While my first trimester had me wondering who the hell I was (mentally and food wise) I managed to get a green juice (2 most days) and a green smoothie into my system. I think this was amazing for my mental and physical health. My green juices were based on Mama Glow’s blood builder recipe. After eating cooked food for lunch and dinner it was nice to have some fresh juice. I love how hydrating fresh juices and raw foods can be. This juice provides me with essential blood building materials, as well as enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

As my second trimester rounds out I have managed to eat more of my beloved salads but I am still having my juices every day. They are full of amazing blood building materials and easily digestible nutrition.

By the end of pregnancy you will have about 40% more blood volume. That’s a lot of extra blood the body needs to make. While I do take a prenatal with iron I am obviously an advocate for getting nutrients from food – which is the most bio-available way!

This is my go to recipe.

The Blood Builder Juice

• 1 apple
• 4 leaves of kale
• 1-2 celery stalks
• ½ inch piece of ginger
• ½ lemon peeled
• A few sprigs of parsley
• ½ a small beet
• 4-5 inches of cucumber

Green pigmented vegetables like kale and parsley contain chlorophyll. The chlorophyll molecule is eerily similar to the hemoglobin molecule which makes up our blood, the only difference being that hemoglobin contains iron whereas chlorophyll contains magnesium.

Beets contain a large amount of iron making them a potent blood builder and cleanser. Pure blood is able to transport nutrients better!

While this is a great juice for pregnant ladies it is also great for anyone wanting to up their blood health and overall wellness.

Let me know if you try this juice or if you have any other tips for creating the best blood for your growing baby.

~Michelle