Grapefruit Mint Smoothie: Perfect for Pregnancy and Postpartum #aSmoothieaDay #vitamix

I got a Vitamix from my parents for my 40th birthday way back in September; I somehow still don't have a Vitamix recipe up on this blog. How the heck did that happen? Not to sound like yet another member of the Vitamix cult but...this thing is pretty dang awesome.

I especially love it for smoothies because it absolutely obliterates whole fruits, frozen ingredients and ice cubes. And I like my smoothies icy and frothy!

Do you find that changes in weather effect what foods you crave?  Spring is coming (well, it's allegedly here but Mother Nature seems not to have received that memo) and I'm craving more light meals, more fruits—and smoothies are a perfect fit. So, I'm going to do a series of recipes. A smoothie a day keeps the doctor away, isn't that how that saying goes? If you're on Twitter check out: #aSmoothieaDay

There are lots of good reasons to add smoothies to your diet: to increase the number of fruits and veggies in your daily intake; to boost your consumption of antioxidants; to replace heavier meals, if you're looking to cut calories; or even just to have a portable, healthful snack when you're on the run.

This recipe is very simple, very refreshing, and very nutritious. We've already discussed some of the benefits of grapefruit, particularly for those of you pregnant gals out there with swollen feet! Grapefruits also deliver a potent dose of Vitamin C, which aids postpartum healing and may help alleviate postpartum constipation. Vitamin C also helps your body to absorb iron—crucial after the blood loss of childbirth.

Mint provides a lovely herbal counterpoint to the acidity of the grapefruit. Even a small amount of this aromatic herb provides some Vitamin A, iron, folate and calcium. If you're breastfeeding, you may find that large amounts of mint (probably much more than is in this recipe) may decrease your milk supply; if you find that to be the case, try another herb—I think basil would be delicious, too!

Ingredients

yields 16-18 ounce smoothie, serves 1-2

• 2 cups pink grapefruit segments (one large grapefruit, peeled and seeded)
• small handful of mint leaves (2-3 T)
• about 4 ice cubes
• 1/4 cup coconut water or fresh grapefruit juice (optional)

Blend until smooth and drink up! It's a little taste of summer, even if the weather isn't yet cooperating in your neck of the woods.

Stay tuned for more smoothie recipes in our #aSmoothieaDay series!