When you’re pregnant, or even when you’re just trying to get your health on track, most people would tell you to increase your intake of greens and fruits and avoid refined sugar. There is definitely a reason for that. But to be honest, that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? And when sweet things are available left and right, just looking at another salad can be enough to make you cry.
In my own quest to lead a healthier lifestyle, I found a recipe for a green smoothie called the Alkagizer from the WildFit nutritional program. If you have not heard about them, Wildfit is a 13-week program on nutrition created by Eric Edmeades, an expert in evolutionary biology and nutritional anthropology. Wildfit discusses our relationship with food and how it has affected our lives, whether for good or for bad – in terms of function. I joined the program in June 2022 and have since made baby steps, and a few strides, in my relationship with food.
, an expert in evolutionary biology and nutritional anthropology. Wildfit discusses our relationship with food and how it has affected our lives, whether for good or for bad – in terms of function. I joined the program in June 2022 and have since made baby steps, and a few strides, in my relationship with food. DRAFTJS_BLOCK_KEY:43i31But one of the great things about the Alkagizer is that you don’t have to be in the program to make it and it will still be absolutely good for you, especially if you are having a little one on the way.
But one of the great things about the Alkagizer is that you don’t have to be in the program to make it and it will still be absolutely good for you, especially if you are having a little one on the way.
So, what exactly is an Alkagizer? It is a smoothie — or chunky, depending on your preference — made with vegetables and fruits and is a great way to increase your intake of these nutritional foods without having to eat it the same old way. Blended together, it can take the place of much of your fruit and veggie intake, which you would not consume in a large amount normally. Here's the recipe:
ALKAGIZER From WildFit Simply blend together all the ingredients:
Apples
Cucumber
Celery
Kale
Spinach
Avocado
Water or Coconut Water (depending on your preference)
For me, avocado is an important component in this smoothie. It improves on the taste as well as the texture. It smoothens and emulsifies the drink, making it creamier, delicately sweet and definitely delicious. For pregnant women, it is particularly beneficial because of the amount of folate (helps in baby’s brain development), heart-friendly fats, micronutrients and macrominerals that this fruit contains. Get to Know More About Avocados
If you can't source kale or spinach, I've also tried malunggay, talbos ng kamote and lettuce. Green leafy veggies are rich in chlorophyll, which is known for its blood-building properties as well as providing you with an energy boost. Chlorophyll also has an anti-aging effect and generally improves your health. As for fruits, I use anything we have in our home. It even becomes a great way to ensure that we consume even the ones that are overripe before they become completely rotten. Fruits provide you with a good dose of phytonutrients (also known as phytochemicals) which are powerful antioxidants, prevents disease and promotes overall good health. 25 Super Fruits to Add to Your Diet The Benefits of Chlorophyll In Your Diet
Here's one that is not green, but purple, because of the beetroot. So yummy and earthy!
Special Benefit for Pregnant Women
Aside from all of the benefits of fruits and vegetables in the Alkagizer, it also provides you with most of your sugar requirement for the day. We know that fruits indeed have sugar, but did you know that vegetables have sugar too? So, taking the Alkagizer early in the morning will very likely prevent you from overindulging in sweets. I noticed that when I drank the Alkagizer in place of my morning coffee, I do not crave after-meal desserts as often as I used to. This is especially important since blood glucose levels is something we really watch out for during pregnancy.
Do you experience morning sickness or feel nauseated? The Alkagizer may also be able to help you with that. Since it is blended, this green smoothie is easier to consume as you can drink it and there is no need for you to chew. Also, towards the end of your pregnancy, when you might want to cut back on eating to control the size of the baby, the Alkagizer can keep you from overindulging as it is very filling.
Alkagizer in Day to Day Life
Even for those who are not pregnant, the Alkagizer helps increase the nutritional intake of the entire household (ahem, our partners!). It helps improve and strengthen the immune system of the family, which in turn makes them more able to support the pregnant woman.
Not into cold drinks? The good news is that the Alkagizer may be taken as a hot raw soup. I have included a link to the recipe if you would like to check it out. You don’t need them, but powerful blenders like Vitamix or Hurom can spin so fast that the friction heats the soup up without actually cooking it. You can also use hot bone broth or vegetable broth, if you prefer.
I hope you try the Alkagizer for yourself. It’s a great way to get all your fruits and veggies in! It’s good for you and your baby!