These are great snack ideas for anyone, but I definitely rely on them as a new mommy. Anything easy to grab and eat with one hand is a must. Rather than reaching out the window for the shake and fries (though the occasional drive-thru won’t kill you), stock up and/or make these ahead of time, freeze them in individual portions and you’re ready to go!
Bars, Cookies, Muffins, and Trail mix
1. Cookies
- Coconut Macaroons: Get the gluten-free versions like Jennie’s, or make a bunch of your own and freeze them for later. This macaroon recipe from Elana’s Pantry is delicious! Also, see this article on eating coconut for milk production.
- “Everything” cookies: try a healthy gluten-free version like this one!
2. Granola bars
- The less processed the better! Yes it’s more expensive when purchasing, but your body (and your baby’s body) will thank you for avoiding high fructose corn syrup, etc. One natural option that’s cheaper is Nature’s Valley (though I don’t think they’re gluten-free).
- Make your own. Much cheaper, very tasty, and pretty easy too. Here’s a few gf recipes (and blogs) that I like:
- http://glutenfreegirl.com/granola-bars-are-for-grabbing/
- http://glutenfree.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/gf-peanut-butter-granola-bar/
- Kind bars & Lårabars - These ones are sometimes available as deals like 10 for $10 at Kroger. They’re made of whole foods like dates & nuts and sometimes dark chocolate. Yum!
3. Muffins/Mini-muffins
- This banana muffin recipe is can be made gluten-free (with a gf flour), and includes oats (great for milk production), bananas, and raisins. This recipe is super easy to double and freeze one of the batches. You can also use unprocessed cane sugar, or go super healthy and sub in honey or stevia, or even leave out the sugar (as long as you’re using really really ripe bananas)!
4. Trail Mix
- Think “granola bar” in bulk. These are super easy to make and a great way to get high quality calories fast. Head to the bulk section in your supermarket, and create your own favorite with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and maybe some dark chocolate chips. Here’s a starter recipe to try.
Dips
5. Bean Dips
- Black bean, pinto, canellini, butter, adzuki, you name it. Beans are packed with protein and very good for you. Of course, don’t go overboard on them while nursing. Start out with a few tablespoons at a time to make sure it doesn’t bother baby.
- Serve w/tortilla chips, crackers, raw veggies, gf bread
6. Chicken, tuna, and salmon salads
- I recommend eating these the day you make them. Two days in the fridge, max, and they’re not great for freezing…but, they are delicious and packed with protein. Not to mention, they’re super fast and easy to make!
- Serve w/tortilla chips, crackers, raw veggies, gf bread
7. Guacamole
- This tastes best fresh, of course, but if you make a double recipe, you can freeze the other portion (it stays green) and it’s not bad when thawed!
- Guacamole recipe (Leave out the cayenne if nursing.)
- Serve w/tortilla chips, crackers, raw veggies, gf bread
8. Tofu dips & spreads
- Protein, calcium, and a creamy base that tastes like whatever you add to it!
- This is a basic one with pictures to help the tofu-newbies.
- Serve w/tortilla chips, crackers, raw veggies, gf bread
Blended Soups & Smoothies
9. Fruit smoothies
- Super easy way to get those fruits and veggies! Toss it all in, and drink it down!
- What you might need:
- Fresh/frozen fruits
- Coconut/almond/dairy milk
- Yogurt/yogurt substitute
- Optional: gf protein powder
- Spinach/kale
- Optional sweeteners: honey,agave, stevia, unrefined sugar
10. Blended soups
- Like smoothies, these are a one-pot deal that can either be blended on the stove using an immersion blender or in your blender. Include as many different veggie options as you can, use lots of different spices, but go easy on the salt. Enjoy hot, and freeze the cooled soup leftovers in freezer-safe baggies for later. Blended soups are liquid meals that can be enjoyed from a thermos or mug, and are a fabulous way for the busy mommy to get those veggies! Here are a couple favorites:
- Potato-Leek
- Carrot
- A few more raw&vegan options
