Maintaining Mama: 4 Simple Things You Can Do by Harri Simonis
The incredible experience of being a mother requires so much strength to overcome new challenges - from the endless to-do list, to the annoying episodes of ‘baby brain’.
During this time, ensure that you do your best to take care of your own needs. Your energy level, sanity and good health will allow you to be the best mum you can be.
Every day presents new highs and lows. We’ve been there and we want to share with you our top tips for helping you stay energized and on top of the new challenges.
Start the day off the right way
It’s no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and key to getting your metabolism kick started. Often we are so busy feeding the kids and preparing for the day we forget to take care of ourselves, a mistake we regret mid morning when energy levels are sapped.
Preparing batch breakfast food and keeping it ready to go in the fridge helps avoid that morning rush, and the satisfaction you feel when you pull out a nutritious breakfast is enough to brighten the most chaotic morning! Add a superfood such as matcha green tea powder for a shot of powerful antioxidants to boost energy levels and protect your immune system.
Try matcha overnight oats (recipe below), frozen prepared fruit (just whizz in a blender for a quick smoothie) or homemade granola bars for on the go goodness.
Head out for a walk
Another way to get your energy levels flowing is with exercise, which as a new mother it is often the last thing we feel like doing. But just a short 30 minute walk every day can work wonders to your mood and can help revitalize your energy levels.
A daily walk is also beneficial for your baby, with new sights, sounds and smells to experience, it is great their baby's development.
Switch out the coffee
While it is tempting to have a pot of coffee permanently on brew, the level of caffeine in coffee can lead to insomnia, restlessness and may not be suitable if you are breastfeeding. Consider healthy alternatives such as matcha green tea, it contains 1/5th of the caffeine in coffee and unlike coffee, it releases its energy slowly (over a period of 6-8 hours), giving you a sustainable energy boost to last throughout the day. It is important to use a high quality matcha to ensure the levels of nutrients are at their best. We love Australian brand Zen Green Matcha Tea who source their leaves direct from sustainable farms in Japan, so you know it’s top quality!
Carry energy-boosting snacks
Food preparation is so important, as it prevents you from spontaneously opting for unhealthy snacks. Instead, having ready-made, homemade healthy snacks on hand will help you stay energized all day.
We love bliss balls with added superfoods as a way to boost energy levels and increase concentration. Try adding cacao for extra magnesium, turmeric to boost your mood or matcha for increased energy and antioxidants.
See our recipe below for our matcha, date and almond bliss balls for a healthy afternoon treat.
Breathe!
Sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing.
Take a deep breath, close your eyes and empty your mind for a few moments. Quiet contemplation and enjoyment in your life can be the most important energy boost of the day. It can take just a few moments to reset your brain, calm your nerves and remind you that you’re doing great.
Energy Boosting Matcha Overnight Oats
For a breakfast you can prepare in advance, for a grab and go start to the day, try this vegan-friendly matcha overnight oats recipe. Matcha green tea contains 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea so your day will be filled with a cleansing boost and tasty fruit goodness!
Ingredients:
Makes 1 bowl
- 1 teaspoon matcha (we recommend Zen Green Matcha Tea)
- 1 ripe mashed up banana
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (go organic where possible)
- 1/2 cup light coconut milk
- 1/4 cup unflavored soy or almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Small pinch of salt
- Fresh fruit for topping, try strawberries and blueberries
Directions
Gently stir all ingredients together, blending fully
Refrigerate in a covered container overnight
Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries and enjoy!
Matcha, Date and Almond Bliss Balls
Makes 10 bliss balls.
For the base mixture:
- ½ cup moist, sticky dates
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup raw whole almonds
- 1 tablespoon matcha (we recommend Zen Green Matcha Tea)
- ¼ cup organic cocoa powder
Finishing touches:
- ¼ cup raw pistachios, chopped
- Zen Green Matcha Tea powder, for dusting
- Instructions
Using a food processor, mix the dates and almonds until it forms a sticky ball.
Add the matcha powder, cocoa and almond milk.
Blend until all the ingredients are mixed as a smooth consistency.
Separate into 10 pieces and shape into evenly sized balls.
Roll each ball through scattered pistachios, and dust with a little matcha.
Pop in the fridge for around 20-30 minutes. Then serve and enjoy!
Note: It is important you buy your matcha green tea powder from a high quality source so you receive the full health benefits, and also so the flavour is not bitter.
If you want to learn more about matcha or receive over 30 delicious and healthy matcha recipes, you can find them here.