New babies, as you've probably noticed, don't take care of themselves. And too often, neither do their moms. Who has time to shower, after all, when you're always changing diapers? Or to eat a meal when you're always catering baby's? But feeding yourself well is one of the best ways (along with getting enough sleep and exercise) to take care of yourself, so you have more energy and endurance to take care of your little one too.
Eat when your baby eats. Munch on protein-rich foods like cottage cheese, fat-free Greek yogurt, a handful of almonds, or light string cheese as your little one nibbles or nurses. You’ll curb your cravings (which will whittle down your waistline) and fight fatigue.
Have healthy snacks on hand. Stash smart snacks in your diaper bag. Nuts, freeze-dried fruit, soy chips, or bananas — they’re all easy to pack and toss back when you’re out and about. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand too. It’ll not only keep you hydrated, it’ll keep your tummy feeling full so you’re less temped to reach for the junk food. Flavored waters are fine, too — as long as they're not sugar sweetened.
Cook extra meals and store them. Cook for a crowd. When you do find the time to turn on the stove, make it really count. Don’t just hard boil one egg — cook six to grab, and gobble all week long. Steaming brown rice or baking a sweet potato? Do a super-sized batch to stash in the fridge — you'll get a much higher yield on your effort investment. Making lasagna or chili? Make enough for a crowd, then freeze in meal-size portions for quick eats down the road.
Get your groceries delivered. Order in. Supermarket with baby in tow too daunting? Of course it is — so find a grocery service that delivers. A bonus: Unlike in the market, where impulse buys tempt you at every turn, you'll be more likely to stick to your list, saving time, and most likely, empty calories. And don't forget to order in some ready to rip bags of salad and cut veggies, and some ready to roll sliced cheese and turkey.
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Stock healthy frozen foods. And stock your freezer. Frozen veggies and fruits offer the same nutritional benefits as fresh — and they're always at the ready. Toss frozen berries in the blender with yogurt for a satisfying smoothie, stir fry frozen veggies with a portion of frozen chicken, and serve up lunch in a flash. Look for healthy frozen microwavable meals too, and staples like frozen brown rice and whole-wheat waffles.
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