Top 10 Tips for a Postnatal Diet
Jun 25, 2014
Posted by: Ben
Posted by: Ben
It’s been a long nine months, and your body’s been through the mill. But it’s been worth it – now you’ve got a beautiful new baby. The temptation can be to hit the wine and soft cheeses, and all those other delicious things you’ve been abstaining from. But as with anything, you’re going to need moderation and a little self-control. It’s important to continue to eat healthily to be able to provide for your baby.
If you’re breastfeeding, the basic rule of thumb is don’t eat anything you wouldn’t want your baby to eat, as everything you eat goes directly to your baby through breast milk. But even if you’re bottle feeding, your body will thank you for looking after it as carefully as you did during pregnancy, as you’ve still got a lot to recover from, and you’ll need plenty of energy to devote to your child.
There’s plenty of diet regimes out there to look up, but they can be complicated and confusing. So here’s a few simple guidelines to follow when planning your healthy post natal diet.
1 Don’t skip meals
Many women are either too busy with their little one, or deliberately skip meals to try to lose weight. But if you skip meals, you’re more likely to snack or overeat at other times, and weight gain is more likely than weight loss.
2 Get plenty of rest
Your sleep is going to be interrupted, and you’ll want to take advantage of the baby’s naps to get things done. Many people eat to combat fatigue, but energy foods and caffeine will only offset the slump. Rest when your baby does, and you’ll be in better shape for your diet to work.
3 Be prepared
You’ll be amazed how much longer things take to organise than before your pregnancy. Get into the habit of keeping lists. Organise your diet too – plan your meals and write shopping lists. Prep as much as you can for the day or week ahead. That’ll help you when you’re tempted to skip meals too.
4 Stay hydrated
Drinking water helps you function more efficiently and burn more calories. You’ll feel fitter, fuller and better energised.
5 Eat fresh
Avoid processed foods. Fresh is more nutritious, and will help your energy levels long term. If you’re breast feeding, those fresh nutrients go straight to your baby, don’t fill up on junk foods that will put additives into your milk.
6 Limit caffeine and alcohol
Alcohol inhibits fat loss and promotes fat storage. Caffeine is a short term boost followed by a slump, which raises your blood pressure. Many sports drinks have high sugar content too, so read the labels. If in doubt, stick to water, maybe with a squeeze of lemon to sweeten the flavour.
7 Avoid sugar
You need sustained energy foods, not quick bursts.
8 Eat fiber
Constipation is a common post natal problem, especially with caesarians. Eat plenty of fiber, and don’t overuse laxatives or you become reliant on them.
9 Eat healthy fats
Not all fats are bad for you. Olive oil, avocados and nuts are all sources of fats that aid nutrient absorption, nerve transmission and cellular health.
10 Supplements
Only take supplements on expert advice, as the wrong ones can be harmful. Get your minerals and vitamins from fresh foods. But if you’re on iron supplements, then eating foods containing vitamin C will aid the absorption of the iron.
There’s obviously a lot to think about, and you’ve already got enough on your hands with the new arrival. But your own health and nutrition is vitally important at this stage. At Total Diet Food, we can plan your diet according to your personal tastes, needs and nutritional advice. That’s one less job to worry about.
Contact us 7 days per week on 020 86269360 between 9.00am and 21.00pm or via www.totaldietfood.com
Top 10 Tips for a Postnatal Diet | Total Diet Food - London's Fresh and Personalised Diet Delivery Service
