#2 - Keep your metabolism up and your blood sugar stable by eating an afternoon snack like lactation cookies or Bellybars. Bellybar is a delicious, healthy way to beat those afternoon energy slumps. And, after giving birth, eating an afternoon snack is an important way to keep satiated and help shed the baby weight.
 Citrus on Board Bellybar Chews |  Belly Bar - Mellow Oat |  Belly Bar - Baby Needs Chocolate |
#3 - Grab a banana! Not only do they taste great, but the potassium in bananas helps you retain less water - which for moms-to-be means that your hands and feet are less swollen. Ah, relief!
#4 - Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a better mood, have shinier hair and better skin?! Well, you can get closer to this nirvana by eating some walnuts. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are essential in your diet, especially when you are expecting.
#5 - Reach for fiber! Fiber can help you stabilize blood sugar, decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease and prevent constipation, a common complaint among expecting moms. Fresh or dried figs are a great source of fiber as well as potassium, iron, and calcium - all very important nutrients for women in all stages of life.
#6 - Stock up on calcium, and a great source is low-fat yogurt. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis and helps burn fat. Getting your calcium is essential for all women, but is particularly important for expectant and breastfeeding moms.
#7 - Burn calories without going to the gym. Just because you don’t have time to go to the gym doesn’t mean you can’t burn calories. All physical activity counts! Use this as motivation next time you have to walk the dog, take out the garbage, clean the house or cook dinner.
# 8 - Decrease cholesterol levels, feel more satisfied with your meals and get younger looking skin by cooking with olive oil. Fat is an essential part of a healthy diet, and olive oil is high in the healthy monounsaturated fats.
#9 - Feel less bloated and less dehydrated by ditching the diet soda. (Note: Caffeine intake should be limited in moms-to-be.)
#10 - Improve your mood and get your antioxidants by indulging in dark chocolate. Antioxidants protect against oxidation which is thought to cause cancer and heart disease. Eating chocolate in moderation will leave you feeling less deprived making you less likely to binge on junk food. And, for you expectant moms, new studies from Europe show that consuming chocolate during pregnancy has a positive impact on a baby’s behavior – and may help make a "happy baby"!
See more items like:
Mother's Milk Herbal Tea, More Milk Special Blend and Goat's Rue.
All in The Pump Station's Nursing Health & Comfort department.
Read the full article: 10 Things You Can Do Just for You from Jodi Citrin.
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