Thursday, March 11, 2010

Mango Mail & Raw Food Recipes



Dear Miss Mango
As a breastfeeding Raw Momma do you find it sustainable? Do you find it lessens or increases milk production? What do you eat on an average day?

Thanks so much for your time!
Angie P. Madison Wisconsin




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Hi Angie in Wisconsin! Thanks for your questions!
I am exclusively breastfeeding which typically demands an average of 500 to 1000 extra calories or "fuel" more than what I would normally eat in a day just to sustain.

Now I am not big on counting calories; however I do recognize my body needs more “fuel” in order to feed my baby as well as a intense workout or daily yoga I have gotton myself back into. It is important to plan smart.
I do several smaller meals or shakes throughout the day to keep me sustained and fueled for mega milk production. Doing so also keep my metabolism revved.

I find that my milk production now is perfect for my son’s needs! The only time I noticed a decrease was when I was figuring out how to pump so I could be away from him for periods of time. The more he eats, the more my body produces. He is well fed, has big bright eyes, is growing perfectly through me which tells me I am doing something right!
Based on the facts that I am breastfeeding a four month old, working out as well as eating a fairly clean diet high in raw foods; here is what I consume that is really working for me in this now.

Tuna pate inside a nori with bells, romaine and cabbage.

8am Upon waking I have 2c hot herbal tea or 3c water with lemon
8:30am Do my work out OR go right into my breakfast smoothie
*Post workout smoothie (recipe below)I drink this within 30 minutes of my INSANITY workout.
*Breakfast smoothie if not working out (recipe below)
12 noon Seasonal salad or nori roll with homemade dressing and tu-not pate (recipe below). Sometimes I do a little steamed quinoa.
2pm Deep Green coconut smoothie (recipe below)
4pm small seasonal greens salad with avocado and homemade dressing.
And or Raw soup gently warmed with sometimes quinoa
6pm Hot tea or a raw soup
10 pm Bed time
I try to make it a habit of having a glass of water every time I nurse Zavi Hope this helps!

Recipe note: I don’t mind a room temp smoothie, so if you desire cold smoothies I would freeze your bananas or place your smoothies in a sealed jar into the freezer for a few to chill. xx

Breakfast smoothie serves one hot momma
1 orange peeled / seeds removed
1 banana (frozen if you like it cold)
½ tsp Spirulina (or more if you like it reaaaaly green)
Three 4 inch dandelion greens from the back yard
OR 2 leaves of kale or 2 loose cups baby spinach
Blend all ingredients until smooth. add a litle water to help turn and get the desired consistantcy. Enjoy!

Momma tip: Iron in greens helps your body absorb the vit C! Momma's needs good amounts of Iron and Vit C.


Post workout smoothie serves one recovering momma!
1 banana (frozen if you desire a cold smoothie)
1 pitted date
1 c pure water
6 whole cashews soaked in water overnight
2 loose cups of spinach
3 wild dandelion greens from my back yard.
Step1: Place banana, date and water in blender. Blend till smooth.
Step 3: add remaining ingredients and blend for 5 seconds.

Deep Green Coconut Smoothie serves one breastfeedin’ momma
One whole Thai coconut water and meat
¼ tsp Spirulina
2 pitted dates
2 loose cups of baby spinach
Step 1: Open Thai coconut. Place water and meat in blender along with dates. Blend till smooth.
Step 2. Add spinach. Blend for 5 seconds. Enjoy!
If you want a colder smoothie, simply add a few ice cubes or place this in a sealed jar in the freezer for a little bit.


Tuna pate Yields 6c pate
2c sunflower seeds
3 celery sticks chopped
3green onions chopped
¼ c fresh dill
1 TB dulse flakes
Dressing
3/4 c pure water
1 c already soaked sunflower seeds (or cashews for a creamier texture)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/3 c lemon juice
3/4 TB salt

Step 1: Place sunflower seeds in water before you go to bed. In the morning, rinse and drain. Then they are ready to be used! Grind them in a food processor then place in bowl.
Step 2: Add celery, green onions, dill and dulse. Mix well.
Step 3: Blend dressing ingredients until smooth. Pour over seeds and veggies in bowl. Mix and serve!
This can be eaten with cucumber rounds, with celery, in romaine boats or atop salads!

Did I mention that I am currently a spinach freak! I will blend, chop and stuff it into anything and everything I eat throughout the day! It's in season too!

xxxMelissa

Babies know best!