Motherhood is a crazy ride — especially the first year. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family — a home-cooked meal delivered to your door goes a lot further than another onesie. During those early long days (and nights!) the stresses of caring for a new baby can add up, leaving you feeling depleted. It’s vital for new moms to nourish themselves and recharge with these meal ideas and tips.
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By Leah Brickley for Food Network Kitchen
Say Hello to Old Favorites
Nine months is a long time to go without cold cuts, hot dogs and your favorite unpasteurized cheese, if you avoided them during pregnancy. Now that you're in the clear, treat yourself to old standbys — they'll hit the spot and make for quick meals when you're pressed for time.
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Cook and Freeze
When you find the inspiration (and time) to cook, do it in big batches, then freeze what you won’t use into dinner-size portions. Opt for items that are easy to defrost in the microwave. Think chili, meatballs, tomato ragout, pancakes, waffles and our Chicken Soup 3 Ways, which has stir-in options for all the additional nutrients a new mom needs, including protein, iron and zinc.
There'll be nights you won’t find a free moment to eat until the wee hours of the morning anyway, so why not give in and have breakfast for dinner? You can still get plenty of whole grains and lean protein from whole-wheat toast and eggs, and they're ready in minutes.
Taco It
Staring at a fridge full of leftovers can feel uninspiring even in the best of times. Don't try to get overly creative on just two hours of sleep. Instead, microwave a stack of tortillas and assemble a small taco bar. Leftover lunchmeat, veggies, beans or grains can be given new life when topped with a dollop of sour cream and some salsa.
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Start a Soup Swap
Cook and divide large batches of soup into separate containers, then swap with other new moms. Weekly meetups or Mommy and Me groups are great places to find other interested families.
Sure, any of these is great as a quick snack, but you can also use them to dress up simple greens or add to a bowl of yogurt for a meal that feels refreshingly adult. Our Power Snack Mix is perfect eaten by the hurried handful or sprinkled on just about anything.
It's easy to miss out on fruits and veggies when you're in the trenches. Buy prewashed greens and fresh fruit, and keep them portioned in the fridge for easy blending. Smoothies are a great way to get greens back into your life without taking the time to prepare them at each meal.
Order Extra Takeout
There's no shame in ordering delivery or takeout to preserve precious time. Make the most of it and order a little extra when you do — chances are, you'll be glad to have the leftovers for lunch the following day.
