You know the importance of curbing unhealthy cravings and following a nutritious diet while you’re pregnant. Not only does it ensure you and your child are receiving the optimal vitamins and minerals needed to thrive, but it can also help mitigate pregnancy symptoms, reduce risk for complications and more. But these healthy eating habits shouldn’t stop after giving birth – especially if you plan on breastfeeding – because your body still needs optimal nutritional fuel, even when you’re not carrying a child. Plus, avoiding unhealthy options and prioritizing fresh produce, whole grains and plant-based proteins can help you lose the extra pounds and get you back to your pre-pregnancy body.
You need to remain healthy and active after delivery so that your body is strong enough to care for your baby. That’s why sticking to healthy and well-balanced eating habits is key, and we believe following the Hallelujah Diet and judicial supplementation of vitamin B12, iodine and fish oil during this time is essential. You can obtain all of the necessary protein, calcium and other vital nutrients like iron, folate and magnesium without consuming meat or dairy products.
Here are a few postpartum diet tips to consider:
1. Choose Healthy Alternatives
Those cravings you had during your pregnancy might come back after you give birth, but that doesn’t mean you should give in now that you’re no longer carrying your child. If you start craving something sweet, choose a healthy alternative. Fruit or one of our Hallelujah Diet dessert recipes can combat those cravings without the guilt!
2. Avoid Unhealthy Liquids
If you’re thinking in terms of breastfeeding, it’s not only important to watch what you’re eating, but also what you’re drinking. Consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy is off the table, but it’s important to continue avoiding alcohol postpartum as it can pass through your breast milk and cause harm to your baby. Plus, the high sugar and alcohol content will make it more difficult to lose pregnancy weight.
Avoiding drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.3. Prioritize Your Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables were your best friends throughout those long nine months, and your relationship with them should continue to thrive at this period of your life. The vitamins and nutrients you receive from fruits and vegetables are simply unmatched. Plus, eating a variety of produce can help you lose those extra pounds you gained during pregnancy.
4. Be Mindful of Healthy Protein Options
Remember: Meat and dairy products are not the only sources of protein available. You can follow a plant-based plan like the Hallelujah Diet and still achieve your daily recommendation. Beans and nuts are loaded with protein, as are some of the most nutritional vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts and mushrooms. If you don’t think you’re getting enough protein in your diet, you can also supplement with Hallelujah Diet Essential Protein Powder. This option is made up of organic peas, rice and raw seeds and it’s gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO and contains no soy!
5. Don’t Forget Organic Whole Grains
Organic whole grains are another important part of a well-balanced, plant-based diet. They’re loaded with essential nutrients, such as fiber, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and iron that help to fuel your body and ward off risk for diseases and chronic conditions. Plus, they support healthy digestion, which can also contribute to losing weight after pregnancy. Organic oats, barley and quinoa are excellent dietary options to consider.
For more information on fueling your body during pregnancy and beyond, pick up your copy of our own health expert Olin Idol’s book “Pregnancy, Children and the Hallelujah Diet” and continue reading our weekly “Science of Her” blog!
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