Tart Cherry Gummies

Makes ~20 gummies

If you ever encountered “Jello Jigglers” as a child, these are my health-ified version. Though traditional jello is a far cry from a health food, with refined sugar and food dyes, homemade versions using high-quality gelatin and fruit juice are a great way to get additional gelatin (and the amino acid glycine) into your diet. Tart cherry gummies have a naturally sweet-tart flavor from unsweetened tart cherry juice. If you find yourself craving sour candies or gummy candies when you’re nauseous, these make a great alternative. Some research supports the use of tart cherry juice as a mild sleep aid, which may prove helpful in later pregnancy and early postpartum.

Ingredients

• 􏰀 1 1⁄2 cups organic tart cherry juice*

• 􏰀 4 tablespoons gelatin, ideally from grass-fed cows

• 􏰀 A few drops of stevia extract or a tablespoon of honey (optional, if

• you prefer it sweeter)

• Directions

1. Mixingredientsinasmallsaucepan.Letgelatinsitforafewminutes (this helps it dissolve).

2. Heat saucepan on the stove set at medium-low heat.

3. Stir with a metal spoon while the mixture heats, so the gelatin

4. completely dissolves.

5. Onceyounolongerseegelatingranules,removefromheatandpour

6. into a glass dish, such as a pie plate.

7. Placeintherefrigeratortochillfor30min,oruntilgelatinsets.

8. Cutintobite-sizedpieceswithaknife(ormakefunshapeswith

9. cookie cutters) and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

NOTE: *Some don’t find tart cherry juice sweet enough, so if that’s you, feel free to swap in a sweeter fruit juice, add some stevia extract, or add a little honey. You may use any juice you’d like with the exception of pineapple (because it contains the protein-digesting enzyme bromelain, so the gelatin won’t gel!).

Lily’s Electrolyte Replenishment Drink

Makes 4 servings

This beverage is a good choice if you are dehydrated or have been vomiting (it’s also helpful for labor!). It’s essential to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes quickly when pregnant. Though many people rely on sports drinks, the artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are not ideal. Try my homemade version instead.

Ingredients

• 􏰀 1 quart coconut water (unsweetened)

• 􏰀 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt (such as Himalayan pink salt)

• 􏰀 1⁄2 cup fruit juice (such as 100% pineapple, orange, cherry or apple

• juice)

• 􏰀 Juice of 1 lemon

• 􏰀 10 drops trace mineral concentrate (optional)

  Directions

• 1. Mixallingredientsinalargepitcherandenjoy.Storeleftoversinthe refrigerator.

• NOTE: Trace Mineral Drops are an excellent addition to boost the mineral content of the drink, but they are not an essential ingredient. I prefer ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops from the company Trace Minerals Research, which are available online or at most health food stores.