Great Food for Healthier Post Pregnancy
Did you or your loved one just welcomed a baby?
Then it is time to recover from the elephantine body changes, follow a lot of rules and regulations (courtesy presence of elders), strive to maintain a mental balance and understand the good and the bad.
Too much to handle right?
Well, let’s simplify life for you by informing you about the best foods for the post-natal period.
Oats
Oats provide a great amount of iron, calcium, fibre, carbohydrates and proteins. Hence, having oats can power-up your health in many ways. You can cook oats in a pan and have with milk, dried fruits & nuts. Adding chopped fruits such as apple, banana and mango can increase its nutrition value further.
Pulses and lentils
A balanced diet plan cannot be completed without pulses and lentils. The reason being they fulfill the need for protein, vitamins, fiber and minerals for the body. And also help in increasing lactation. You can use pulses and lentils to cook khichdi or halwa. What’s more? Pulses and lentils also curb obesity.
Green vegetables
You can recuperate faster by obtaining iron, vitamins, calcium and protein from green vegetables. Incorporating spinach, lotus stem, fenugreek leaves, bottle gourd and apple gourd in your diet ensures better health during the postnatal period.
Finger millet (mandua/ragi)
Gaining strength is one of your prime objectives post-pregnancy. Finger millet (mandua or ragi) is rich in calcium and iron – the two nutrients you need to boost your strength. Having finger millet is also ideal if you are allergic to dairy products and milk. You can have finger millet in the form of roti, halwa, dosa and idli.
Almonds
Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin B12 and E, minerals, carbohydrates and fiber. So, incorporate this nutrient packed nut in your diet to recover faster from childbirth. You can have almonds raw or can enjoy them with milk and halwa.
Cumin seeds and Ajwain
Cumin seeds or ajwain are not mere food ingredients, their health benefits are endless. You can have these seeds to strengthen immunity, improve digestion and blood circulation as they contain antioxidants. Ajwain water also helps regulate your periods.
Black and white sesame seeds
Commonly known as til in India, these seeds are packed with calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium. Hence, sesame seeds can replenish your body of essential minerals. You can have these seeds with laddoos and chikkis to restore your health in the postpartum period.
Eggs, ginger and turmeric can also help you in boosting health post-pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor about the best postpartum foods & supplements. Indian families strongly believe in feeding a lot of ghee to a new mom. Eat it, but in moderation. How? You need to figure it out yourself if your family persists.
Post-natal period is indeed a tough one. There are too many changes happening simultaneously. But don’t feel suffocated or tensed or worried. Talk to your family about your apprehensions and enjoy this golden period of life.
