The Essentials of Postpartum Nutrition
Food is medicine.
It has the transformative power to heal and replenish. So, by understanding why certain foods and ingredients are beneficial, we can transform our approach to eating and what we choose to put in our bodies.
During postpartum, the body needs specific nutrients to repair and regain strength. However, the overwhelming challenge is finding time for thoughtful nourishment while also caring for a newborn.
Here are some tips on what to go for, why they’re beneficial and how to effortlessly incorporate them…
GOOD FATS – vital for maintaining blood sugar levels while breastfeeding.
**Stock up on snacks that are high in healthy fats for when you don’t have the time or energy for a full meal. Opt for nuts, seeds, nut butter, protein balls, etc.
PROTEIN – high-quality proteins like organic chicken and eggs are essential for tissue repair and maintaining energy levels.
** Bulk boil some eggs and have them ready in your fridge for a quick protein hit.
COLLAGEN – for wound healing, skin elasticity and tissue repair, especially in the uterus.
** Invest in a high quality hydrolysed collagen powder made from grass-fed cattle. With little to no flavour, it’s perfect to add to juices and smoothies.
WARMING SPICES – Utilise basic kitchen spices to stimulate digestion and aid in recovery.
** If incorporating spices in your cooking feels overwhelming, start with some simple teas.
ORGANIC PRODUCE – Find ways to reduce the toxic load on your body. It’s already doing so much.
** Source an organic veggie box delivery to save time
ROOT VEGETABLES – for grounding and promoting a sense of stability and solidity during times of upheaval when everything is new.
** Roast in bulk to have on hand for snacks or to add to salads.
IRON FOR ENERGY – Foods high in iron, such as leafy greens and grass-fed red meat, can help combat postpartum fatigue, particularly important if there was blood loss during delivery.
** Red meat can be time consuming to prepare so stock your freezer with high-quality pre-made meals for nourishment at any time.
HYDRATION – Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if breastfeeding.
** Broth, broth, broth! Get as much bone broth in your system as possible. It’s hydrating, healing and full of protein. Stock your freezer with broth and source some bone broth concentrate. It’s also great for cooking with.
By finding simple ways to incorporate healing foods and ingredients, you can nourish yourself to promote energy, repair and emotional balance.
Moreover, nurturing yourself through thoughtful nutrition is one of the greatest gifts you can give your body, especially after all it has given to you.
It has the transformative power to heal and replenish. So, by understanding why certain foods and ingredients are beneficial, we can transform our approach to eating and what we choose to put in our bodies.
During postpartum, the body needs specific nutrients to repair and regain strength. However, the overwhelming challenge is finding time for thoughtful nourishment while also caring for a newborn.
Here are some tips on what to go for, why they’re beneficial and how to effortlessly incorporate them…
GOOD FATS – vital for maintaining blood sugar levels while breastfeeding.
**Stock up on snacks that are high in healthy fats for when you don’t have the time or energy for a full meal. Opt for nuts, seeds, nut butter, protein balls, etc.
PROTEIN – high-quality proteins like organic chicken and eggs are essential for tissue repair and maintaining energy levels.
** Bulk boil some eggs and have them ready in your fridge for a quick protein hit.
COLLAGEN – for wound healing, skin elasticity and tissue repair, especially in the uterus.
** Invest in a high quality hydrolysed collagen powder made from grass-fed cattle. With little to no flavour, it’s perfect to add to juices and smoothies.
WARMING SPICES – Utilise basic kitchen spices to stimulate digestion and aid in recovery.
- Ginger ~ the powerhouse. It’s warming and activating, assists with digestion, eases wind, encourages blood flow for healing and increases prolactin (the hormone that produces breast milk).
- Turmeric ~ our golden friend. It reduces inflammation in breast tissue, supports milk production, boosts immunity, aids digestion, regulates blood sugar and also cholesterol levels.
- Cinnamon ~ our sweet friend. It’s full of antioxidants while its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents help speed up internal healing of the body post childbirth.
** If incorporating spices in your cooking feels overwhelming, start with some simple teas.
ORGANIC PRODUCE – Find ways to reduce the toxic load on your body. It’s already doing so much.
** Source an organic veggie box delivery to save time
ROOT VEGETABLES – for grounding and promoting a sense of stability and solidity during times of upheaval when everything is new.
** Roast in bulk to have on hand for snacks or to add to salads.
IRON FOR ENERGY – Foods high in iron, such as leafy greens and grass-fed red meat, can help combat postpartum fatigue, particularly important if there was blood loss during delivery.
** Red meat can be time consuming to prepare so stock your freezer with high-quality pre-made meals for nourishment at any time.
HYDRATION – Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if breastfeeding.
** Broth, broth, broth! Get as much bone broth in your system as possible. It’s hydrating, healing and full of protein. Stock your freezer with broth and source some bone broth concentrate. It’s also great for cooking with.
By finding simple ways to incorporate healing foods and ingredients, you can nourish yourself to promote energy, repair and emotional balance.
Moreover, nurturing yourself through thoughtful nutrition is one of the greatest gifts you can give your body, especially after all it has given to you.