This blackberry chia smoothie is light, sweet and tangy. Frozen blackberries, yogurt, almond milk and chia seeds create a light smoothie with bubbles of texture throughout from the small plump chia seeds.
These type of smoothies can be particularly helpful if you are struggling with morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum (severe sickness in pregnancy).
Smoothies can be extremely difficult to tolerate. This is because whatever ingredients are used are blitzed down and the body is able to process them much faster
Many smoothies contain high fructose fruits (such as banana, mango, pineapple etc.) which need to be avoided, even more so when blitzed or blended and therefore only lower GI fruit should be used in small amounts with plenty of fats and protein to help pair them.
In this smoothie, almond milk and chia seeds add natural fats and protein. The chia seeds also add additional fibre which also encourage better blood glucose levels.
Protein Powders
Many smoothie recipes also contain protein powder supplements. It is completely up to you is you wish to add protein powder into your smoothies. Sugar free protein powders will help to achieve lower blood glucose levels, however evidence based research suggests there may be links with growth problems for the fetus when supplementing a diet with protein supplements during pregnancy. As the GD UK diet is already high in natural sources of protein, I advise sticking to natural forms of protein found in real foods which also contain other macro and micro nutrients.
If you struggle to eat enough protein within your normal GD diet, then protein powder supplementation may be beneficial for you. This should be discussed with your health care professionals and diabetes specialists.
Blackberry Chia Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 50 grams blackberries frozen or fresh
- 3 tbsp yogurt (soya, coconut, or Greek full fat)
- 200 ml unsweetened almond milk (or coconut, or soya milk)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- ice cubes to the consistency liked
- sugar free syrup (optional – to taste)
Instructions
- Combine blackberries, yogurt and milk in a blender, blitzing until smooth
- Add desired amount of ice cubes and blitz to create a texture and consistency you like
- Add sugar free syrup or sweetener to sweeten to your taste
- Add tbsp of chia seeds, stir through and allow to rest so that the chia seeds plump up. Stir well before drinking