Food for Postpartum
-
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
These were a favourite growing up. Not only are they tasty, but they are filling, easy to prepare, last a long time in the fridge, can be eaten quickly (and with one hand), and can be packed as a snack if you are going out the house.
-
Loaded Yogurt Bowl
For a long time I had a smoothie for breakfast but recently switched to this yogurt bowl. I find it keeps me full longer, and I can load it up with more ingredients! Many substitutions are possible for this yogurt bowl. Try to avoid vegetable oils and added sugar when looking at ingredients.
-
Veggie Lentil Soup
This soup makes eating vegetable easy. It is packed with lots of goodness, flavour, and its easy to make a lot of it in one batch. If you do not have all of the vegetable that the recipe calls for - no problem! Substitute some for whatever you have in your fridge; that’s what soup is for anyways.
-
Chicken/Turkey Bone Broth Soup
It’s such a treat when we have cooked a whole chicken or turkey because that means we can make a soup! While it seems daunting and time consuming, its actually incredible easy - you just need to be at home to monitor it! Once your soup is done and is put in the fridge, a jelly/fatty layer will likely form on the top of the soup. Do not skim this layer off - its full of so much goodness!
-
Butternut Squash Soup
This soup has become one of my favourites! It’s not always filling enough to be a stand alone meal, but it is a really tasty way to eat some goodness - and its pretty quick to make!
-
Beef Barley Soup
This soup is so creamy (w/o dairy in it), delicious, and filling. It starts with making a bone broth (or using a store-bought version), and then combining hearty ingredients including barley (hence the name!). You may be able to purchase a soup bone at the grocery store, but if not, your local butcher will have one! Once your soup is done and is put in the fridge, a jelly/fatty layer will likely form on the top of the soup. Do not skim this layer off - its full of so much goodness!
-
Roasted Sweet Potato with Browned Butter, Garlic & Ginger Sauce
This is a staple in my house - and my clients really love it too! Don’t be intimidated by the browning butter part of this recipe - its actually very easy to do! This is a recipe I learned during my time at Smoothwater Outfitters.
-
Balsamic Fried Carrots
It can be hard to find a good recipe for cooked carrots. Well here it is. These are sweet, slightly acidic, and the perfect amount of salty to satisfy that craving. This is a recipe I learned during my time at Smoothwater Outfitters.
-
Stuffed Peppers
Veggies + protein + CHEESE = the complete package. Traditionally made with beef, these stuffed peppers can be modified to be vegetarian! They store well in the fridge, so make lots ahead of time for an easy to grab meal.
-
Cucumber + Tomato + Feta Salad
This summer-y salad can be enjoyed all year long. It is very quick to prepare and is loaded with good-for-you veggies.
Credit: Natasha’s Kitchen
Many of these recipes are ones that my family has been making for a long time and thus the original sources are unknown. Where possible, the creator has been credited!Disclaimer:
I am not a certified nutritionist, dietitian, or healthcare professional. The information provided above regarding postpartum nutrition and the accompanying recipes is based solely on personal experience, research, and general knowledge. I do not possess formal training in the specific dietary needs or nutritional requirements for postpartum parents.
The recipes shared are intended as general suggestions for healthy, balanced meals that are not overly complicated to prepare. However, they may not be suitable for everyone. It is advisable to seek professional guidance to ensure that any dietary choices align with individual health goals and requirements.