Symptom Solving Snacks: Oats For Energy Smoothie

We’re back with another symptom solving snack recipe this week! We’re focusing on a symptom you might experience at some point throughout pregnancy and postpartum: fatigue. Let’s get straight into it!

What causes pregnancy fatigue?

You’re growing a tiny life inside you, mama! That’s enough to make anyone tired but pair that with nausea, pregnancy insomnia, and all the other symptoms you’re battling, you’ll probably be feeling the most tired you’ve ever felt before.

Pregnancy fatigue often starts as soon as you become pregnant and your hormone levels change. As you get into the second trimester, you might find your energy levels return to normal and you have what a lot of women think of as a “honeymoon” period. Unfortunately, when the third trimester hits, lots of those early pregnancy symptoms, including fatigue, return. But don’t worry! We have all the info you need to beat pregnancy fatigue below.

What causes postpartum fatigue?

The physical demands of labor, caring for a newborn, stress, and lack of sleep are usually the causes of postpartum fatigue. Plus, if you’re breastfeeding it can take a lot of energy from your stores!

What food & nutrients can help beat fatigue during pregnancy & postpartum?

The best thing you can do to beat fatigue in TTC, pregnancy, and postpartum is to prioritize sleep when you can, but we know that’s often easier said than done and it can be really frustrating when you get told to “sleep when baby sleeps” — that’s not always possible when you have things you need to get done or other little ones to look after. Here are a couple of other top tips for beating fatigue during pregnancy and postpartum: 

• Eat smaller meals more often as this helps keep your blood sugar and energy levels balanced throughout the day

• Stay hydrated! Tiredness is often a symptom of dehydration too, so be sure you’re drinking water throughout the day. Find out Exactly How Much Water You Need In Each Trimester, including when you’re breastfeeding.

• If you can, ask friends & family for support so you can rest — whether they watch the baby for a few hours, bring you an meal, or put a wash on for you, every little helps.

• Try keeping your bedroom slightly colder than the rest of your house to promote better sleep

• Eat foods that contain essential nutrients for energy production and focus on nutrients over calories… See below for the perfect recipe & a quick guide to the nutrients you need!

Oats for energy smoothie recipe

Servings: 2 | Time: 5 minutes + overnight soak | Supplies: Small glass jar, blender

Nutritional benefits:

• Oats contain lots of nutrients that help in the production of energy:

  • Vitamin B1: This essential vitamin helps the body convert food into energy

  • Iron: This nutrient binds with oxygen and helps carry it throughout the body — that oxygen then becomes part of energy production

  • Magnesium: Supports muscle & nerve function, as well as energy production

  • Selenium: Essential for overall health and mental & physical energy

• Tumeric has anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant properties

• Ginger can prevent heartburn & ease symptoms of nausea

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 22.5 g (1⁄4 cup) rolled oats

• 60 mL (1⁄4 cup) nut milk of your choice 

• 80 mL (1⁄3 cup) vanilla yogurt 

• 100 mL (scant 1⁄2 cup) nut milk of your choice

• 2 small pears, cored and diced 

• 1 tsp real maple syrup

• Pinch of cinnamon 

• Pinch of turmeric

• Pinch of ginger

Here’s how to make it:

1. To cold-soak your oats, mix the rolled oats and 1⁄4 cup nut milk of your choice in a glass jar, seal, and place in the fridge overnight.

   Tip: If you aren’t able to soak your oats overnight, you can make oatmeal on the same day and allow it to cool before adding it to the blender.

2. In the morning, add your cold-soaked oats, yogurt, diced pear, and maple syrup to the blender and give everything a whizz.

3. Finish off by adding the spices and blend once more to incorporate.

4. You may want to add water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Serve in a large glass and enjoy your deliciously energizing drink!

Let us know what you think of this recipe in the comments & share your pictures with us on Instagram, @baby2bodyofficial!

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