Carrying the baby inside you and then going through the intense and life altering labor is no less than a herculean task completed! Post it, a new era starts in your life when you start taking care of your new born. In this entire whirlwind, it is not unusual that you find yourself seriously stressed and fatigued. Direct consequence is reflected in your diet where you just feed your hunger with whatever is available or just skip on it. However, your food plate is what is going to give you back your energy. It is also what is going to pass on to your bundle of joy through breast milk. Here, we shed some light on post pregnancy diet to keep you a step ahead on the path of recovery.
[ Also Read: A Crash Course On What To Eat During Pregnancy ]
Hydration
Even though we have heard it countless times, it never hurts to be reminded all over again about it. Getting yourself filled up with abundant fluids become especially important after pregnancy as quite a bit of fluid is sucked out of your body through the baby milk. You become highly susceptible to getting dehydrated. Thus, your post delivery diet should not only have plenty of water but also a good amount of soups, fruit juices, smoothies, etc. They are also extremely light to digest and help you remain light.
[ Also Read: For All Expecting Moms Here Are Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy ]
Healthy Fats Are A Mandatory Requirement
You might think that fats have again become a big NO once the baby is born but the truth is exactly the reverse. You need plenty of healthy fats to keep the milk flow going, stave off hunger, keep the skin glowing and recuperate the body! Including a small cup of nuts and a glass or two of whole milk in the first three months of diet plan after delivery is a good idea. Post three months, your diet after delivery can have less proportion of fat but it should never be eliminated even if you are trying to lose the baby weight.
Go Gaga With Greens, Fruits And Veggies
While a balanced proportion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats constitute the best post pregnancy diet; greens, fruits and veggies should supersede all and be always available at a hand’s distance. These are not only rich source of vitamins and minerals but they are also high on antioxidants. They would help you flush off all the toxins that got accumulated in your body during the pregnancy. You can expect a much better result than a true detox plan. Additionally, their high fiber content keeps you filled for a longer period of time and you are less likely to reach out for unhealthy foods and snacks. These are always your ready and best answer to what to eat after delivery. They also eliminate the hassle of cooking to a large extent which is heavenly as well!
[ Also Read: Types Of Carbohydrates ]
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Whole Grains
Immediately after pregnancy is not the time to think about losing weight! Both you and your baby need calories as well as nutrients to thrive healthily and come out robust. Breastfeeding hikes up your calories requirement by about 500. Go for whole grains chapattis and bread, brown rice and even oats.
Proteins
Whether it is a post pregnancy diet or any other diet, proteins are never ruled out! While most proteins can be consumed safely, it’s best to exclude heavy proteins like excess of meat. Transmitting via your breast milk, they sometimes cause irritation in the baby’s intestine and makes them highly uncomfortable. Eggs can be digested easily and it is a good dietary inclusion. Vegetarian proteins like paneer, soya, tofu, curd, etc., are a good choice anytime.
Foods To Avoid
Now we would talk about what to avoid in your post pregnancy diet. In case you are prone to bloating, flatulence, constipation, etc., it is best that you avoid ‘heavy to digest’ cereals and peas. Chilly and spicy foods should be avoided as they irritate the baby’s intestines. In case you have undergone cesarean, it is considered detrimental for the wounds to heal. Hence, it should be zero to minimal for the next six months.
Eating good and healthy food is the key to post pregnancy diet. Your instincts should be the best guide here but any doubts must always be consulted with your doctor as well as your dietician. Little care will ensure a healthy and strong body both for you and your little bundle of joy!
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