Boost your iron intake with this berry smoothie bowl scattered with chia and flax seeds!

Yield: 1 smoothie bowl
Prep time: 10 minutes

Gluten Free Berry & Iron Smoothie Bowl

This breakfast is one of those feel-good meals that will invigorate and energise you, whilst keeping you full. You'll notice there aren't any measurements given in the ingredients list, just because I believe smoothies should be made with only the things you like -- and as much or as little of them as you want! I made this recipe in my Nutri Ninja, so the instructions call for you to layer the ingredients so that the biggest bits are closest to the blade. If you are using a traditional blender with the blades in the bottom of the container, reverse the order.

Personally, I went a bit overboard on the strawberries and blackberries, and only used half a peach, but upped the ante with some no sugar added, honey-infused Greek yogurt to get an extra protein boost and add a bit of sweetness.

There's no refined sugar and no sugar added at all. The smoothie bowl is rounded off with a scattering of feel-good seeds that are proven to increase iron as well as other essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

For the smoothie bowl
honeyed Greek yogurt
fresh peaches, diced
fresh strawberries, hulled
fresh blackberries
golden linseeds or flax seeds
pumpkin seeds
chia seeds
blueberry infused dried cranberries or cranberries
Need a conversion? Use this handy chart.

How to Increase Iron Intake Through Food

I am 7 months pregnant and have developed iron-deficiency anemia. In addition to the medication the midwife prescribed, I've tried to increase my iron intake through food to combat the anemia in a more natural way. Starting my day with an invigorating smoothie topped with golden linseeds (which are packed full of iron, protein, calcium and thiamin), pumpkin seeds (rich in zinc, iron and protein) and chia seeds (great sources of mega 3, antioxidants, iron and calcium) has proven to be a welcome method for keeping my anemia in control and ensuring I get all of the iron needed. 

Instructions:

1. Spoon the Greek yogurt into the container.
2. Add the strawberries, blackberries and peaches.
3. Add a bit of ice to keep the smoothie extra cold, if you prefer.
4. Blitz until desired consistency is reached.
5. Pour into a bowl and top with the seeds, dried cranberries and any reserved, sliced fruit and serve.

Other healthy breakfast options: 

Gluten Free Blackberry and Vanilla Chia Pudding

Fresh Valencia Orange Juice