I’m not sure why but I often forget about pears. I’m a huge fruit lover (seriously, I couldn’t go a day without getting in a little fruit love), and I’m always changing it up between apples, bananas, oranges, grapefruits, berries, and other more exotic fruits… but for some reason I often space-out when it comes to pears. When I finally do notice pears at the store or remember to order them in my weekly grocery delivery, I’m pleasantly reminded at how much I actually love them.
Pears are so yummy. They are sweet, soft with a great fibrous texture, super juicy, and distinctly delicious.
These juicy, tender fruits are also very healthy. Pears are a fantastic source of dietary fibre, copper, and vitamins C and K. During pregnancy, fibre is definitely on the top of my list for necessary nutrients as pressure from baby and fluctuating hormones can make constipation a common pregnancy complaint. I’ve been making sure to really focus on fibre (and healthy probiotics) during my pregnancy and I’ve managed have pretty great digestive function!
Pears have also been shown to have great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and they happen to make a great “first food” for babies.
Now that my due date is nearing (cue excitement and minor anxiety….), I’ve been thinking more about nutrition post-pregnancy for myself and for my little one. Of course, as a nutritional practitioner I hold high expectations for myself and really do want to provide the best nutrition for my baby that will lead to great health throughout her life.
That being said, I also know that there is no such thing as perfection, and my hubby and I together will do the best we can. With the knowledge we have and the amazing baby foods available on the market, like Love Child Organics products (which I can order in my weekly grocery delivery service!), and the ability to make my own baby food at home, I’m confident that our little one will be well nourished.
I’ve been experimenting with some of the Love Child Organics products including their baby purees. They have an awesome selection of “simple firsts” like pear and apple puree, and more exciting blends that contain sweet potatoes, mango, strawberries, kale, and other nutritious foods.
I’ve been trying to eat a wide variety of foods during pregnancy myself, as research has shown that what mom eats will actually impact baby’s food preferences when they are born, so I love these more interesting puree combinations from Love Child Organics.
Because I do feel a bit odd sucking fruit puree from a small pouch, I’ve figured out how to use the purees strategically for adult-friendly recipes too! These Pear Chia Pistachio Breakfast Parfait Jars were a perfect way to incorporate incredibly healthy and delicious pear puree into a portable, simple breakfast jar that is loaded with fibre, healthy omega-rich fats, and complex carbohydrates.
If your a mom or dad with a bunch of fruit puree pouches hanging around in your fridge or pantry, or if you really love pears, these parfait jars will be right up your alley! These parfait jars are also definitely kid-friendly for little ones older than 12-months of age.
Are you a pear fan? How do you incorporate this healthy fruit into your eating? I’d love to read about it in the comments below!
- Pear Chia Pudding:
- ¼ cup pear puree (I used Love Child Organics First Pears or you can make your own using this simple recipe)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened vanilla or plain almond milk
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- Pear Avocado Pudding:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or coconut nectar, depending on preferred sweetness
- 2 tablespoons pear puree
- Remaining Layers & Garnishes:
- ½ cup of your favourite granola (gluten free if needed)
- ½ cup plain coconut yogurt or vanilla Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh pear
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 2 teaspoons honey or coconut nectar
- Begin by preparing the Pear Chia Pudding by adding all of the ingredients to a bowl, mixing until well combined, then let sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Next, prepare the Avocado Pear Pudding by adding all of the ingredients to a small food processor or baby bullet and pulse until the mixture is smooth. Test the taste and add more honey/coconut nectar if you prefer the avocado pudding to be on the sweeter side.
- Once the chia pudding has thickened, give it another stir and you are ready to layer all the ingredients.
- Using two 8 ounce jars, divide the granola, yogurt, chia pudding, and avocado pudding, layering these in any arrangement you prefer between the two jars.
- Finish by topping each jar with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh pear and 1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios, then drizzle each jar with 1 teaspoon of honey or coconut nectar.
- Enjoy!
Have a wonderful rest of your Sunday!
“Because I do feel a bit odd sucking fruit puree from a small pouch” Haha! That was funny. 🙂
This recipe looks great!
Lol – I do, but I’ve done it!