When I was pregnant, I took pride in the fact that my cravings were for yogurt, instead of banana splits (ala the summer my mom was pregnant with my brother, eating one nearly every day and thusly gaining nearly 60lbs on her 5′3″ frame). It felt good to eat well, take my vitamins and go for daily walks – knowing that my baby boy was benefiting from every morsel I took in.
Now, with the days broken up into 3 hour increments (when will Ryder need to eat next?), cuddling, rocking, soothing and playing – I’m finding it challenging to fit in the 20 minutes of “tummy time” he needs … let alone making myself a proper lunch! But I know that eating right – including as much organic as possible – will continue to feed him (and me) with optimal nutrition.
I start each day with the best intentions and a bowl of organic instant oatmeal made with organic milk and some bit of fruit (berries, chopped apple, fresh peaches) and a squirt of flax seed oil. Even if Marc is well out the door before I can get to my breakfast, it’s a meal that is easily prepared one-handed and within about 2 minutes time.
But oftentimes, that’s where my healthy day ends! I find the days are zooming by me and I’ll look at the clock, amazed that it’s 3pm already and wonder if it’s really worth having lunch anymore… but I know I have to continue to eat well, to give Ryder the yummy milkshakes he needs.
Right now, I’m munching on anything that can be done with one hand and doesn’t require a knife (I can’t be trusted wielding a sharp knife to dice a peach while Ryder’s cute little pigs hang precariously near by). For example:
- Sandwich made with whole wheat organic bread, tofurkey slices and provolone cheese
- Any variety of fruit including apples, peaches, bananas, strawberries
- Yogurt + granola
- Frozen veggie + tofu bowls with brown rice (I made some during my freezer meal days, so I can avoid all the high salt versions at the store)
- Super Easy Energy Bars that I make about every week for both Marc and I to enjoy. It’s like a cookie but healthy. http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=634844
- Cottage cheese
Things I have determined that need to be kept out of our pantry include any sort of simple, refined carbs that come in a box. While Pirate’s Booty and Organic Wheat Crackers seems like a healthy option, I found myself snacking on handfuls of crackers throughout the day which are basically devoid of any nutrition and just made me thirstier than ever.
So, everyday is an adventure and now 7 weeks in, I’m starting to rediscover my own needs and finding ways to fit that in, all while not missing a moment of Ryder’s new skill: smiling.
