Mental health has so much to do with the impact our environment has on us; what’s going on around us, how we handle those stressors, who we engage with and how much time we take for ourselves. As Mamas entering into the fourth trimester, these environmental factors can be changing constantly, and a lot of times completely out of our control. Which is why I so strongly believe in preparing as much as you can before your baby is born because you have no idea how you’re going to feel after.
And nutrition is not something we want to jeopardize as new Mamas as it affects both our physical and mental health. Did you know that keeping your body temperature warm during your fourth trimester while your body is healing and recovering is key to feeling calm as well as ensuring that energy flows freely through the body to help with circulation? This warmness will help you stay more balanced and grounded mentally as you venture into taking care of your new human. So try to opt for foods that have warming qualities, think spices and temperature, and try to stay away from cold, raw foods for the first few weeks.
I’ve gathered a few of my favourite recipes and listed them below. Before baby number 2 joins my family in just a few short weeks, we’ll be busy preparing these snacks and meals to pop in the freezer so we can easily warm them up or munch on them throughout the day. Keep in mind that these recipes are all nutrient packed with nuts, seeds, plant protein (lentils and legumes) and good fats / oils – all of which are super important during your fourth trimester, whether you’re breastfeeding or not (so don’t be scared away by the word ‘lactation’ if you aren’t breastfeeding). They are also linked back to the recipe creator…none of them are my own creation – I’m not that talented, yet.
I love these Date & Oat Lactation Energy Bites from Detoxinista. They are seriously so good and full of everything you need in a Postpartum snack! I’ve put the recipe below, but I’ve loved everything that I’ve made from Megan, so definitely check her out!
Date & Oat Lactation Bites
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted (Soak them in water for 10 minutes and drain well, if not soft and squishy already)
- 1/3 cup ground flax seed
- 1/3 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 6 tbsp creamy unsalted peanut butter, or nut butter of your choice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vailla extract
Instructions
- In the bowl of a large food processor fitted with an s-blade, process the dates until a sticky ball is formed. Add in the flax, oats, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla and process again until finely ground and crumbly. The mixture should stick together easily when pressed between your fingers. If the mixture doesn't stick together, try adding one tablespoon of water and process again.
- Use your hands to roll the dough into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Arrange them in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet, cover tightly, and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve. (Once cold, you can pile them into a smaller storage container without them sticking to each other.)
And here are some other perfect recipes to prepare in advance:
SNACKS:
MEALS:
Spinach Lasagna
Red Lentil Chili
Minestrone
Meatballs (vegan)
Veggie Burger
I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I do!
x Ashley
