15 minute sanity saver meals for new Mums

When I first arrived home from hospital with a toddler wrapped around one leg and a newborn in my arms - I truly appreciated friends and family dropping around with ready-made, home cooked meals.

 

Of course, this kind of hospitality doesn't last forever. And there comes a point when you need to stop opening the pantry in a zombie-like fashion wishing that dinner would magically appear before you.

 

As much as I tried to 'stock the freezer' with nutritious meals before baby-number-two arrived, there just never seemed to be enough time. And when you're a working Mum with little ones most of the time you just feel drained - even just thinking about all the things you have to do (and the little time you have to do them in). Sometimes you just need a fast energy fix - some easy, nutritious meals you can just whip up quickly. Who has the time to prepare a three-course gourmet meal anymore?

 

If your nutritional habits have disappeared since giving birth (last seen somewhere near the nappy bin), along with your energy and your sanity, try some of these 10 quick, easy and tasty dishes that'll nourish your body and re-boot your drive!

 

Let me know what you think of these - and if you have a special body-nourishing recipe of your own please share it with us!

Heavenly stretches during pregnancy

Stretching is a bit like backing up your PC: you know you should do it, bit it's easy to put it off.

But stretching is an easy thing to do when you're up the duff - and it has so many benefits - you feel more relaxed, it helps correct posture, and gives your greater flexibility for labour.

For pregnancy
During pregnancy, your chest muscles (those pecs), hips flexors, hamstrings and lower back muscles become tight. As your chest and stomach swell, the added weight frontside can result in you rounding your shoulders and dropping your head forward and down. So stretching your pectoral muscles and doing some mobility exercises for the upper back and neck will prevent these muscles from becoming tense and restricted.

Likewise, those hip flexor muscles get tight with the weight of the baby pulling forward - and this can effect your pelvic tilt and put extra strain on the lower back. 

For labour
Squats and groin stretches encourage the opening of the pelvis to prep you for labour. Inner thigh and hamstring stretches prepare you for the second stage in labour, so you're as comfortable as possible in your chosen position.

Top tips for static stretching during pregnancy

1. the hormone relaxin softens your connective tissue in preparation for birth, so it's important not to overstretch as it could lead to permanent damage. 
2. only stretch a muscle as far as you can without pain, and hold it there for 10-20 seconds
3. to maintain flexibility, stretch to the 'biting point' where you feel the stretch in the muscle, and leave it at that. 

Modified Mermaid

Why? This stretches and strengthens the back as well as your side abdominals. You can also do this exercise throughout pregnancy to help strengthen the muscles that support your growing baby.

How?
Sit on the right hip with the right knee facing forward and the left knee pointing up into the air with your left foot flat on the ground.

1. Extend the right arm next to your hip for support. As you inhale, life your right hip off the group and exhale as you bring your left arm up toward the ceiling and over to the right Exhale and return to the start.
2. Repeat 3-5 times and then switch to the other side.

Next time: I'll go through four easy dynamic, feel-good stretches for pregnancy you can do anytime.

Beating the Easter chocolate binge

Easter has almost arrived but the lure of chocolate in every aisle of the supermarket has been here for some time now.

If chocolate is your weakness, surrounding yourself with it, or depriving yourself of any, is a sure-fire way to feed the cravings.

What causes cravings for certain types of food may be a mystery, but you can still enjoy Easter without overindulging.

See these top tips to kick the chocolate binge. 

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Easter break.