Organic Juices for a Healthy Pregnancy : Cucumber Lemonade, Super Melon, Blueberry Banana

1. Cucumber Lemonade

Helps boost energy levels

This hydrating juice will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Why? Well, the cucumber’s high water content makes it excellent for replacing fluids lost through sweating and will help prevent dehydration or exhaustion. Sweating can be more common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and carrying around a larger body mass, so do whatever you can to stay dry.

YIELDS: 1 CUP

2 cucumbers, washed and peeled

1 lemon, washed, rind removed

Juice cucumbers and lemon. Stir.

	Calories	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Fiber	Carbohydrates
PER 1 CUP SERVING	65	0.2g	2.6g	9.2mg	3.8g	30g

LEMONS

Lemon juice is a natural diuretic that helps eliminate excess fluids that may lead to edema during pregnancy.

2. Super Melon

The delicious, refreshing fruit used in this recipe are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. Beta-carotene will convert into vitamin A when needed and will help support the development of your baby’s eyes, bones, kidneys, lungs, and heart. The vitamin C will support your and your baby-to-be’s immune systems and will protect him from free radical damage, which will enhance her ability to grow into a healthy baby.

YIELDS: 1¹⁄₂ CUPS

1 cup watermelon, rind removed

1 cup cantaloupe, rind removed

1 orange, rind removed

Juice melons and orange. Stir.

	Calories	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Fiber	Carbohydrates
PER 1¹⁄₂ CUP SERVING	164	0.83g	4.5g	27mg	4.4g	43g

CANTALOUPE OR MUSK MELON?

Cantaloupe was named for a castle in Italy. Real cantaloupe is from Europe and is not exported. The American cantaloupes are really known as musk melons. Cantaloupes should have a netting appearance on a beige-colored skin when they are ripe.

3. Blueberry Banana

Good for fighting infections during pregnancy

Berries are blood purifiers and can help you out during your pregnancy by improving your body’s ability to deliver oxygen from your blood to cells that are required for you and your baby’s growth and development. Berries also contain antioxidants, which protect your body from bladder infections, high blood pressure, and fatigue, all of which you may experience throughout the various trimesters.

YIELDS: 1¹⁄₂ CUPS

2 cups blueberries, washed

1 banana, peeled

Juice blueberries.
Blend blueberry juice and banana in juicer.
Stir.

	Calories	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Fiber	Carbohydrates
PER 1¹⁄₂ CUP SERVING	241	1.2g	3.8g	3.7mg	8g	59g

BLUEBERRIES

Low in calories (¹⁄₂ cup has just 40 calories) and high in antioxidants, these sweet yet tart fruits pack a nutritious punch. Blueberries also protect against short-term memory loss, lower cholesterol, and enhance memory. However, most importantly, they are highest in antioxidants to protect you and your baby from free radicals that may damage cells.