Postpartum Journey: Filling Snacks to Make it Through

So you just had a baby. Your biggest obstacles now? Food and time! Let’s get into it.

You’re now juggling a baby who will only sleep in your arms, other kids needing attention, piles of laundry, and tons of errands. Then, you finally get the baby to sleep but you can’t move….for what could be hours! I’ve been there way too many times to count! Finding a snack that is ready to grab quickly and will keep you nourished during those long naps, will be a godsend. 

Your goal here is to nourish your body from the marathon of labor, plus the weeks after. It’s important to look for filling snacks that keep you feeling full, but are also healthy! You’ll need the nutrients for your milk supply if you are nursing or pumping. Sometimes, snacks end up being our only source of food for the day while we are managing work and kids - so our goal is to make sure we are including protein, fat, and the good stuff (greens) to keep us going.

You might have some systems in place to ensure you are eating - and just need a refresh on the snack front. Or, you may have no plan and end up eating tortilla chips while packing up the kids’ lunches. Or maybe it’s a bit of both. Either way, I’ve got you covered.

Hungry? Let’s go!

Chocolate Covered Dates

Think of the date as a chewy, sweet container. It’s a great way to manage your sweet tooth while also packing in some fiber. These are awesome made in advance and kept cold for whenever you want a sweet.

Serve with: There are many varieties of this snack - your biggest decision is figuring out if you want to go nutty or coconutty. The toppings options are endless!

Make it: First, you’re going to want to slice a little opening in the date and fill them with either coconut butter or your favorite nut butter. This is the “keep you full” part. Then, you’ll dip them in melted chocolate chips. While the chocolate is still melted, add your toppings - salt, coconut, nuts, seeds are all great options!

Fresh Fruit with Lemon and Salt

Fresh fruit is not really a novel snack idea, I get that. But topping it with lemon juice and salt takes it to another level! It really enhances the flavor and makes it even more satisfying, especially when you are craving sweets. Sour gummy candy, in my case!

Serve with: If you are looking for a more filling snack - serve this with some coconut chunks or nuts.

Make it: Most fruits will work here - but my favorites are watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, kiwi, strawberries and apples! But I’d probably skip the salt on the apples and add some cinnamon.

Chickpea Protein Cookie Dough

This is certainly a “better for you” cookie dough that has the added benefits of protein and fat to keep you full. I will also caution you that if you don’t like the taste of chickpeas, you might not like this. We are hiding them by way of the cocoa powder and maple syrup - and you can always add more of the cocoa if needed.

Serve with: Great on it’s own, by the spoonful! Also awesome on top of apple slices.

Make it:

1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup peanut butter or cashew butter

⅔ cup maple syrup

2 tbsp almond flour

2 tbsp cocoa powder

*if needed, you can add in a little bit of almond milk if it’s too thick

Chocolate chips, to your liking

Process all ingredients together until smooth - except for the chocolate chips. Add the batter to a bowl and fold in the chocolate chips. Store in the fridge and serve by the spoonful when you need a sweet, satisfying snack!

Avocado Toast

I think this might be the perfect snack. A savory do-it-all snack for when you need something handheld, yet still easy to prepare and full of flavor. This can totally double as a meal, also! 

Serve with: If you want to amp it up - add a fried egg. My favorite toppings are hemp seeds, nutritional yeast (to impart a cheesy flavor), salt, paprika, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, and any greens I have in the fridge. You can keep it as simple as plain avocado though!Make it: If you want to be super prepared, you can mash some avocado in advance and keep it sealed air-tight in the fridge. This will allow you to scoop and serve at a moment’s notice. Otherwise, I recommend halving an avocado and mashing the flesh in the skin with a fork. This keeps it contained! Add any spices, lemon juice or vinegar right into this half shell and mix around. Top a piece of toasted bread (or english muffin, or crackers, or even a tortilla) and add any other greens or vegetables you have!

Quesadillas

This may not jump off the page as a “snack” but they are actually the most amazing snack and a great option to have batch-prepared and ready for you in the fridge.

Serve with: Decide what you like: chicken vs black beans. Cheese vs dairy-free cheese. Do you have any vegetables on hand that you can throw in? Gluten-free vs regular tortillas.

Make it: Make a batch of these when you have time, or have someone make them for you! Cut them into triangles and keep them in the fridge for when you need some one-handed nourishment. These don’t need anything added - but a slice of avocado always makes things better!

Want even more nourishing postpartum snacks? I got you mama! I’ve created an entire guide filled with 25 super easy ways for you to get in all the good stuff that’s essential for postpartum. Grab your copy of the guide here!

What were some of your favorite snacks from the list? Let me know down below in the comments!