Easy Pregnancy Protein Recipes

Why is protein important during pregnancy?

Your body uses protein to build and repair cells, so it makes sense that when you’re pregnant and building a human, you need a sufficient amount of protein. It’s especially important in the second and third trimesters, when your baby is growing quickly.

Protein provides building blocks for cells and is critical to your baby’s growth and development. It’s especially important for ensuring the proper growth of tissues and organs, including the brain.

Try these smoothie and protein bar recipes with Mama Bird Plant Protein Powder to provide an optimized blend of organic plant-based, pea and hemp protein.

Banana strawberry protein smoothie

Folate is an essential B-vitamin, important for  neuronal cell replication and growth (1). Demands for folate increase during pregnancy because of folate’s role in the methylation and synthesis of DNA and RNA, which is essential for the growth and proliferation of all body cells. Folate:

Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth.


Creative tips to mix it up

• Substitute the banana and strawberries with peaches, mango, blueberries, or other fruit.
• Add a teaspoon of honey or a few grapes for a little more sweetness.
• If you prefer, you can substitute organic peanut butter for almond butter.
• Use frozen fruit for a cooler temperature and thicker consistency.

4-minute protein balls

These 4-minute protein balls are a perfect breakfast or snack on the go. Fast, easy-to-make, delicious, and wonderfully nutritious, you can’t go wrong with this favorite, gluten-free recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Mama Bird Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (the drippy kind)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup milled flaxseed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon mini vegan chocolate chips

Directions

1. Add wet ingredients to a medium bowl, mix with a spatula to combine. 
2. Add the dry ingredients and continue mixing until combined. You can also use your hands to mix the dough. Add a little more peanut butter if they need more help sticking. 
3. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
4. Start scooping and hand-rolling the balls. You want them to be about an inch in size.
5. Place the tray of protein balls in the fridge until they’re firm — an hour should do it.
6. Serve and enjoy or store them in a baggie in the fridge or freezer where they’ll keep for several weeks (but they probably won't last that long!)

Creative tips to mix it up

• Substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter
• For a vegan recipe, use date syrup or coconut syrup instead of honey
• Try adding 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for an interesting twist
• Add your favorite chopped nuts, dried fruit, or another type of chocolate chips
• Add 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  

Your protein needs during pregnancy

Moms and growing babies need protein for healthy growth and development and Mama Bird Plant Protein Powder is science-backed nutrition you can count on.

• Optimized blend of pea and hemp protein
• Certified organic
• Plant-based
• 9 essential amino acids
• 5 ingredients
• No soy, sugar, animal products, or GMOs
• Delicious naturally-derived vanilla flavor