Vanessa WernerEnjoying the routine of 'coffee' without the caffeine
For a lot of us during our pregnancy journey, it can feel like we’re being pressured into giving up some of the tastier things in life... Just because you’re trying to do right by your body and baby, it doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enjoy new and delicious beverages.
During my first trimester, I completely went off coffee and this was a big change for me as I have been a passionate, daily coffee drinker for years! Now in my second trimester, I am personally aware of the effects of caffeine on my body and have explored different drink options to keep things interesting. Personally caffeine is something I am actively avoiding throughout pregnancy however it is important to acknowledge that we are all different and what may be the right decision for me does not have to be the right decision for you.
Here are a few of my personal all-time fave pregnancy lovin’ drink recipes that don't compromise on taste and help to promote health and balance in your body!
(Recipes detailed in drop down toggle)
Chai Latte Mix
Ingredients:
700ml-800ml canned pumpkin puree
6 - 7 tsp cinnamon powder
3 - 4 tsp nutmeg powder
3 - 4 tsp ginger powder
1 1/2 tsp of ground cloves
4 tbsp sugar (sugar syrup)
4-8 tbsp water (sugar syrup)
A few shakes of black pepper
Instructions: 1. Heat a deep pan or pot on low to medium heat setting (150F/250F)2. Add spices to pan and cook for 30 seconds - 1 minute 3. Add pumpkin puree to pan/pot and cook for 3-4 minutes to cook out the raw pumpkin flavour 4. Mix the sugar syrup and add in 5. Add additional water to fill out the mixture as needed 6. Add the black pepper (if desired) to taste 7. Cook on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring often 8. TASTE - add more spices/sugar as desired 9. Transfer to container/s and allow the mixture to cool. 10. Keep your chai mix in the fridge for easy use, extra mixtures can be stored in the freezer
Winter Warmer Hot Cocoa
Serves: 3-4 Ingredients:
4 Cups Unsweetened Coconut Milk (or your milk of choice)
1⁄2 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1⁄4 cup Maple Syrup
Pinch of Cinnamon
Instructions: 1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for one minute. 2. Add mixture to a saucepan on the stove and bring to a slow simmer. 3. Avoid boiling. 4. Serve in mugs & enjoy!
Healing Hot Toddy
Serves 2 Ingredients:
2 cups boiling filtered water
4 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
Juice from 2 lemons
2 lemon slices
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoons honey
Instructions: 1. Divide ingredients into 2 mugs, adding water last. 2. Stir gently with a spoon to dissolve honey.
Cucumber Mint Fizz
Serves 4 Ingredients:
Juice from 2 limes
8-12 mint leaves
12 oz sparkling water
thinly sliced cucumber
4 lime wedges
Instructions: 1. In a serving glass, muddle mint leaves. 2. Add cucumbers and top each glass with ice. 3. Combine lime juice and sparkling water in a separate container then pour over glasses. 4. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.
Mama's Golden Milk
Serves 1 Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk
2 pitted dates
1 tsp ghee
Pinch of nutmeg
1⁄8 tsp cinnamon
1⁄8 tsp cardamom
1⁄4 tsp fresh grated ginger (1⁄8 tsp if using dry ginger)
2-3 strands saffron
Instructions: 1. Combine spices (without the saffron) and ghee in a small saucepan and cook for 2 minutes until the spices release their aroma. 2. Add the milk and bring to a low boil. 3. Lower heat and simmer for 1 minute, add saffron and turn heat off. 4. Add dates and blend in a blender until smooth. 5. Drink warm, as many servings as you desire.
Creative Hot Chocolate
Serves 2 Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your milk of choice)
2 tablespoon cacao
1 tablespoon ghee
2 teaspoon coconut oil
Pinch of nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a pot. 2. Heat over medium-high heat while whisking the mixture. 3. All mixture to come to a boil, then remove from heat. 4. Serve in mugs.
Heading into a New Zealand winter, nothing is more comforting than brewing up a nurturing and comforting drink to start the day or wind down with in the evening. These recipes are also great to make in batches as part of your postpartum meal prep!