When it comes to pregnancy, what you drink can be just important as what you eat. Coffee is a great way to get a jolt of energy. This is especially true for expectant mothers who are often exhausted due to the extra weight they carry and the physical and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians recommend that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day as caffeine is known to cross the placenta and potentially affect the fetus. While some women may be able to tolerate up to 300 mg of caffeine per day with their doctor’s approval, its wise to stay in the safe range and look for alternatives to coffee.
The good news is that there’s no shortage of caffeine-free drinks that provide an energy boost and the pregnant mother additional nutrients. Fruit and vegetable smoothies are renowned for their replenishment of energy and nourishment for the pregnant mother. They are easy to make and are packed with vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. Depending on ingredients, smoothies can provide additional iron, calcium, and folic acid. Some other options for non-caffeinated drinks include chamomile, ginger and peppermint tea, as well as electrolyte drinks.
Sports drinks and electrolyte drinks are a great replacement for coffee, especially for the more active of pregnant ladies. Electrolyte drinks replace key nutrients, improve endurance, and support hydration. Sports drinks also give an added mental boost thanks to the natural sugars they contain. Like sports drinks, coconut water contains beneficial electrolytes and minerals, while also providing a natural energy boost with its slight flavour. Coconut water is also an excellent source of potassium and is low in calories. Coconut water is becoming more and more popular and is available in most supermarkets.
If mommy-to-be is looking for something a little more exciting than a smoothie or coconut water, she can experiment with homemade tonics, fruit and herb teas, and other caffeine-free beverages. Many tonic recipes combine lemon or lime juices, ginger, and other spices to create a flavorful, energizing drink. Additionally, many freshly made fruit juices, such as pomegranate or orange juice, are full of antioxidants and serve as natural energy boosters. Making a pot of tea with a refreshing blend of herbs is also a great way to substitute coffee during pregnancy. Herbal teas are especially effective because many of them contain lemongrass, peppermint, and hibiscus – all of which could give an expectant mom an extra energy boost.
While it’s understandable to be looking for an extra energy boost during pregnancy, it’s important to limit coffee intake. Too much caffeine while pregnant can lead to causes some serious worries, including increased blood pressure, increase risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and more. Fortunately, there are a lot of healthy, caffeine-free energy drinks to replace coffee that can be found in supermarkets. And for those looking for something more unique, an array of off-the-shelf tonics, herbal teas and homemade recipes are an ideal replacement for coffee and will give expectant mothers the energy boost they need.
Energy Boosting Nutrient-Healthy Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to get a healthy, energizing nutrition boost.They also provide additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for a pregnant mother’s needs. Depending on ingredients, smoothies can provide an additional array of benefits: iron, calcium, fiber, and folic acid. The smoothie is also a great opportunity to pack in nutritious ingredients like nuts and seeds, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, avocado, and various fruits.
Plus, they are numerous options you can opt to get some extra energy without feeling weighed down. Options such as almonds, chia seeds, flax seeds and maca powder can all add a substantial boost to smoothies. If you’re looking for a more natural energy boost to give an extra jolt of energy, consider adding ingredients such as bananas, honey, or peanut butter.
Smoothies are also incredibly versatile and are incredibly easy to customize. Whether your preference tends toward sweet or savory, you can easily experience the endless possibilities for this blended delight. There are recipes for just about every flavor you can imagine, from tropical to smooth creamy, chocolatey creations.
Smoothies are also easy to make and can be made quickly. If you have a modern blender, you can whip up a nourishing smoothie in minutes. You can also prep in advance by freezing ingredients or prepping ingredients and storing them in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
Stay Hydrated with Coconut Water
Coconut water is a great replacement for coffee. It is becoming more and more popular and is one of the healthiest drinks available in supermarkets. Coconut water is naturally refreshing, tropical, and a great natural way to stay hydrated. It is also an excellent source of electrolytes and minerals that are beneficial for pregnant women.
Coconut water is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a refreshing post-workout drink or as a sweet addition to smoothies. It even doubles as a replacement for milk in chia pudding or overnight oats. Coconut water is also a great way to sweeten a dish without the added sugar. It can also be used as a base for dressings, marinades, and as a natural sweetener for virtually any recipe. Use it as a natural replacement for your morning coffee.
