ARE YOU BREASTFEEDING?

                        NUTRITION TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS


The recommended daily calorie intake for nursing women is about 330 calories (or roughly 1/4) more than what they consumed before pregnancy. Here are our tips for getting those calories the smart way.

•   SIMPLE SNACKS                                                                      

 Keep snacks in your baby's room so you can stay energized throughout the day. Some easy ones that   don't require two hands to eat: grapes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, squeezable yogurt packs.

• KEEP FOOD PANTRY STOCKED 

Stock your pantry full of healthy, easy-to-eat, and prepared foods. High-fiber cereal, instant oatmeal, microwaveable veggies, low-fat yogurt, bananas, and low-fat popcorn all make nutritious snacks. Another good idea: Keep smoothie ingredients around so you can whip up a filling, good-for-you snack. 

• BUSY? YOU STILL CANT SKIP MEALS 

Don't skip meals even with your busy schedule. Try making healthy dinners in bulk to freeze the leftovers for later. Vegetable (carrots,celery), salads and soups can easily be made in large portions and put to use as future lunches or dinners. Our Tortilla Soup will take you only 15 minutes to prepare.

• DRINK PLENTY OF WATER  

It's important to stay hydrated throughout breastfeeding so keep a water bottle with you. To cut back on liquid calories, limit the amount of sweetened beverages you drink. Nursing mothers can have a little bit of caffeine -- but stick to less than 5 ounces per day so Baby doesn't become jittery or irritable.   

MY FAVORITE WATER

• MAKE TIME FOR BREAKFAST 

Breakfast might seem like the one meal you just don't have time for00+, but the word breakfast is clear break-fast your fasting while you sleep so when you wake its important to eat. There are a few quick, healthy options. Add berries to cereal or oatmeal, top a bagel with cottage cheese, add chopped peppers and carrots to your standard cream cheese bagel, or sprinkle dried fruit and granola into nonfat yogurt. 

• QUICK EASY DINNERS

Ordering takeout occasionally is a nice break from preparing dinner, but you can also use a slow cooker to put together a full meal with minimal effort.  

• GETTING CALCIUM

Throughout breastfeeding be sure to eat calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, canned fish (salmon or mackerel are the best bets), whole grains and whole grain flours, leafy vegetables, almonds or other nuts, and dried fruit such as dried figs.

• EAT VEGGIES 

Breastfeeding moms who follow a vegetarian diet are safe to stick to their meatless meals. Eating animal-derived foods such as dairy products supplies plenty of calcium and protein. For moms who stay away from milk derivatives, a vitamin B-12 supplement is recommended, but like all other supplements, you should consult your doctor first.

• YUMMY SPICY FOODS 

If you love spicy foods, it's fine to continue eating them while you're breastfeeding. Anything spicy or gassy shouldn't bother your baby, but keep an eye out for possible allergic reactions that occur within several hours of nursing.

• YOUR MILK IS WHAT YOU EAT

As you're picking and choosing what to eat for snacks and meals, rest assured that Baby enjoys the flavors that come through in your milk. Simply eat right and keep watch over your baby for any sensitivity or allergic reaction.