Katie's Healthy Bites: Healthy Eating for New Moms
As a new mom, I know how hard it can be to nourish your body well with a new baby in the house, but it is so important for your health and sanity and to drop those unwanted pounds, and to get into a regular, healthy routine after giving birth. Here are a few tips for eating well (and staying sane) during those first few months of motherhood:
Plan to graze: With a new baby in the house there is rarely time to prepare and enjoy a full meal so I rely on healthy, well-balanced snacks to keep me going. By pairing healthy carbs with low-fat proteins and healthy fats I am able to keep my blood sugar levels/energy in check and stay satiated.
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts and nut butters
- Light cheese
- Granola bars
- Edamame
- Light chicken and tuna salad
Take Shortcuts: I rarely had the time or desire to cook those first few months so I relied on semi-homemade meals for myself and my husband.
- Pre-cooked meatloaf, turkey burgers and seasoned fish and chicken that we needed to pop in the over or on the grill
- Pre-cut vegetables that need a quick steam or roast
- Pre-cut fruits
Plan Ahead: I make extra of everything so I can recycle ingredients to make another meal
- Make grains and beans in bulk to be used for breakfast cereals, grain salads and savory sides
- Make double the chicken or fish and use leftovers for salads, wraps and sandwiches
- Make freezable foods like chili, lasagna and stew that can be portioned out and reheated in a pinch
Skip the junk foods: Sure, we all treat ourselves during our pregnancy and you deserve a treat from time to time now . . . but don’t overdo it! Highly processed, high fat and high sodium/sugar foods will just make you more lethargic. Look into a meal delivery service or order wisely when taking out. Salads, grilled meats and veggies are your best bets.
Remember to Eat: With all the attention on baby you tend to forget about yourself, but a happy, healthy mom equals a happy baby. Lack of sleep and the stress of a new little one can wear you down so make sure you stay well nourished.
Katie Cavuto Boyle, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian, personal chef and owner of HealthyBites, LLC. See Katie's full bio »