Best Energy Boosting Foods for Breastfeeding & Busy Mums

Life as a mum is a blessing, but it’s also exhausting. It can be hard to find time for ourselves when we’re so busy looking after our little ones.

But as busy as you are, your health and well-being also need to be a priority.

If your body is running on an empty tank, the sleepless nights and bustling days will only be harder to manage. However, if you fuel your body with healthy and nutritious foods, it will make a world of difference to your energy levels.

Wholesome and filling food provides energy to get you through the day; they will help fight off illness and will help you reach a healthy weight. 

Our Top Energy Boosting Foods 

Oats

There's no denying that oats are one of the all-time superfoods. Comprised of complex carbs, oats provide a slow-burning source of energy. Oats are packed with nutrients and are one of the best foods for breastfeeding mums' milk supply.  Enjoy oats in porridge, muffins and smoothies. 

Bananas

Bananas contain helpful nutrients that make the body feel full of energy. Bananas are a low GI fruit. Low GI is a term used to describe carbohydrates that provide a slow-burning source of energy. High GI foods like white bread or cake cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. And the spikes are linked to a range of negative issues like mood swings, fatigue and weight gain. That's why low GI bananas are one of the best foods for mums. They are a convenient one handed snack and can be added to a smoothie.

Avocado

Avocados are rich in 'healthy fats'. And healthy fats are great at keeping us full and satiated. They also contribute to glowing skin, vision health, and reduce the risk of depression. And they're high in fibre which aids digestion and prevents constipation, an affliction that affects many post-partum women.

Beans and Lentils

There are literally hundreds of varieties of beans and lentils. They come dried or in cans, have a super long shelf-life and are incredibly versatile. Both lentils and beans are high in protein and fibre which helps to keep you feeling full and provide a sustained stream of energy. They are also jam-packed with many essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Some ideas of how to incorporate beans and lentils into your everyday diet include stews, dahl, salads, curries, pasta sauce, and fritters.

Dates

Dates are a fantastic snack for when you need that burst of energy. Try replacing sweet treats like chocolate and lollies with two dates. You'll fulfil your sweet cravings without the processed sugar. Cut the date down the middle and add a tsp of peanut butter to each date. It's a delcious, quick and easy snack.

Eggs

Eggs are a super-effective way to get your protein intake up and give you sustained energy. Two boiled eggs contain 12g of protein. Plus, they contain an amino acid called leucine which stimulates energy production. Eggs on toast, added to salads, by themselves as a snack, in a wrap or toasted sandwich, there are endless ways to consume eggs. They are a great snack or meal for any time of the day. 

Nuts and Seeds 

Nuts and seeds are jam-packed with protein, fibre, healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals.  Some great ways to incorporate nuts into your diet is in smoothies, salads, or bars and bliss balls. Limit your consumption to a small handful or around six nuts per day.

In Shape Mummy Health Shake

The In Shape Mummy Health Shake is a fantastic convenient option for increasing energy levels. Starting the day off on the right foot is vital to what sets you up for success. So, what better way to start the day than a health shake that contains 25% of your daily essential vitamin and mineral requirements and a good serve of protein in each glass.

Add banana, oats, avocado or nut butter to make a supercharged energy-boosting breakfast smoothie.

Energy Boosting Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 banana (frozen is best)
• 2 tbsp rolled oats
• 1 tbsp avocado
• 2 tbsp In Shape Mummy Health Shake mix - vanilla, chocolate brownie or caramel fudge flavour 
• 1 cup of your favourite milk (add more milk if you like it less thick or less milk if you like it thicker)

Foods That Drain Your Energy 

Our energy levels naturally rise and fall throughout the day. Usually, it's due to tiredness, hunger, or stress, but sometimes it's the foods we eat that can actually drain our energy. Below are foods that strip our energy and should only be consumed in moderation.

White bread, pasta and rice 

The difference between brown bread, pasta and rice compared to the white variety is that the brown options have the outer layer of the grain (the bran) intact. And the white options have the bran removed. The grain is digested much faster without the bran, resulting in a quick rise in blood sugar levels. And with every spike comes a drop in energy levels. So, you can see how white bread, pasta and rice consumption can lead to peaks and troughs in energy and mood. 

Coffee

Yes, coffee absolutely has its place in providing energy, but many people don’t know that it can also steal our energy. The stimulating power of coffee works best when the substance is consumed in moderation. But if we drink too much, we can build up a coffee tolerance, therefore reducing the power of its effects. 

It’s recommended to limit coffee intake to 1-2 cups per day and have your last one no later than noon to ensure your energy levels and sleep aren’t impacted. 

Fried and fast food 

Fried and takeaway foods are generally high in unhealthy oil and fats, and are low in fibre. Unhealthy fats combined with lower fibre is a recipe for reduced digestion. And when your digestion slows, you don’t get the same energy boost that you usually would. Fried and fatty foods are low in essential vitamins and minerals or any natural goodness, so limit your consumption.

Start the day with a bang

Our greatest tip is to start the day on the right foot. A balanced and nutritious breakfast is key to setting yourself up for success.  

When you consume a balanced meal incorporating protein, vitamins and minerals, your blood sugar levels stabilise, resulting in a steady flow of energy. When we don't fuel our body correctly, our blood sugar levels go on a bit of a rollercoaster, which leads to mood swings and can also cause us to make unhealthy food choices.

We understand that whipping up a full English breakfast isn’t realistic for busy mums. Which is why we recommend an In Shape Mumy Smoothie. It includes the nutritients of a healthy and balanced meal but is quick and easy to prepare. 

Having breakfast within 30-40 minutes after you wake up is ideal, as If you leave it any longer your blood sugar levels will start to drop. For example, have you ever skipped breakfast to find yourself raiding the sweets cupboard at 9:00am in the morning? The trick is to nourish your body before the energy/sugar cravings hit.