Nourishment for Healthy New Parents

 

You probably barley have time to eat, let alone cook, grocery shop, or plan ahead for healthy meals and snacks, but it is so important that you do! If you don’t take care of yourself, you will not be able to take care of your baby!

5 Reasons Your Nutrition Matters:

1. You may still be breastfeeding and the nutrients you put in your body go right into your baby’s body!
2. You are likely not getting a lot of sleep, so eating healthy will help to keep your immunity up and prevent you from getting sick.
3. You are providing a foundation for your baby’s healthy food choices.
4. You will have more energy if you eat a smart and balanced diet. Who doesn’t need energy when they are caring for a baby?
5. Eating healthy simply makes us feel better! It helps our physical health, mental health, and overall well being.

5 Ways to Get the Best Nourishment as a Busy New Parent:

1. Plan ahead when you can. Sit down with your partner on a Sunday evening perhaps and plan out the week. Plan meals, shopping trips, and work together to make it happen.
2. Try to eat as clean as possible. Think fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and proteins, and whole grains. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, avoiding boxed and canned items as much as possible as these tend to be high in sodium and preservatives.
3. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are breastfeeding. Even if you are not breastfeeding, the recommended amount of water per day is half of your body weight in ounces. So, if you weigh 150 lbs., you  should be consuming 75 ounces of water per day.
4. Instead of three big meals per day, try to eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Studies show that your body can digest better and it avoids spikes and lows in blood sugar. Try to balance each meal with a protein and a fiber or low glycemic carb, such as peanut butter and apples, or cheese and grapes.
5. Don’t worry about your post baby weight. Your body just did a miraculous thing! It made a human! Give yourself time to get back to pre-baby body. Think healthy and balanced. This is not the time to count calories or try fad diets.

 

For more information, visit the USDA