When you’re pregnant, your food and beverage choices are critical to your baby’s health. However, getting the nutrition you need can be challenging, especially if you have a hectic schedule. Fortunately, the right prenatal drink mix can nourish your body and your baby with a single, convenient package.
Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with anticipation, but it can also bring worries. As an expectant mother, you’re probably concerned about your diet and how to nourish yourself and your growing baby. You might find it challenging to consume all the necessary vitamins and minerals through food alone, which is why many women turn to a prenatal drink mix for added support. This article discusses the five benefits of using a prenatal drink mix and provides guidance on selecting the right one.
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Five benefits of using a prenatal drink mix
#1 Provides Essential Nutrients
While you may feel like you’re eating enough food, undernutrition is still possible; eating nourishing food is crucial, but doing so is not always easy. Prenatal drink mixes are specifically formulated to provide essential micronutrients that support your well-being and the healthy development of your baby. These nutrients can include folic acid, iron, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in your diet.
#2 Reduces Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. Some prenatal drink mixes contain ginger, which is shown to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. Moreover, a prenatal drink mix can also be the perfect solution when you find solid food unappealing.
#3 Improves Hydration
Expectant mothers require more water than the average person to form amniotic fluid, produce extra blood, build new tissues, transport nutrients, enhance digestion, and eliminate wastes and toxins — your body has a lot to do! But drinking enough water (8-12 glasses daily, or 2.3 liters) can be challenging, especially if you’re dealing with morning sickness or other pregnancy-related issues. A prenatal drink mix can be a tasty and convenient way to increase fluid intake and stay hydrated.
#4 Boosts Energy
Pregnancy can be exhausting, and many women need extra energy to get through the day. Sometimes, this lack of energy may lead you to reach for high-calorie, nutritionally poor foods that may cause excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Prenatal drink mixes help solve this problem because they’re made from nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body and produce energy. Additionally, some have B vitamins, which can reduce fatigue.
#5 Maintains Good Nutrition while Breastfeeding
There is no reason to give up the benefits of your prenatal drink mix once your baby is born. If you’ve chosen to breastfeed, then what you eat and drink continues to affect your baby’s health.
Breastfeeding burns about 500-700 additional calories daily and can assist in postpartum weight loss. During this time, you need to maintain a healthy calorie intake to sustain energy, stay healthy, and satisfy your hunger. Also, hydration while breastfeeding is just as important as it was during pregnancy because your fluid intake influences the amount of breast milk you produce. A prenatal drink mix is the perfect quick meal for a busy nursing mother to remain nourished and hydrated.
How to choose the best prenatal drink mix for your body and your baby
Ingredients to Avoid in a Prenatal Drink Mix
Caffeine – A widely used stimulant, caffeine can be found in various plants. The most well-known are cocoa beans, kola nuts, tea leaves, and coffee beans; it’s also hidden in herbs like guarana and yerba mate. Caffeine consumption is not necessarily harmful if kept at a moderate dose; however, it may be wise to avoid additional sources of caffeine if you’re already enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
Adaptogens – Found in medicinal plants and mushrooms, adaptogens may not be a risk you want to take during pregnancy. These substances are best avoided as they can have a powerful effect on the body and may stimulate and agitate your baby.
Artificial Ingredients – Synthetic ingredients added to food to enhance its appearance, texture, taste, shelf life, freshness, and nutrition. The FDA has an approved list of color additives and preservatives that food manufacturers must adhere to and list on their food labels. However, selecting natural products is considered the safer and preferred choice.
Added Sugar – According to a study published in 2020, high simple sugar intake may contribute to excessive weight gain and possibly increase the risk of complications such as GDM (Gestational Diabetes), preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Reaching for a satisfying prenatal drink can help curb sugar cravings during pregnancy while ensuring good nutrition.
The natural power of a green prenatal drink mix
Including fruits and vegetables in your diet during pregnancy can assist in maintaining healthy weight gain, keeping blood pressure in check, improving iron levels, and maintaining good digestion.
A prenatal green drink is a quick and easy way to get your greens in and provides essential nutrients for you and your baby. They’re rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and folic acid – without added sugar or artificial ingredients. With a prenatal drink mix, you get all the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens without the prep and cooking time.
LuvBelly a family-owned company based in Arvada, CO, produces a clean and straightforward prenatal green mix drink consisting of an antioxidant blend, a whole superfood blend, and a tummy-soothing hydration blend.
Owner Valency Dahlen first thought about creating a prenatal drink mix during her own pregnancy out of her desire for a good-tasting meal replacement that provided complete nutrition. She wanted something easy to consume and made from quality whole foods rather than another pill.
Valency believes that: “Pregnancy can be a catalyst for change in a woman’s life, and you can use the time to make significant healthy changes; it is a huge motivator and can be your big ‘why’ to take on a new habit or dump an old bad one.”
LuvBelly’s prenatal green drink mix is produced by a team that includes an OBGYN, a nutritionist, and a formulation company. Their product is certified organic, 100% vegan, gluten and lactose-free, non-GMO, and contains no soy.
A prenatal drink mix may help you experience a happier and healthier pregnancy
When your body is adequately nourished and hydrated, you’ll have more energy to enjoy being pregnant and plan for the arrival of your newborn. A natural, premium-quality prenatal drink mix is a convenient, time-saving healthy option for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers to stay on top of their nutritional needs.
For Further Reference:
JAMA Network Open- Estimation of Total Usual Dietary Intakes of Pregnant Women in the United States
PubMed Central – Impact of Sugary Food Consumption on Pregnancy: A Review – PMC
Intermountain Healthcare – How Hydration During Pregnancy Can Benefit You and Your Baby
PubMed – In vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties of the plant-based supplement greens+™
La Leche League International – Weight Loss – for Mothers – La Leche League International
American Journal of Preventative Medicine –Associations of Prenatal and Child Sugar Intake With Child Cognition – American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
