Here's a great suggestion for a delicious way for new moms to make their snacking count, along with an easy recipe to go along with it.

Many people, new moms included, have recently discovered the benefits of the protein shake, or smoothie, as a quick, high powered snack or pick-me-up. It's easy to prepare, can be custom made according to your nutritional needs and preferences, and goes down quickly when you're on the run.

As convenient and nutritious as these shakes can be however, many new moms find that they are not as easy to prepare as it might first appear. The noise of the blender can wake a light sleeper or startle a little one into a crying episode, something most new moms try to avoid as much as possible. And even if baby is OK with the noise, just juggling a baby in one hand while trying to add ingredients to a running blender with the other can indeed be a daunting task.

Of course you can always make up your smoothie ahead of time, say the night before when baby is sleeping, but I haven't yet met a smoothie that looks or tastes appetizing after sitting in the fridge overnight.

Let's face it, to be truly mom-friendly, a snack has to be pretty well instant to prepare and effortless to consume, as well as appetizing, nutritious and tasty. So what's the solution?

Try making up your favourite protein smoothie when you do have the time, and then freezing it in popsicle molds. Perhaps while baby is napping, or while dad is home in the evening or a friend is visiting and can hold your baby for a few minutes while you prepare the smoothie and freeze it in popsicle molds.

Then, whenever you need a quick, healthy snack, just pop one out of the freezer and into your mouth (isn't that why they're called "pop"sicles?). They're instantly available and easy to enjoy, even while you nurse your baby or talk on the phone. Plus they're packed with nutrition but taste like a decadent indulgence!

To get you started, here's my favourite recipe for a healthy high protein popsicle mix that tastes like a real treat:

about 1/2 cup skim milk or milk substitute
about 1/2 cup cold water
1 Tbsp healthy oil (flax oil or an omega 3/6 blend--don't use salad or cooking oil! Just leave out if you don't have any healthy oil on hand)
1 scoop of your favourite brand of chocolate protein powder
1 scoop powdered greens (I like the yummy tasting Greens First brand)
1/2 banana (can be frozen if you like)
1/2 - 1 cup (frozen) berries (my favourite is strawberries)

Put the liquids and powders in a blender and mix on medium speed for a few seconds. With the blender running, quickly add the frozen fruit. Most blenders have a special opening in the lid for this purpose. Please don't take the lid off the blender to add the fruit or you'll have smoothie all over your kitchen! The reason for adding the frozen fruit while the blender is on is to avoid burning out your blender's motor, although some newer, high powered blenders can handle blending frozen fruit and ice from a standstill.. Pour the smoothie mix into popsicle molds to use for later, and/or enjoy right away!

Once baby is over a year old, is eating a variety of foods, and has shown tolerance to dairy products and berries (the two most likely allergens in this recipe) you can also start sharing this yummy treat with your baby. It's especially good on hot summer days when the heat can affect baby's appetite. This smoothie recipe contains all the major nutrients as well as being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, so you'll know your baby is eating well even if she's not eating much during the heat.

Of course, you can use any smoothie recipe you like to make your popsicle snacks, so get creative and do both yourself and your baby a nutritional favour!

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Susan Peach is a retired La Leche League Leader, a dance and fitness instructor, and mother to two grown sons. She is also the creator of Mambo Moms, a fun and gentle Latin dance based fitness program that helps new moms get back in shape while spending quality play time with their babies. Find out more at http://www.mambomoms.com

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