Q+A with Lēto Foods Founder: Nutrient Packed Frozen Smoothies for Pregnancy and Postpartum
Recently, we were able to speak with Amanda Donnelly Gorter, Founder of Lēto Foods, about her journey in helping new mothers get the nutrients they need into their diets. With her nutrient packed smoothies, she hopes to provide a food solution for moms-to-be and make maternal health more easily accessible. Read on for Amanda’s answers to our questions about her business moves in this industry.
Tell us a bit about yourself and the story behind creating Lēto?
I started Lēto after a snowy weekend in Northern Michigan with four friends, two of whom were pregnant. I couldn’t believe how difficult it was to find information on what you should and shouldn’t be eating during this time. I’d spent over a decade working in the consumer goods space at a Chicago-based consulting firm. I knew there were food solutions for so many points in life, and couldn’t believe there wasn’t something customized for the prenatal space. So, I turned to an award winning dietitian specializing in maternal health to figure out what should and should not go in a smoothie focused on pregnancy and postpartum. From there, the rest is history!
Can you talk more about the benefits of Lēto for pregnant and postpartum moms?
When we were developing Leto, we focused on macronutrients and balancing protein, fiber, healthy fat, and carbohydrates. We did this to help people feel fuller, longer! When honing our recipes, we focused on a few key tenants::
Benefit-packed superfoods with whole fruits & veggies - supporting common nutritional challenges experienced by moms and moms-to-be
Ingredients with iron, plus ingredients with vitamin C to help absorption, as some people experience iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy
Organic produce frozen often frozen at the source to maintain maximum nutrients
Clean ingredients without GMOs, added sugar, or gluten
What are some of the key ingredients in Lēto smoothies?
Every smoothie is grounded in evidence-based nutrition, with functional foods and nutrients that may support the mom and baby. Here are two great examples:
When researching some of the best foods for morning sickness, we learned that some may experience relief when eating ginger. We are proud to have two smoothies incorporating real ginger root (our Greens and Ginger) in our blends!
Another thing we add to every smoothie is a nutrient called choline. The Institute of Medicine’s recommended adequate intake of choline for pregnant people is 450mg and 550mg for lactating people. However, a study found that >90% of pregnant people aren’t getting the recommended daily value of choline. We add 100mg of supplemental choline to help moms and moms-to-be get to this recommended value. You can learn more about choline on Leto's blog.
What is your favorite Lēto smoothie?
I love all six smoothies, but I have two pro tips! If you’re not feeling great, some have luck with the Peach or the Ginger smoothie (they’re mild). Or, if you’re looking for something sweet. I love blending the Peanut Butter smoothie in the afternoon as a treat!
What’s next for Lēto Foods?
We are constantly innovating new gift ideas! Stay tuned for a very cool coupon book to share with your pregnant friends who need a laugh (email team@letofoods.com for an early release!)
How can we try a smoothie?
You can buy on the Leto Foods website - we ship nationwide to the contiguous United States!
Also - be sure to keep an eye out on Lēto Foods and the Chicago New Moms Group Instagram accounts for a special giveaway that we will be announcing soon!