Sharing helpful tips and tricks for meal time with newborns and young children.

There are so many babies coming into our family in the next few months. One of them was born last month. I thought I would give some pointers on what helped me during my days at home with babies. It feels like it’s been forever since mine were that young. Having 16, 13 and 10 year olds now, it goes by incredibly fast.  

Dear new mom, dad or experienced parent! 

Let’s face the real truth. It’s not always roses. Some days I cried. Some days I found it really hard. Some days I was calling my husband to say pick up pizza because I want something easy. Nothing is perfect! But what is important is taking care of yourself, drinking your water, eating decent meals and of course treating yourself while caring for your children. In the end, as a mom or as a dad, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

So here are some ways you can self-care and continue to nourish your body while being a great parent.

Lastly, you are never alone. Feelings come and go! If you ever find yourself struggling with meal planning and you’re like, how can I organize myself? What cookbook would suit my diet and family? I would love to be your foodie coach. Please send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook for more information. We can set up a zoom call or safe covid visit. I welcome all diets. 

Drink your WATER!! Always have a big glass or bottle of water handy and within reach. 

• Make sure you feed yourself! Having some fruit and vegetables in your fridge is great for snacking. Other great snacks are yogurt and fruit, banana and almond butter, hummus and crackers, apple, cheese, muffins, and smoothies.

• Cutting some fruits and vegetables takes some time in the beginning, but when you open the fridge and it’s there to reach for, it’s a nice feeling. 

• The crockpot was a big help in our house! Once it’s on, you don’t need to think about it. 
• I ate a lot of grilled cheese and scrambled eggs during the early days. It’s so easy, and it filled me up! 

• Freezer meals are great! Lasagna, chilli, soups, stews, and curries are all great options. You can make a big batch of muffins or cookies and freeze them too! 
• The instant pot is a great tool I use now! So many great options. 
  

• Making a meal plan list is also so helpful. Write down five meals and get all of the ingredients you need, so everything is there when you are ready to cook.
• Cook simple and smart. Plan ahead. If you want to make stir fry, thaw the protein in the morning. Don’t wait until 5 pm when you are starving. Cook and cut stuff in advance. 
• I often had to cook meals by myself. My husband ran a business and still does, so if you find yourself having a partner that has a demanding job, I totally understand you. Using the Baby Bjorn (snuggly or sling) can help hold the baby while keeping your hands free. The baby swing and bouncy chairs are also a great option to get some cooking done. I would put some music on, and the baby would be in there and I would get it done. Some days it was a challenge because they would cry, and I would stop to hold them, give them a cuddle and be their mom. Now when I think of it, as a parent, we get through it.
• The internet has an abundance of recipes! Follow Skinny Taste or Damn Delicious. They always have great meal suggestions. Yum and Yummer cookbook is also great! Easy and healthy recipes. 

• My last point of advice is to move your body too. Taking a walk and getting fresh air is so helpful. If you want to exercise safely, I highly recommend the Pilates Barre Halifax studio. There are classes online, so you don’t need to leave your home. Your baby or kids can be there. The owner is very caring to moms. If you reach out, she can answer your questions. Mindfulness practice is also part of a healthy lifestyle. I love the Calm app. Check it out or check out Sara Mader on social. She teaches meditation online.

I leave you with these words “This too shall pass!” Every minute is a new beginning and blessing. 

Love Backend Kitchen. 

Melissa Hankinson (37) has been a stay at home mom for 11 years. Her passion for cooking and feeding herself, her children and her husband are one of her top priorities.