If you’ve decided that nursing is right for you (or you’re undecided but giving it a try), you’ll know that it takes A LOT of time. Some days, it may feel like all you do.
You also know that if you wait until the baby isn’t eating, you might never get to eat. (And to quote Biggie: if you don’t know, now you know).
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with 6 real food, nutrient dense options that will keep your energy up no matter what your day brings.
1. Handrolls
These are my personal favorite and one of the few on this list that could count as a balanced meal if done right.
You’ll need a sheet of nori and whatever you want to fill it with. My favorites are smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, and mango. Some quick options are canned salmon, rotisserie chicken, and whatever veggies you already have on hand.
Put your fillings in the middle of a sheet of nori, roll into a cone, and enjoy!
2. Egg wraps
Crack an egg in a pan, add a handful of cooked protein and veggies if you have them. If you don’t, just the egg is fine. Pro tip: whisk the egg before cooking. As delicious as a runny yolk is, you don’t want that dripping on your baby’s head.
Wrap in a grain free wrap (my favorite is Siete Foods) and enjoy!
3. Chicken drumsticks
Ok, not quite as instantaneous as the previous two options, but great to make ahead and don’t require much hands-on time. I personally like these cold as well as hot. And there is something about eating a chicken leg over your baby’s head that makes you feel powerful. Seriously. Try it.
Place in a large bowl or ziplock bag, add a liberal amount of your favorite seasonings (right now I’m obsessed with everything bagel blends), and stir/shake until evenly coated.
Place on an oiled baking sheet (or use parchment paper) and pop in the oven at 425 for approx. 40-45 min (until internal temp is 165 or higher). Cool and pull from the fridge when needed!
4. Smoothie
I’m not a morning smoothie person. I’ve tried, but no matter how much fat and protein I add, it never satisfies me for breakfast. But for some reason, it seems to make an excellent lunch. No idea what that’s about, but if smoothies don’t work for you for breakfast either, give them a go later in the day and see.
Whatever the time of day, follow this template for a delicious and satisfying smoothie:
- .25 to .5 cup coconut milk (the kind you cook with)
- 1 cup nut milk or milk of your choice (I like pistachio milk right now)
- 1 TBSP chia seeds
- 1 cup fruit of your choice (strawberry is a crowd favorite)
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder (I like PaleoPro right now)
- Handful of baby spinach (work up to this if you’re new to green smoothies)
- Handful of ice (or, you can skip this is using frozen fruit)
Blend, please.
5. Cucumber boats with pâté. Or tuna salad or salmon salad or whatever
You might be thinking: “Pâté? But doesn’t that have liver in it? Yuck!” Please hear me out. Most pate does contain liver, but it also has yummy fat that will keep you satiated and spices that will make it delicious. And liver is a nutritional powerhouse that will help replenish your nutrient stores as you nurse. Growing and feeding a baby is a seriously nutrient-expensive job, so adding a superfood like liver to your toolkit will have you moving in the right direction.
Most specialty and an increasing number of regular grocery stores will carry pre-made pâté, and if you are feeling adventurous and have the time, it’s not hard to make your own.
Once you have procured the pâté and a cucumber, wash the cucumber, peel if it’s waxy, and cut down the middle, the long way. Scoop out the part with seeds. You’ll be left with a trough in the middle of the cucumber that you will fill with pâté.
If this pâté thing just sounds too wild, it’s equally good (though slightly more messy) with some quick tuna or salmon salad. Cheers!
6. Apple slices with nut butter
This is an old classic but worth mentioning. Apples are a great source of antioxidants and soluble fiber, plus they just taste good. By cutting them into slices and adding your nut butter of choice, they’ll become a snack filling enough to get you through to your next meal. Try unsweetened almond butter, peanut (if you’re not paleo), or my favorite: coconut butter.
Did I miss any of your favorite foods to eat while nursing?
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