Healthy Nutrition After Baby
The importance of eating well during pregnancy is well publicized and talked about by healthcare professionals, but eating well after baby is just as crucial though often we forget ourselves by putting baby first. Making smart food choices is just as essential after baby is born as it was before so we can feel less fatigued, get back on our feet and into shape as quickly as possible. However, putting a well-balanced meal on the table at the end of the day often falls by the wayside in the evening when baby first comes home. Even in hectic times a healthful way of eating is important for our well being and home cooked meals are the best, because we can control the levels of sodium, sugar, fat and other key nutrients. A home cooked meal doesn’t always feel possible, especially in the first few weeks after baby is born when our time is pressured and we’re trying to establish a new routine. Maybe you’re not a gourmet cook, but a little effort and organization can go a long way to getting yourself back on track, feeling good and shedding that baby weight. If you don’t feel you can do it, then consider hiring someone who can.
Avoid the Take-out Trap
Take-out food has its time and place, but it’s best not to establish a take-out habit. This could easily pile on unwanted pounds through overeating and, depending on your takeout choice, can make you feel sluggish and bloated. Gourmet take-out items, often from local catering companies or high-end markets, provide a more flavorful and healthful experience, but can get costly and repetitive very quickly. To avoid reliance on these options, stock up your freezer ahead of baby’s arrival with nourishing items that reheat easily. Start this 3-4 weeks before your due date and try and make an extra two or three items per week. Don’t just make one family portion of anything either. Use your time more efficiently by bulking up the ingredients for a dish and stash two or three of the same item instead of one. Soups, stews, and baked pasta dishes usually freeze well. Consider investing in some dishes that are freezer/oven/microwave compatible, there are many available on the market. Be sure to always defrost food overnight in the refrigerator and label and date your items.
Grab and Go
Try and avoid pre-packaged convenience foods and baked goods that are usually made with ample servings of sodium and sugar. Instead, stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, which will keep you satisfied longer and are better for you. Some produce will store well once chopped. Be disciplined and cut up fruits and veggies when you return from the store, or set aside some time shortly after. Fruits like pineapple and melon hold well once sliced and even certain salad items like carrots, endive, broccoli, radishes and kale will retain their crunch and moisture for a couple of days. Place them in lidded containers for an easy side dish, lunch or snack. This makes for an easy grab when hunger strikes and prevents you from hitting the chips or the candies to sate a craving. If you can, I also highly recommend making a couple of vinaigrettes or dressings in advance to store in your refrigerator and have on hand. This will instantly transform salad items or cooked veggies. Dinner is a bigger possibility of being delicious in a few moments when all you have to do is throw a piece of chicken on the grill and simply roast some veggies or potatoes and throw a dressing over them.
Grocery Shopping
So you’ve been building up to a trip to the store with baby. You hoist the car seat out of the car, and onto the shopping cart and baby starts to fuss, soils her diaper or vomits. Unfortunately, these things will happen. But, being organized will help make the trip less eventful. Always go with a list! Know what you need to buy to keep you and your family covered for at least five days (preferably longer) and stay focused on the items on your list. Alternatively, consider using a shopping delivery service where you can click to shop, and/or joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) where produce is delivered to your door fresh from the farm.
Outsource
There is no doubt that being disciplined in these areas takes time, practice and organization and depending on your circumstances, it may take you longer than you hoped to get into a routine. Keep in mind that your health is of utmost importance and the sooner you feel good, the sooner you can start tackling other areas of your life with your new infant. Think about hiring a Personal Chef for a few weeks (or longer) to help you get back on track. These professionals will shop and cook for you for the week, leaving your fridge full of great cuisine ready to go. Because they tailor everything they prepare just for you, you get food that you want to eat. Such a service usually works out better economically than relying on high end pre-prepared foods or takeout options and tend to be much healthier and more appealing. In much the same ways as you might hire a baby nurse to help, find a chef that is a good match for you. They should be willing to accommodate your dietary preferences and be flexible so you can pick and choose your weeks for service when you feel you need them most.
Whether you be a domestic goddess or a dine-out diva, being prepared in these areas will help you avoid dinnertime anxiety and reward you with the one thing all mothers want more of ― time.