How to deal with an energy loss and the increased need for sugar after childbirth and during breastfeeding
One of the common phenomena that occurs is a certain drop of energy and your body’s increased need for sugar, despite the fact that you feel well and healthy. This is especially characteristic in periods when you are more exhausted and tired, work after-hours at work or online from home, have excessive exercise or training, etc. Also, in the period after childbirth, especially if you are breastfeeding, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches and generally all other features of exhaustion are present. There is no need to worry about these symptoms, because it is quite normal to feel this way sometimes!
The emphasis in this text will be on natural ways mothers or pregnant women can prevent such conditions if they occur more frequently. It is done by introducing a few principles into a normal routine in order to feel stronger and have more energy.
• Try to have enough sleep and rest.
You feed your baby and this is the only food source for her. That is why all the recommendations are based on having rest as much as possible, and the most ideal time for that is while the baby is sleeping. Try to take advantage of that moment and synchronize with your baby. Of course, this is not always possible, because sometimes you will use that time to tidy up the house, prepare lunch or relax a bit by watching your favorite tv shows or movies.
• Hydration.
The important thing is to always have a bottle of water next to you during breastfeeding and to have enough fluids during the day.
• Vitamins.
If you have used some vitamin supplements during pregnancy, be sure to continue with them for another month or two until you and your baby get used to the new roles. Be sure to be advised by your doctor about supplements or the possible introduction of extra iron and magnesium if needed.
• Nutrition.
What you should definitely take into account is proper nutrition, which is important for you, but especially for your baby. Also, this is the key moment when women gain the most weight after giving birth. Bad sleeping, fatigue and exhaustion lead to a drop in energy levels. Especially combined with bad habits such as skipping meals, ordering food from local restaurants, eating more sugar in unhealthy sweets or drinking more coffee.
You will need to make an effort to correct and stabilize your diet. The foods listed below can help you avoid energy loss and unhealthy snacks.
Banana – increase energy thanks to vitamin B6, potassium and complex carbohydrates.
Eggs – thanks to proteins, leucine and B vitamins, energy production is stimulated in several ways.
Apples – slowly and permanently release energy due to the rich content of natural fiber, sugar and high content of antioxidants.
Almonds and other nuts – a great source of vitamin B7 that helps the body convert food into energy.
Oatmeal and other whole grains – calcium, fiber and protein perfectly raise energy. See our suggestion for very quick preparation of snacks with rice flakes.
Spinach and other green leafy vegetables – with the help of magnesium provides the body with a sufficient amount of energy. Click for our spinach pie recipe.
Chicken and beef – provide a sufficient amount of iron to the body.
We would like to add one more suggestion
Try to endure a few days not eating sweets, so your body adapts and will not expect so many sweets on daily basis. If you are not willing to give it up or reduce it in quantity, then try to make a healthier variant by yourself. It can be fruit cake, semolina, oatmeal, biscuits with oatmeal, healthy smoothies and generally anything else you make, that is definitely healthier than sweets bought from the stores.