pregnancy

Published by Carmen

Iron is an essential mineral that has many uses in our body. One of the most important one is that it forms part of the haemoglobin (which in turn forms red blood cells) which carry oxygen to our cells. Anaemia is a deficiency in haemoglobin, which can be due to a number of reasons, one of which is caused by low iron. Iron deficiency anaemia is very common in pregnancy. Your body has to make almost 50% more blood while you’re pregnant to circulate through the placenta and around the body, and therefore your iron requirements also increase. Anaemia doesn’t always cause symptoms but can leave you feeling tired, breathless, weak, and dizzy. It is diagnosed via a blood test checking your haemoglobin level (less than 110g/l is considered low). In the UK, this is normally done at your first consultation, at 28 weeks, and repeated at 36 weeks if it was low at the last sample. Studies have shown that anaemia increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies, as well …

haloomi-lentil-salad

Iron boosting Lentil Salad

Published by Carmen

I love this salad because not only is it delicious but it can taken for lunch on the go, or be served as a light supper. It is quick to prepare, healthy and very satisfying. I often make a double serving of this salad just so I can have it another day. Lentils and spinach are a rich source of iron, which often drops in pregnancy, and combined with the vitamin C of the lemon juice and other veg, it helps its absorption. Lentils and leafy greens are also abundant in folate- the natural form of folic acid- so are great for those of you trying to conceive or in early pregnancy, as folate is especially important for your baby’s early development. If that wasn’t enough goodness to convince you, lentils are also full of protein and fibre, so will keep you going for longer and help prevent constipation! There are many types of lentils, but for salads I tend to like puy lentils, as they cook quickly and retain their shape when cooked so …

avocado kale mango smoothie

Avocado Mango and Kale Smoothie

Published by Carmen

Avocados are the one of the latest fruits to be labeled as a superfood. It is rich in healthy fats, and therefore helps slow down the absorption of carbohytrates to help maintain a stable blood sugar. This smoothie also contains iron, vitamin C, omega 3’s, protein, fibre and lots of vitamins and minerals to keep you well nourished. It is a healthy treat you can enjoy for breakfast or as a snack on the go! It is so quick and easy to prepare, it’ll take you two minutes to make in the morning, and perfect for those days where you may not feel so hungry first thing so you can bring it with you and enjoy it later. Ingredients 1 cup fresh or frozen mango (about 1 large mango ) 1 whole orange peeled and seeded, cut into 1/4s 1 cup of chopped kale 1 banana 12- 15 raw almonds 1/2 avocado 2 tablespoons chia seeds 2 cups water Instructions Combine all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Enjoy!