10 Superfoods for Healthiest Postpartum Diet

Stacy Johnson rightly stated that “Pregnancy, in my experience, was less about what I wasn’t told, more about what I couldn’t understand until going through it” Pregnancy is not an easy journey, but it is one to be treasured. However, the first few weeks or even a month after childbirth can be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. And, while the first month is an excellent time to concentrate on your health, self-care, healthiest diet is unlikely to be at the top of your priority list.

But, when you are powered through the marathon of your life, you should be eating like a damn queen. Motherhood necessitates good nutrition, and the way you eat will benefit you in the long run, as well as how you look and feel about yourself.

Here are some foods that, whether you like them or not, you may have to incorporate in your diet!

Why do you need postnatal nutrition?

Eating healthiest diet on a regular basis will help you make the most of the energy you have as a new parent. Eating the correct foods will assist you in-

• Balancing (production and secretion) hormones
• Provide energy
• Proper breast milk (How to increase breast milk)
• Mood enhancers
• Faster recovery

Foods to eat after pregnancy:

The nutritional requirements of each woman are unique and are influenced by a variety of circumstances. When you deliver a normal birth, there are less restrictions on what you can consume. If you had a caesarean section, however, you should start with a liquid diet and gradually introduce semi-solid foods. Slowly reintroduce solids.

When introducing foods to the new mom, exercise caution. Fresh, nutrient-dense, and easily digestible meals are ideal. Sharing a few healthiest diet foods that can be included in a post-pregnancy diet-

1. Water:

New mothers are at great risk of dehydration. It is important to stay hydrated whether or not you are breastfeeding. It is required for milk production and also to keep your energy levels up. In order to meet your fluid requirement, you can either drink water or opt for fresh fruit juice or milk. It is better to avoid any kind of caffeine. (What is the right time to introduce water to the babies)

2. Eggs:

This is the versatile and the easiest way to introduce protein in your diet. Eggs are a rich source of proteins and vitamin d that helps in repairing tissues, soothing sore muscles, building new tissues and providing strength. Altogether, it helps in healing the whole birthing ordeal. 

3. Fresh vegetables:

Green leafy vegetables are rich sources of vitamin A, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin C, iron, folic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and fibre. Moreover, they are low in calories which provide nutrients and help in weight loss too. Include spinach, kale broccoli, apple gourd, lotus stem, bell peppers, avocado, cabbage, carrots, fenugreek, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, bottle gourd.

4. Fish:

Well, fish is one of the perfect healthiest diet foods after childbirth as it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid EPA and docosahexaenoic acid DHA. All these components are crucial for brain and nervous system development. In addition to it, studies state that it helps in enhancing the mood and thus, preventing postpartum depression. Salmons, sardines and anchovies must be preferred as they have low mercury content. Fishes with high mercury content must be avoided completely. The quantity of fish consumption must be limited to 12 ounces per week.

5. Dairy Products:

These foods are an essential part of the postpartum diet. Milk and milk products are high in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and beneficial bacteria for gut health. Dairy products are necessary because they aid in strengthening bones. Breast milk contains calcium, which your infant absorbs for bone development. As a result, as part of your Post Pregnancy Diet, include calcium-rich foods to replace the calcium your body has lost. Milk, cheese, butter, paneer, yoghurt, and buttermilk are all good options.

6. Fruits:

Every day, new moms should eat two or more servings of fruit. These are excellent providers of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Fruits provide a good source of carbs, which helps you stay energized. It aids in the prevention of undesirable cravings and maintains satiety. Aside from that, the fibre in fruits aids in the relief of constipation. Pectin, which is contained in several fruits, also acts as a natural fat burner. Oranges, blueberries, strawberries, apples, prunes, bananas, citrus, melons, and pears are all good choices.

7. Herbs:

There are also a lot of hormonal changes after the pregnancy. Many imbalances and diseases can occur if a healthy and nutritious diet is not followed. Herbs are important in addition to a well-balanced diet. Shatavari, basil, nutmeg, coriander, turmeric, chamomile, lemon balm, ashwagandha, and Brahmi are some of the herbs used.

8. Nuts and seeds:

For your postnatal diet, you should definitely count on nuts and seeds. These are considered to be a quick source of energy. Moreover, they contain healthy fats, protein and fibres. Seeds, on the other hand, have a great amount of calcium, magnesium, omega 3, copper, and antioxidants in it. Overall, this category of foods is important so as to improve digestion, immunity, blood circulation, bone health and brain health. Additionally, all these are crucial to your little one’s development and breast milk production. Some nuts and seeds that you must include are almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, cum seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds.

9. Moringa:

Drumstick tree leaves or moringa is highly recommended to mothers after their delivery. These leaves are one of the healthiest diet foods as it is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, magnesium and fibre. It helps in boosting moods, helps skin and hair, reduces constipation, improves bone health and eye health. Additionally, it has its effect on increasing breast milk. Though it’s better to eat fresh moringa leaves, soaking moringa powder in water and drinking it can help ensure that nutrients are absorbed more effectively.

10. Whole grains:

Grains are another excellent source of necessary carbs, which give your body energy. They also contain iron, calcium, protein, fibre, folic acid, and a variety of other minerals. Include all legumes and pulses in your diet as well. Overall, grains will assist you in becoming stronger. Wheat, oatmeal, brown rice, and barely are all important.

Foods to avoid after pregnancy:

Foods to eat have previously been stated, but there are some foods and other substances to avoid. These can be harmful to both you and your baby.

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Drinks with high sugar content (Carbonated beverages)
• Fish high in mercury
• Food that are heavy to digest
• Spicy foods
• Fermented foods
• Fried foods
• Uncooked or cold foods

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recipe: Palak Cookies with hidden nuts and herbs

Let’s make every dish tasty and nutritious by ‘hidden’ nutrition of veggies, herbs and nuts.

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HOW DOES Milk Jaggery Spread HELP to increase BREAST MILK SUPPLY?

2 tablespoons of Milk Jaggery Spread will help to boost milk supply, quality, supply & mothers’ and baby’s health.

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CHECK MORE PRODUCTS FOR:

Immunity, Gut health, Digestion, Weight, Brain development, Speech delay, Epilepsy, Eye health, Hormones, Sleep, Hyperactivity, Bones and Overall growth

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