Last week my baby had another growth spurt. She was ravenous all the time and eating every hour (at least) during the day, and every 2 hours at night. Mommy was TIRED. It’s one thing to be woken up every couple of hours at night, but it’s another thing entirely to have someone suck the life out of you at the same time! What do I do when I’m exhausted and feeding someone from my own stores CONSTANTLY (and your 2 year old is sick all week)? JUICE. This little green glass of heaven saved me last week. When I was feeling weak from exhaustion, I made a juice or a smoothie with my beloved chia seeds and a heap of spinach. I survived. I felt at one point that I couldn’t even keep up to this little eating machine and so I just kept making my juice to fill me up with some good nutrition to keep me going. It helps that it’s liquid too, so I didn’t get dehydrated. Yes, I make large quantities and yes, it is consumed within five minutes of juicing! My husband would drink that entire thing if I didn’t take some out for myself first.

My new favorite smoothie combo:

2 c Orange juice (freshly juiced if you can – yum)
2 T chia seeds
1/4 c kefir
1 banana
4 large frozen strawberries
1 small handful of frozen pineapple (about 1/4 c)
3 c spinach

Blend. Devour. I made this one morning on a whim and it was a winner. It was very fresh and creamy with the banana and pineapple, we loved it.

We are now past that little spurt, but I know another will come. I also know that I’ve got some pretty good options available so that I feel good and can provide nutrition not only for myself, but my wee one as well. When you’re feeling tired or have an extra rough week, make some juice or a smoothie. Better yet, come over to my house and I’ll do it for you!