In the lead up to giving birth, it’s important to prepare nutritionally for optimal energy, just like you would prepare for running a marathon (where you’ll spend a similar amount of energy as going through labour and giving birth!)

In that final trimester of pregnancy where anything can happen, it’s important to nourish your body daily and also prepare yourself (and your freezer!) for when you come home as cooking might be the last thing on your mind with a newborn in tow!

Here are 8 tips to get you ready:

birth-food

  1. Increase your daily nutrients with a green juice or smoothie, a great way to boost vegetable intake in your diet.
  2. Add a protein powder, if necessary, to boost your protein intake, such as Nuzest or The Healthy Chef brands. This will give you stable energy release and keep you fuller for longer.
  3. Increase your water intake to maintain hydration. Remember your water bottle, you can also suck on ice cubes for a refreshing top up.
  4. Increase fibre to nourish the gut and boost your immune system, as well as maintain regular bathroom habits. A high fibre diet might include prunes, ground flaxseed, fruit, veggies and wholegrains. A good start to the day is 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 2 tbsp Greek Yoghurt and a glass of lemon water.
  5. Have healthy snacks ready for hospital such as Paleo Bars or a date, nut and seed mix and coconut water. You will want this for energy and they are often a healthier, tastier option than hospital food!
  6. Pre-make and freeze easy go-to meals such as veggie packed frittatas, bolognaise sauce, vegetable lasagnes, salmon patties and mini egg muffins, then freeze in portions.
  7. Increase your vitamin C and zinc intake to help increase collagen production which can reduce the risk of tearing, and assist wound healing. Kiwi fruits, citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds and shellfish are all great power houses of vitamin C and zinc so try to include these in your daily diet.
  8. Eat small meals regularly to maintain blood sugar and energy levels, especially with the baby taking up so much room in your body now, making it difficult to fit food in!

 

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