While plain coconut water is best for hydration, some of the various flavors available add sugar and other sweeteners. It’s best to opt for plain coconut water if at all possible.
Coconut water also has countless health benefits. It is incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories, making it a great choice for pregnant women. It also contains a good balance of notes that can help regulate hormones. Coconut water helps to ease digestion. It can also protect against free radical damage caused by toxic elements and support your body against illnesses and maintain healthy bodily functions.
Refreshing Herbal Teas
Herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint, are a great alternative to coffee as they provide a natural energy boost. The best part is that all of them are naturally caffeine-free, abundant with minerals and vitamins, and promote overall wellbeing. Furthermore, herbal teas also offer numerous health benefits such as aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, helping fight inflammation and reducing stress levels.
Herbal tea has a cleansing effect and may help the body rid itself of toxins. This can be especially helpful during pregnancy since there are more toxins that can cross the placental barrier. As with any dietary supplement, however, you should check with your medical professional before making it part of your pregnancy routine.
Chamomile tea is a mild tonic and a common remedy for gastrointestinal problems. It is also soothing to the nervous system – a must for expectant mothers who are going through hormonal changes. Ginger tea is also a common remedy for nausea and digestive upset, and is used to calm upset stomachs. Peppermint tea is recommended for a variety of conditions, such as migraines, and helps expectant mothers who experience digestive problems.
Lastly, herbal teas are incredibly easy to make. Simply boil some water, add the herbs of your choice, steep it, and you’re ready to enjoy it. Herbs can be combined to create your own desirable combination. Lemongrass, peppermint, and hibiscus are especially effective in giving an extra energy boost and require only a few minutes of preparation.
Tasty Tonics- Natural Energy Boost with Great Tasting Flavors
If an expectant mother is looking for a delicious and flavorful drink to replace coffee, she can try making homemade tonics. While the exact combination varies, typical recipes include lemon or badger juices, ginger, and one or two other spices. Those spices can vary depending on the desired effect. Some spices like cardamom have ant-inflammatory effects. While others like cinnamon have energizing and warming properties.
Making tonics is pretty straight forward. Just start by gathering the ingredients. The most important ingredient is fresh ginger. Chop the ginger and let it steep in freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice. You can then mix any other ingredients like a clove or 2, anise, cinnamon, honey and etc. Let everything steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain off the solids, and your tonic is complete. Tonic recipes also lend themselves to experimentation. Play around with various ingredients to create the perfect tonic.
Once you figured out your recipes of choice, store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it whenever there’s a need. Tonic can be enjoyed on its own or added to other recipes. Lemon tonic especially can be added to water, juices and even smoothies for extra flavor and energy.
Making and consuming tonics are a great alternative to coffee during pregnancy. Not only does it provide an energizing boost that can easily replace coffee, it also provides additional health benefits that can improve a mother’s and baby’s wellbeing. With tonics, you can easily customize the flavor to fit your taste. Trade in your coffee and give homemade tonics a try.
Introducing Freshly Prepared Juices
Pregnant women can replace coffee with freshly-made fruit juices as part of their diet routine. Freshly-made juices are full of antioxidants and provide a natural energy boost. Some of the more popular freshly-made juices are pomegranate, orange and apple juices. These types of juice are especially effective for replenishing a pregnant mother’s energy.
Of all the fruits, pomegranate may be the best choice for pregnant women. Not only is it a powerful source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, but it is also very nutritious and contains essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium. Moreover, due to its relatively low-calorie content and high nutrient content, pomegranates are a great form of hydration for pregnant women.
Following the same line, orange juice is also a great way to energize the body in a healthy way, providing Vitamins C, A and B6. Moreover, orange juice also helps to reduce stress and improve mood – an essential benefit when pregnant. Furthermore, orange juice is full of folic acid, an important nutrient for a baby’s brain development.
Apple juice is an excellent replacement for coffee as well. Apples are extremely high in fibre as well as being packed with magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin K. Unlike pomegranates and oranges, apples are naturally low in sugar and high in antioxidants. The good news is that once the juice is extracted from the apples, it retains all of its micronutrients and minerals.
Pregnancy is a time for special care and attention for both mommy-to-be and the baby. With all of the healthy, caffeine-free
