Breast is Best

There are so many wonderful benefits to breastfeeding your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months of the babies life, and continue for as long as possible.  Breastfeeding is great not only for baby, but for the mother as well.  For starters, they call colostrum or early breast milk liquid gold since it gives baby important nutrients and antibodies. The cells, hormones, and antibodies passed through breast milk protect babies from illnesses. Studies show that breast fed babies have less frequent ear infection and diarrhea than formula fed. Formula fed babies also have higher risk of type 2 diabetes, asthma, allergies, and obesity. Mothers also benefit by skin to skin contact with baby which creates a strong bond. Moms who breastfeeding have a lower risk for many illnesses such as postpartum depression, ovarian and breast cancer, and diabetes. Breastfeeding can also save families up to $2000 a year!!!! You can find additional information on breastfeeding by doing a Google search.

Another important thing while breastfeeding is making sure you consume enough calories! Yes I would love to lose the baby weight quickly, but cutting calories is not the safe way to do this. Looking at some of my mama friends who are pigging out and still losing weight is frustrating. For me I have to watch what I eat and forget about the cute belly which held my little one for 10 months- there is plenty of time when baby starts running to lose that pudge! For now, eat healthy and workout when you can. Do I have frustrating days when nothing fits that I want to diet-YES- but at the end of the day I know my body needs healthy calories to continue making the breast milk. They say you should consume at least 1800- 2500 calories a day. Here are some healthy quick meals to make for even the busiest mamas! I will give recipes to some of these dishes so make sure to check back often!


Breakfast

I start every day with 1 Tbsp Chia seeds in large glass of water. Let sit 10 minutes while your preparing instant oatmeal- I like natures best organic hemp and flax seeds

Quick smoothie-
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup mixed berries
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp flax meal
1 banana
1Tbsp spirulina

Blend until smooth

Lunch

portobello mushroom taco

*Tortilla shell stuffed with portobello mushroom, black beans, and/or organic tofu or meat
2 Tbsp organic sour cream, Veggies, 1/2 avocado
*Chia pocket (you can buy at costco) stuffed with roasted veggies, quinoa, avocado
*Amy's pizza
*Low sodium soup

Snack

Apple or celery with almond butter
Kind bar
Cucumber with salt and nutritional yeast
Dark chocolate
Tortilla chips and salsa


Dinner

Quinoa with roasted veggies
Baked tofu with buffalo sauce
Twice baked potato
Amy's frozen burrito
Organic ravioli with spinach and garlic