Having a newborn baby can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet. With all the new responsibilities and lack of sleep, reaching for quick and convenient foods can be tempting, which are often unhealthy. However, with a few simple strategies, eating healthily with a newborn baby is possible.
1. Plan your Meals in Advance
One of the sure ways to ensure you eat healthily is to plan your meals in advance. This can be as simple as making a weekly meal plan and grocery list, so you know what you need to buy and what you will eat each day. When you are short on time, consider using meal delivery services or pre-made meal kits that cater to healthy eating.
2. Make Healthy Snacks Readily Available
When you are busy caring for a newborn, finding time to prepare healthy snacks can be challenging. However, by making healthy snacks readily available, you will be more likely to reach for them when you are hungry. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables, unsalted nuts, and hummus with whole-grain crackers are all healthy snack options that can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or pantry.
3. Opt for Nutrient-dense Foods
As a new parent, it is essential to prioritize nutrient-dense foods that provide the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy. Focus on incorporating whole foods, such as fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, into your meals. Avoid processed foods, fast food, and sugary drinks, as they are often high in calories and low in nutrients[1].
4. Use a Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker
Cooking healthy meals can be time-consuming, but using a slow cooker or pressure cooker can save you a lot of time and effort. Simply throw in the ingredients in the morning, and by dinnertime, you will have a healthy, delicious meal ready to-go. You can also use leftovers for lunch the next day, saving you even more time.
5. Don't Skip Meals
It can be tempting to skip meals when you are busy with a newborn, but this is not a good idea. Skipping meals can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, leaving you feeling tired and irritable. It can also make it harder to resist unhealthy snacks and foods. Try to eat regular meals or balanced snacks throughout the day, even if they are small and simple [2].
2. Make Smoothies
Smoothies can be a significant snack boost or even a quick meal replacement to drink on the go or quickly while your rock your baby to sleep. Smoothies can be packed with a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, protein powders, and healthy fats. Adding fiber-rich ingredients like leafy greens, chia seeds, or flaxseeds to your smoothie can help you meet your daily fiber needs and keep you feeling fuller longer.
Important to note: Not all smoothies are created equal. Some smoothies can be high in added sugars and calories, so it's essential to be mindful of the ingredients you use and portion sizes. If you're making smoothies at home, try to use whole, nutrient-dense ingredients and limit added sugars.
2. Remember to Drink Plenty of Water
It can be easy to forget to drink water when occupied with a newborn. Staying hydrated by drinking water and other hydrating liquids throughout the day is essential to support your body's functions and maintain good health. You should aim for 9-10 cups of fluid a day, and even more if you are breastfeeding, which can be intimidating. Try adding fruit to give your water some flavor.
Eating healthy with a newborn baby is possible with a bit of planning and preparation. By incorporating nutrient-dense foods, making healthy snacks readily available, using a slow cooker or pressure cooker, and not skipping meals, you can maintain a healthy diet while taking care of your little one.
Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby.
Choosing a healthy plant-based and vegan diet is most beneficial when it comes to:
-
Higher levels of energy;
-
Improved sleep;
-
Aids in energy and overall happiness;
-
Provides a sense of comfort and relief;
-
Could prevent major diseases such as obesity and diabetes;
-
Accomplish weight-loss and management; and
-
Improves mental and cognitive functioning.
There are really no excuses not to try healthier habits in your everyday life. If you are a man or woman looking for specific benefits of adopting healthier habits or just want to know about the general healing properties of herbs. Please remember to comment or post any health questions, or contact us directly!
Also feel free to share any of your favorite recipes to make and share it with the Assuaged community on our ➡️ Share A Recipe ⬅️ page!
