Healthy Diet Plans for New Moms

Once you give birth to a baby, all new mothers care about the newborn, without giving the least thought to all the weight they may have gained during pregnancy.

To offset this, there are certain superfoods that new moms should take at this stage of life as a regular part of their daily diet.

Foods to eat

As a new mother, focus on healthy choices to boost milk production. Opt for foods that are rich in protein and seafood which is low in mercury. The most challenging part of eating a  healthy diet is finding the energy and time to prepare food. To ensure that both the mother and baby are getting all the nourishment they need, subscribe to a meal delivery service that will provide prepared meals directly to your home daily or a few times a week. You can explore this review to read about best meal delivery services available these days to simplify your life. 

For vegetarian new moms

If you are on a vegetarian diet, choose foods good in calcium, iron and protein. Some good vegetables to include could be enriched cereals, lentils, leafy greens, peas and dried fruits like nuts and raisins. For protein consider soy products, seeds and whole grains. Starchy foods are also an important source of energy, vitamins and fibre. These include bread, potatoes, rice, pasta or noodles. To enhance your nutrient intake, don’t forget to buy nuts, and choose low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk and reduced fat hard cheese.

Include healthy fats

Almonds, walnuts and avocados are a source of healthy fats such as omega-3, omega-6, vitamin E and other antioxidants, providing you don’t go overboard to prevent stomach discomfort. Again, while some portions are beneficial, too much omega-6 can increase blood pressure. A couple of slices of avocados or a handful of nuts are more than enough to provide all the healthy fats your body needs.

Incorporate adequate water each day

If you don’t drink enough water, it may lead to dehydration and affect the supply of milk produced by your body. Dehydration can lead to further issues such as urinary tract infection, fatigue and constipation. Lack of water in your diet will then make your body make up its supply by drawing water from the body joints which will again lead to complications in milk production.

Other meal strategies 

The first few weeks of motherhood can be demanding, as the new moms have to recover from the emotional demands of caring for a newborn. A few easy to prepare meals that can ensure adequate nutrition are:

• Load up on fruits and vegetables, first thing in the morning, by consuming a smoothie. Add a cup of Greek yogurt to supply more protein.
• Eating instant oatmeal is recommended as it is a fibre-rich snack which supports the supply of milk. If you want to add more calories to it, use milk or yogurt instead of water.

Motherhood can be a challenge in the first few weeks for a new parent and they feel so overwhelmed that they forget to eat. Proper nutrition is therefore crucial, for both the mother and the baby, so listen to your body and eat what is right.