My #1 Nutrition Tip for Postpartum Mamas

I'm almost at the end of my test run with my Postpartum Training Program, and I'm so excited about how well this group of strong mamas is doing, so I thought I'd share one of my top nutrition tips that has been a huge help for my clients:

Add in protein.

That's it! So simple, so completely not groundbreaking, but SO powerful! When it comes down to it, what we eat should support our bodies and give us the freedom to be active in our daily life. Adding in protein is a simple habit you can start to implement right in your next meal to accomplish this.

Why add in protein?

Why is this my favourite tip out of all the ones I share with my clients?

1. Protein helps support your muscles so you can improve your strength and support soft tissue recovery in postpartum.
   

2. Nutrition can seem so complicated, but adding in is simple. You don't have to overanalyze and can just ask yourself one question with each snack or meal: does this have protein?
   

After my bodybuilding days, my approach to nutrition shifted toward Intuitive Eating, and it's become the foundation and guide for how I approach nutrition with all my clients, pregnant, postpartum and otherwise.

Intuitive eating is about learning to listen to your body and trust its signals for hunger and satisfaction. It's a non-diet approach that rejects diet culture, promotes a healthy relationship with food and encourages you to enjoy all foods without guilt. It's all about honouring your body's needs and finding balance in eating, and this is why I wanted to start with adding something in. 

Quick ways to add in protein:

1. Single serve Greek yogurt packs

2. Deli meat (charcuterie, anyone?)

3. Dry roasted edamame

4. Cheese - Cheesestrings or Babybel cheeses are great on the go (if you caught my story last week, you know I keep these in my pockets sometimes😅), or adding feta, goat or parmesan cheese is great to top off a salad

5. Protein powder or premixed protein drinks

6. Eggs (I like hard boiled for on the go)

7. Beans (edamame, black, kidney, etc)

8. Tofu or Tempeh
   

A general guideline is to have approx. 1-2 grams of protein per kg of lean mass, but if you struggle to consume protein, take the pressure off! Just start by adding in a bit at a time and take it day by day. 

Coach Dee

@deefitdot

coachdeefitdot@gmail.com 

coachdeefit.com

*This is a fitness and personal training blog for information purposes only and shouldn’t be seen as health, nutritional, or medical advice. This site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any information you use from this site is at your own risk. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you read on this site.