One of the meals that I focus on when I start working with a mom is breakfast.
Sometimes a mom will be so busy taking care of her little ones and getting through all of the morning care tasks - that she ends up just having coffee and the leftovers from her kids plate for breakfast.
I don’t think we need a science degree to see the problem with that scenario. Once in a while wouldn’t be a big deal - though arguably it sets you up for a tougher day - but if this is a chronic habit that you’ve fallen into, we need to talk.
For moms, breakfast needs to be quick, easy, balanced, and protein-rich.
A protein-rich breakfast is important for several reasons:
Sustained Energy:
Protein is essential for providing sustained energy throughout the day. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevents energy crashes, which can be particularly important for busy moms who need sustained energy to tackle their day.
Muscle Repair and Maintenance:
Pregnancy, childbirth, and the demands of motherhood can put a strain on a woman's body. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and recovery in early postpartum, but is also needed to maintain and strengthen tissues.
Appetite Control:
Protein is known to promote feelings of fullness and reduce hunger cravings. Starting the day with a protein-rich breakfast can help moms feel satisfied and reduce the likelihood of unhealthy snacking or overeating later in the day.
Nutrient Balance:
A protein-rich breakfast can contribute to a balanced nutrient intake, as protein is often accompanied by other important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. This can help ensure that moms are getting a variety of nutrients necessary for optimal health and well-being.
Milk Production (for breastfeeding moms):
Breastfeeding requires additional energy and nutrients, including protein. A protein-rich breakfast can support milk production and provide the necessary building blocks for breast milk, benefiting both the mother and the baby.
Protein sources for breakfast can be typical things like eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds, bacon, sausage, etc. Or you can opt for leftover protein from dinner - there are no rules!
Here is a super simple recipe to help get two nutrient dense foods onto your plate in 5 minutes or less. Eggs are a nutrient power house offering vitamins and minerals that can be hard to find elsewhere - like choline for example. Greens are also a nutrient powerhouse and ideally should be making their way onto your plate once a day.
Feel free to add extra food like a slice or two of toast, sauteed sweet potatoes, sliced avocado, tomatoes, bacon or sausage.
Need some help making food and nutrition more simple and easy?
Send me an email and we can talk about an individualized plan for you.
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