Mums have a tough life. After the painful delivery of a baby, they have to go through a confinement period which is hot, sweaty, painful, bloody and exhausting. It just seems unfair that mummies have to handle so much at one shot. Nonetheless, confinement food need to be healthy and nourishing to replenish the blood and nutrients lost. These are the top confinement food regularly consumed:
1) Meat and fish - Chicken, pork, beef, salmon
The best source of iron comes from meat and fish so it is highly encouraged to eat them. We do not absorb as much iron from other food which is why you have to eat more meat during this confinement period. Salmon is especially good for the high proteins (Helps wound to recover faster), DHA (brain boosting nutrients) and zinc content. Zinc content is especially useful and helps to fight post-partum depression. Usually pregnant mums stay away from raw fish but after delivery, go ahead and have a sashimi party!
2) Fruits - Banana, avocado, papaya, dried apricots, citrus fruits
New mummies cannot have cold food so these fruits should be left in room temperature for a while. Papaya and avocado helps to boost breast milk production, banana give you source of energy, apricots and raisin give high iron content while citrus fruits are a rich source of Vitamins C to help to repair your wounds.
3) Vegetables - Spinach, broccoli, leafy ones
Dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach, bokchoy, caixin contains high iron content, great for post partum recovery. Most also have high Vitamin C that allow the iron content to be well absorbed into our body. These nutrients are definitely needed to be replenished in our bodies.
4) Nuts and seeds - Cashew, pine nuts, chia. sunflower and pumpkin seeds
Eat nuts high in iron to replenish blood and zinc for better moods. It is even better because you can lose some pregnancy weight with the intake of nuts. The most iron containing nuts are cashew, pine, hazelnut, almonds but they still contain lesser iron than seeds. Raw nuts are not easily found in supermarkets so be sure to get the jumbo bags from us!
5) Grains, beans - Chickpeas, edamame, beans
Grains have been known to be nourishing and high in proteins. They are not so common in our food but do make it a point to incorporate some during confinement as they are also high in iron content. You can also try our black beans as snacks or added into soups.
Confinement was the toughest period in my life and I strongly feel food can play a large role for mummies to heal and recover and make up for the loss of sleep. It should also bring us some happiness and enjoyment. Last but not least, mummies need to be strong and healthy in order to take good care of the little one. Stay healthy, eat healthy!
