10 Super-foods New Moms Should Eat
10 Super-foods New Moms Should Eat
New moms have quite stressful lives. They have to take care of their baby and return to the commitments they have had before the baby was born. In the meantime, you also want to lose baby weight and improve your overall health, particularly when you’re breastfeeding. The best way to improve your health, become more energetic, and lose those extra pounds is to exercise whenever you can (e.g. while the baby is sleeping) and eating healthy foods. A healthy diet is a must, which is why this article lists ten superfoods or nutrient power bombs that all new moms should eat.
1. Eggs
According to Leah Keller, pre- and postnatal fitness expert and founder of the Dia Method, it’s important for new moms to start the day with healthy breakfast. Eggs are the quick and easy way to supply your body with protein. However, make sure you eat entire egg (egg whites and yolk) because experts reveal that our body is unable to metabolize protein without it.
2. Oatmeal
Oats are a natural superfood because they are 100% whole grain and are abundant in vitamins and minerals. That’s why oatmeal is ideal for weight loss after pregnancy. Plus, because oatmeal contains high levels of fiber, it acts as an appetite suppressant thus making you eat less and suppresses cravings. High fiber content regulates digestion. Here’s another important reason you should eat oatmeal, it increases your milk supply. Plus, oatmeal is rich in iron thus addressing anemia which is quite common in new moms.
3. Leafy green vegetables
Most new moms suffer from joint pain. There are numerous joint pain causes in new moms. Increasing weight during pregnancy forms a big pressure onto your joints and hormonal imbalances are one of the main causes as well. There are different ways to relieve joint pain, and adequate diet is one of them. Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, broccoli, and bok choy are rich in antioxidants that ward off arthritis pain and slow down its progression. Also, deficiency of folic acid is associated with depression, and leafy greens are excellent sources of folic acid and iron.
4. Almonds
Almonds are a great source of iron and protein which means they can suppress your appetite and provide the energy boost. Journal of the American Heart Association study conducted by Claire E. Berryman of the Pennsylvania State University showed that eating one and a half ounces of almonds on a daily basis can reduce belly fat and prevent cardiometabolic diseases.
5. Apricots
Apricots are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium which are necessary for your overall health. Eating apricots regularly increases prolactin which is a hormone that informs your body to produce milk. You should bear in mind that fresh and dried apricots are better options than canned alternatives.
6. Beans
According to the CDC about 9% of women in childbearing age have an iron deficiency or anemia which can cause sluggishness and fatigue. Beans and other legumes are abundant in iron and are also loaded with protein and fiber which will give you steady energy while keeping hunger at bay.
7. Whole milk yogurt
Instead of low-fat or fat-free yogurts, you should opt for plain or regular Greek yogurt. According to Leah Keller, any naturally occurring animal fat is good for you. Whole milk varieties make you feel more satisfied and provide your body with healthy fats to get your hormones back to normal. Don’t add sugar or some other sweeteners to your whole milk yogurt, but you can add berries or some other delicious fruits.
8. Dates
Dates are rich in calcium and belong to the group of foods that increase milk supply because they increase prolactin just like apricots. They are rich in fiber and are sweet in flavor which means you won’t crave for unhealthy sweets and candies. Here’s a great tip: you can chop dates and add them to dates or yogurt.
9. Blueberries
All new moms should include blueberries to their diet. They are rich in antioxidants which destroy free radicals and keep you free from a wide array of diseases. It’s needless to mention that blueberries are good for your skin as well.
10. Salmon
As already mentioned, joint pain is quite common in pregnancy, and it also follows new moms after the labor. This is particularly uncomfortable for women who were diagnosed with arthritis before pregnancy. For example, women who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis which is one of the most common types of arthritis can experience increased fatigue. There are many anti-inflammatory foods you can eat, and salmon is one of them. It is one of the richest sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, folate, vitamins C and D all of which are necessary to relieve the pain. Plus, salmon is rich in protein which is much-needed for new moms.
Conclusion
New moms need a lot of energy to keep up with all commitments. This article listed ten superfoods that all new moms should add to their diet. All foods from the list are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other healthy nutrients.
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Author Bio
Kathy Mitchell was born in the USA. She has done MA in English Literature. She loves to publish her article on different health and beauty websites. In her spare time, she like to do research on health information. She is contributing to Consumer Health Digest, which is a leading healthy news platform. Connect with her on Google+, Facebook and Twitter.
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