Carrots are an Awesome Feeding Food

Much like super food spinach, carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which promotes lactation and increases the quality of your breast milk. In fact, one cup of 8 oz. carrot juice provides 686% of your body’s Vitamin A requirements.[1] As with all elements of your diet, it’s best to eat everything in balance and moderation. Carrots are no exception.

Here are a few recipes to help you incorporate carrots into your balanced diet and improve your lactation for breast pumping:

  

Cozy Winter Carrot Juice [2]

By Tess Masters

Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 6 carrots
• 1-inch piece fresh turmeric or ¼ to ½ teaspoon dried
• 1-inch piece ginger
• ½ lemon, peeled (optional to alkalize and lift the flavors)
• ½ cup water
• ⅛ teaspoon dried cinnamon

Instructions:

• Put the ingredients through your juicer alternating the carrots with the turmeric and ginger and then drink pulped or strain with a fine mesh sieve.
• Stir through the cinnamon.
• Dilute with water if desired.

Honey Lemon Carrot Salad [3]

Yields: Four ¾ Cup Servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons walnut oil or canola oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

• 2 cups shredded carrots, (about 4 medium)
• 1 cup peeled and shredded celery root**
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Instructions

• Whisk oil, lemon juice, honey, shallot, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
• Add carrots, celery root, raisins and walnuts; toss to combine.

**Look for celery root (or celeriac) in the refrigerated produce section near other root vegetables. To peel it, remove the thick skin with a knife or use a vegetable peeler and peel around the root at least three times to remove all the fibrous skin.

*This blog is informed by our resident moms-in-the-know and not by medical professionals. This blog is intended to share the wisdom of experienced moms but never to replace the advice and insight of your doctors. Always consult proper and licensed medical professionals when making any decisions about your health and the health of your children. 

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[1] http://www.powerfulmothering.com/the-health-benefits-of-carrot-juice/

[2] http://healthyblenderrecipes.com/recipes/cosy_winter_carrot_juice

[3] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/carrot_celeriac_salad.html