What are the most easy to make meals for Postpartum?’

With the latest addition to the household needing undivided attention, it is easy for busy moms to forget to cook a proper meal. Postpartum food options are usually made with the goal in mind of being easily stored in the freezer, defrosted, and heated afterwards for a quick, but filling meal. Meal soups are a good source of protein, which can easily be paired with bread and cheese. Store meatballs in your freezer and add them later on to your pasta or meal of choice. Energy balls are made with dates, nuts, and nut butter, and are full of protein. These make for an easy snack option. 

Kaitlin Stanford of whattoexpect.com, has a couple of easy freezer meal recipes to try such as Asian Peanut Chicken, which is a peanut chicken meal packed with lots of protein; Crockpot Taco Soup, a slow-cooker soup perfect for your Mexican cravings; and Homemade Pizza Pockets, promised to be healthier as this recipe is filled with veggies and meat, to name a few. 

What nutrients should I be incorporating into my diet?

It is not just enough to satisfy your cravings when hunger calls. As a new mother tasked with the responsibility of taking care of your new born child, it is also important that you take care of yourself not just for your own well-being, but for your child’s as well. It is necessary to maintain a balanced diet to ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients that it needs to stay strong and healthy.

What does a balanced diet look like?

• It is the intake of various healthy primary food groups such as protein, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grain. These will provide you with the best nutrition for the fast recovery of your body.   
• Protein provides your body with energy and helps in the rebuilding of cells. Lean meat such as beef, chicken, and turkey are good sources of protein. You can also get your daily dose of protein by eating nuts, peas, beans, and fish.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and are pretty much easy to throw into the mix of your daily diet.
• Dairy products are a good source of calcium, of which your body needs 1,000 milligrams each day.
• Iron is also an important nutrient, which aids in the production of red blood cells. Tofu, beans, as well as red meat and poultry, are good sources of iron.
• You can also incorporate supplements in your diet, on an as needed basis. Vitamin B, Zinc, Calcium, Vitamin A, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are some of the nutrients found in supplements which can help in postpartum recovery. Folic acid aids in the development of a child’s nervous system. Zinc, on the other hand, helps in improving one’s energy.

With a balanced diet aided by the right supplements, a new mother can face the challenge of a new day.

Why is what you eat so important after having a Baby? 

Eating right is not just beneficial for you as a new mom, but in effect, what you eat also affects your baby as well. For breastfeeding mothers, your food intake helps in making certain that your child will be healthy and strong. Eating right also gives you the added boost of energy in taking care of your child throughout the day. It also aids in post pregnancy weight loss. 

Food intake is not the only important thing that you have to consider in maintaining a healthy body. Drinking 6-10 glasses of water each day also helps you stay hydrated. Other options are drinking milk for your daily dose of calcium. Fresh fruit juices are also an option for extra vitamins. 

Easy meals your husband can prepare for you – that are also healthy too

Busy taking care of your baby? Let your hubby indulge you with a little surprise. What better way to show your love and appreciation than with a simple meal!  

Camille Styles of camillestyles.com shares a couple of recipes that your husband can make such as Slow-Baked Citrus Salmon with Chilis and Herbs, Indian Lentil Soup, Shawarma-Marinated Chicken Things with Herb Salad and Lemons, Sunday Night Avocado Toast, Salmon Roll Sushi Boal, One-Pot Summertime Pasta, and the Perfect Grilled Steak. 

Any questions – reach out to your favorite Arizona Doulas today, and we can have a quick chat about foods, recipes, and more 😉