Losing weight after having a baby is difficult. The nutrients in your diet, particularly if you are nursing, help your child grow robust and healthy. Losing weight will be easier if you stick to a healthy diet and exercise regularly. but here are some g0-to foods that are nutritious, delicious, and will give you the energy you need as your infant grows (and hopefully, sleeps!)
- Water – ok, while not technically a food, you need water! Many people are dehydrated, and new moms are at a huge risk because they need to keep their milk production up. ย Meanwhile, water provides you with a sense of being fuller longer. Consume lots of water. Your body requires a considerable amount of liquid (about 6-10 glasses each day) while nursing your baby. Water, milk, and fresh fruit/vegetable juice (not concentrate) are the best drinks to consume.
- Eggs – You can cook them a thousand ways, eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack. Eggs are a vital source of protein to help relax tired muscles that have been continuously contracting throughout the birthing process. Even better if you can discover a fortified egg. You’ll be getting the additional benefit of brain-boosting omega-3 fats, which will be great. Low levels of omega-3 have been linked to postpartum depression, and supplementation has been shown to lower your risk. Eggs will also help you boost fatty acids in your breast milk, and they will keep you full.
- Blueberriesย – full of antioxidants and super delicious, blueberries are filled with lots of minerals and will provide you with a great source of healthy carbs to keep you going. Although eating blueberries has been linked to a decreased risk of several health problems, including several types of cancer and age-related memory loss, new research suggests that they may also help new moms reduce the incidence of postpartum depression. They are a well-known ‘superfood’, and some scientists feel that they can also help us shed excess fat as well.
- Lean beef – I know, I’m not really a huge red meat eater, but seriously ladies, I’m not kidding when I recommend lean beef. You need iron, protein, and B-12 while you’re nursing, and lean beef is an excellent source. By staying away from excess animal fats by choosing leaner cuts, you’ll get all the benefits of lean beef without the unnecessary calories.
- Brown riceย – just reducing carbs after a baby isn’t the best way to lose weight. Brown rice contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your health. It is very beneficial in lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL) while also assisting in the increase of “good” cholesterol (HDL). This may aid in the prevention of high blood pressure. High blood pressure might lead to a variety of postpartum issues. Your body needs carbs for energy and brown rice will give you the solid, whole-grain carbs that you need. Brown rice, unlike white, takes longer to digest and doesn’t spike your insulin.
- Low fat dairy – cheese, milk, and yogurt are full of vitamin D, B, and calcium. When it comes to nursing, dairy products are an essential component of a healthy diet. Milk is high in vitamin D and helps to strengthen bones. Dairy products, like other foods, provide protein and B vitamins as well as calcium. If you’re breastfeeding, your milk has plenty of calcium to help your baby’s bones form properly, so make sure you get enough of this mineral on a daily basis. Try consuming at least three cups of dairy every day if possible. Your baby needs healthy milk for bone and brain development, so try to get at least several cups of dairy products a day. Studies show that those who drink milk and eat dairy foods are typically more trim that those who don’t.
We hope this little list of suggestions is helpful for all you new moms out there. We hope you find this short list of ideas useful, whether you’re a first-time parent or an experienced one. Please visit our store if you need healthy snacks to keep you full while losing weight.