Being a new mom is challenging and exhausting. There is always something that needs to be done when your perfect little one finally goes down for naptime. New moms often feel overwhelmed and tired as they try to adjust to life with a new baby while their bodies are still returning to normal after pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are ways that new moms can boost their energy levels. By knowing what and when to eat, you can increase your energy levels dramatically.
Energy Boosters for New Moms
As new moms who are likely breastfeeding, we don’t want to pump our bodies full of artificial stimulants that will give us energy, but sometimes we really need an energy blast. So if you are fatigued every day as you get into a routine with your new baby, you can try these tips to boost your energy naturally:
- Don’t skip breakfast; instead, take the time to make it balanced and healthy
- Fuel your body as the day progresses
- Don’t go on a crash diet
- Stay hydrated
- Cut back on sugar and caffeine
- Snack on fruit
- Look at the ingredients of your snacks, especially your energy bars
- Find time for yourself
Now some of these might seem like tall orders, but they all prove to be incredibly beneficial for new moms to keep them energized and healthy.
1. Never Skip Breakfast
As a new mom, you are always on the run, and your body needs a sufficient amount of energy to run well. So it isn’t uncommon for new moms to forget about breakfast and head straight to the coffee pot when the sun rises. However, having a breakfast high in protein and complex carbohydrates will go a long way to prevent your energy levels from dropping. If you take the time to make yourself a decent meal in the mornings, it will be worth it.
You don’t have to spend hours preparing a glamorous meal. Instead, eggs with multigrain bread make for a quick and balanced meal. If you aren’t a big eater in the mornings, you can try to switch to smoothies. Having a smoothie in the mornings is a great way to get the nutrients you need. In addition, you can add some good-quality organic nut butter into your smoothies for some extra protein.
2. Remember to Eat During the Day
It is important to eat regularly as the day progresses. If you go without eating for long periods, you will feel fatigued very quickly. You would then be tempted to grab foods high in sugar which will only lead to a blood sugar spike that will pass fast and leave you even more drained than before.
3. Avoid Crash Diets
Most moms feel insecure about their postpartum bodies, and it is natural to want to lose the baby weight as soon as possible. However, crash diets do more bad than good. Instead, it is better to have a balanced diet and lifestyle that will help you drop weight slowly but consistently while keeping you healthy and energized.
4. Drink Enough Water
Staying hydrated is very important for everyone, but even more so for new moms. So remember to drink enough water during the day and at night. New moms who are breastfeeding need to drink at least 13 cups of water a day.
5. Don’t Overindulge in Sugar and Caffeine
Most of us love to have a cup of coffee when our energy levels are running low, and it is even better when it is paired with a plate of cookies. Mothers who breastfeed often find that they have huge sugar cravings, and they will be tempted to eat more sweet things than ever before.
However, giving in to the cravings of sugar leads to low energy levels as your blood sugar spikes very quickly but then drops just as fast. So after finishing that chocolate bar, you might feel even more exhausted than before. The same applies to caffeine. Yes, a cup of coffee will give you an energy burst, but it will be short-lived. Once the caffeine has worked its way through your system, you will feel exhausted.
6. Snack on Healthy Food like Fruit or Nuts
Having healthy snacks on hand is always a good thing, and when you are a new mom, they are essential. The great thing about snacking on fruit and nuts is that you can grab some and have a quick snack without spending too much time. In addition, it is an excellent way to get the nutrients that your body needs.
7. Examine the Ingredients of Your Snacks
Most of us love a good energy bar, and we think that they are healthy, but this isn’t always the case. Energy bars can be loaded with sugar and simple carbohydrates, leading to a blood sugar spike followed by an energy low. If you enjoy an energy bar, look at the ingredients of your energy bars before you buy them, or better yet, make your own.
The same applies to trail mix. People are often under the misconception that all kinds of trail mix are healthy and balanced, but it just isn’t true. Therefore, it is worth your while to check the contents of your trail mix, or once again, make your own. By making your own energy bars or trail mix, you have complete control over everything you are putting into it. That means you can enjoy your snacks without any concerns.
8. Find Time to Unwind
This is the trickiest one on the list. New moms often struggle with the idea of leaving their new baby in the care of someone else, even for only an hour or two, but it is good for you to do so. By taking some time to yourself, you will get a much-deserved break and return to your baby feeling energized. Leave your baby with someone you trust once a week and meet a friend for a cup of tea or have your hair done. Remember, self-care is vital.
Conclusion
Being a new mom is an exciting but tiring time. However, by making an effort to follow a healthy lifestyle, you will have more energy and feel great, too.