As new moms, we spend a great deal of time obsessing
over feeding our children. When they are infants so much of our time is spent
focused on whether they are getting enough milk, and putting on enough weight.
When first foods are introduced, we want to make sure they are given in the
right order, homemade and pure. As they get older, we want them to eat their
fruits and veggies and have a full breakfast before heading out the door. So
much time and energy focused on feeding our kids – do we ever stop and take a
look at how we are feeding ourselves?
Being a new mom is a crazy, hectic time with many
physical and emotional changes. These changes can seem much harder than
necessary
if we are not fueling our bodies right. I compare it with
the advice you get from the flight attendant before taking off; put the oxygen mask on yourself before your
children. Of course we need to look after our kids in the best way possible,
but that starts with looking after number one.
I know first-hand and from speaking with other moms,
that finding time to sit down for three square meals a day with a baby in tow
seems like a fantasy. I remember a friend recounting how she lived on spoonfuls
of peanut butter for days on end because she couldn't put her newborn down. But
the fact of the matter is that we need proper nutrition to get through the
early days. Your body will have a lot of repair to do from delivery. This
combined with the extra exertion of caring for a baby and the whopping 500
calories spent per day if you are breastfeeding, adds up to more than a few
spoons of Skippy!
It is not only in the early days that we need to focus
on eating well. Don’t underestimate just how much your young children may take notice
of your habits. We may be begging them to finish all the organic broccoli and
quinoa from their plates, but if they see us living off coffee and their
leftover crust, what kind of example are we setting? Let your children see you
enjoying mealtime instead of hovering and shoveling! If they get used to seeing
a balanced plate and the whole family seated together, the good habits will
eventually be inherited.
I’ll leave you with a few quick
and nutritious ideas to fuel a busy mom (and most can be eaten with one hand!);
- A smoothie made with Greek yogurt, frozen fruit and uncooked oats
- A whole-wheat tortilla filled with nut butter and a banana
- Hummus with pre-washed, pre-cut veggies
- A handful of nuts and an apple
- A bowl of cereal topped with berries and milk at any time of day