Freeze easy meals

Make-ahead meals that’ll boost your energy and save your sanity.

Make-ahead meals that’ll boost your energy and save your sanity.

Make-ahead meals that’ll boost your energy and save your sanity.

Make-ahead meals that’ll boost your energy and save your sanity.

Make-ahead meals that’ll boost your energy and save your sanity.

Make-ahead meals that’ll boost your energy and save your sanity.

Make-ahead meals that’ll boost your energy and save your sanity.

Make-ahead meals that’ll boost your energy and save your sanity.

The first couple weeks after baby arrives can be a blur. Whether she’s hungry, cranky or sleepy, you’re on call to tend to baby’s every need—which can leave you hungry, cranky and sleepy too. “Eating the right foods can help your body gain the building blocks it needs to repair, rebuild and nourish your baby,” says Allison Tannis, MS, RHN, author of The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy. 

Carbs for clarity, fiber for flushing

Fueling with the right foods can also erase common post-pregnancy complaints. Pregnancy brain doesn’t disappear when baby arrives, but diet can make a difference. “Protein is the building block of enzymes and hormones which are needed to keep you going and support lactation,” says Tannis. To prevent postpartum constipation, get plenty of fluids to soften stool and eat fiber-rich foods like whole grains, dried fruits and fresh produce. Continue taking a multivitamin and aim for a rainbow of foods on your plate.

Red Pepper & Spinach Quiche 

This colorful quiche combines vitamin C (great for wound healing) with iron and protein for staying power.

• 1  9-inch unbaked pie shell
• 1  10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
  
• 1⁄3 cup roasted red peppers
  
• (from jar), drained and chopped
  
• 1⁄2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  
• 4 large eggs
  
• 1⁄2 cup milk
  
• Salt and pepper
  

Preheat oven to 375° F. Sprinkle spinach, red peppers and feta over bottom of pie shell. Beat eggs and milk together, season with salt and pepper. Gently pour into crust. Bake quiche for 50 to 60 minutes until set and nicely browned. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. After baking, wrap whole quiche or individual pieces in aluminum foil or freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. Do not thaw before reheating. Unwrap and bake at 375° F for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.

Trail Mix Granola Bars

Loaded with B vitamins, calcium and fiber, these on-the-go smart snacks conjur energy post-delivery.

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1⁄2 cup wheat germ
  
• 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  
• 1 cup slivered almonds
  
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
  
• 2 large egg whites
  
• 3⁄4 cup pitted dates, chopped
  
• 1⁄3 cup honey
  
• 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
  
• 3⁄4 cup dried cranberries
  

Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix together first six ingredients in a bowl. Transfer to baking sheet and toast in oven for 8 to 10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix together egg whites, dates, honey and vegetable oil. Add in toasted oatmeal mixture and stir well. Pour mixture into a buttered 8”x12” baking dish. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes until light golden brown. Let cool and cut into squares. Eat right away or freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds.

Freezer fare

4 more easy-to-freeze foods for new mamas:

• Lasagna – Layer in spinach for extra iron and vitamin C, and ricotta cheese for calcium.
  
• Chili – Lean beef, beans and bell peppers provide B vitamins, iron and vitamin C.
  
• Minestrone soup – Opt for whole wheat pasta and plenty of beans for extra energy.
  
• Banana bread – Up the fiber in your diet by using whole wheat flour.
  

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