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Energy Boost For Mom
Maintaining Your Energy after Pregnancy -The Organic Way!
Your pregnancy can be one of the most happy times of your life – yet the rigorous toll that it takes on both your physical and mental state can leave you feeling too exhausted to even wake up for those 3 am feedings! If this sounds all too familiar, here are some helpful and encouraging things you can follow to boost your energy feeling back to your normal self in no time!
Begin with a better breakfast -Proteins such as eggs and yogurt, and complex carbohydrates like whole-grain bread and cereals, are a better breakfast choice than simple carbohydrates or sugar. Eating organic fruits, yogurt-and-fruit smoothie, a bowl of organic oatmeal or whole-grain cereal, or cage-free organic scrambled eggs on organic whole-wheat toast are good choices.
A protein-rich, complex carbohydrate-rich breakfast is very important — and probably the opposite of what most people do. Organic foods have up to twice the amount of important nutrients because they are naturally grown or raised so eating organic will speed up the recovery process.
Eat small meals throughout the day rather than eating three large meals, aim to eat five smaller meals throughout the day to keep your energy up. I was taught it is a better way of eating because it keeps your energy levels on an even keel the whole day long, rather than seesawing between hunger and fullness.
Resist the urge to diet ever though you are still may be wearing maternity clothes after the baby has arrived. But even if you’re frustrated with the sometimes slow pace of postpartum weight loss, now is not a good time to skip meals or drastically cut back your caloric intake. It most important to care for your baby and have the energy to do so.
Drink plenty of water in the first few weeks after you have your baby, dehydration will make any fatigue or sleepiness you’re experiencing worse. So it’s important to guzzle water like it’s going out of style. Drinking a lot of liquids is probably the easiest thing people can do.
Keep a water bottle handy around the house, in your diaper bag, and in the car or stroller, so you can stay hydrated no matter where you are. If you’re breastfeeding, the first few weeks can be a thirsty time, so make sure to drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
Don’t rely on caffeine or sugar-It’s tempting to reach for a cup of coffee when you’re exhausted, or grab a candy bar when you’re starving and in need of quick energy. But be careful about relying too much on caffeinated drinks or sugary snacks to keep you going when you’re running on empty. Both caffeine and sugar will give you a quick burst of energy, but once that initial surge is gone, you’ll be left feeling even more tired than before. As mentioned above, complex carbs — whole-grain breads, legumes like lentils and beans, and vegetables like corn or yams — or proteins like lean meat, cheese, eggs, nuts, soy foods, or yogurt, will keep your blood sugar levels more stable, which means you’ll stay on a more even keel.
Grab a piece of fruit -I have learned a piece of fruit is the best bet when you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up . Fruit gives you a burst of energy, but doesn’t create a later “crash” like junk food laden with refined sugar. Plus, fruits like apples, oranges, peaches, and pears are high in fiber. Best of all: Most fruit requires no prep work or cleanup, and is easy to eat on the go. Continue to take your multi-vitamin after the pregnancy helps in the recovery process.
Finally, know that even the most energy-packed food can’t counteract the sleep you need . If possible, take a quick nap the next time you’re feeling weary, rather than turning to food. We can tend to eat, thinking that will give us energy it may just be that you need a nap.
Check out the Pyramid Plan that offers a customized daily food plan based on your age, gender, and activity level.
