nutrition – Motherhood after IVF

I’m now two years post-partum- in fact that’s not even a thing. Having a baby an no longer an excuse for a untoned body with 10 extra pounds of chub- an lets be honest that’s what I’m dealing with right now!

It all started so well– this (above) is me 6 days after giving birth- compared with 40 weeks pregnant. I lost me weight quickly- due to the fact that during pregnancy I kept active and ate well. Meaning my weight was mostly; baby, placenta and fluid- with a few pounds of cake weight.

In the early Months post birth I was a machine- warm months of work meant regular walks, workouts when she was asleep and home cooked healthy meals. TBH I looked fab, probably didn’t feel it; big boobs and little excess weight! Oh breast feeding I loved you

My pregnancy starting condition was reasonable- I had IVF med bloat for months- but managed to workout with the other half. I was into HIIT and kettlebells, and was a healthy eating mission for the IVF to work. It do and this is me 8 weeks pregnant (above) the belly is more added progesterone meds’ rather that pregnancy.

Now life with an active toddler and a stressful job is quite different. In the early days of being a mum I had time to train and do meal prep. Now my ‘part time’ job- working four days a week (with an hour commute each way) leaves little time for organised eating, and certainly no motivation to train!

Myself and the other half seem to have been on a self destruct mission since just before Christmas. I swear I’ve eaten more pizza December- February than the previous two years- and this is no exaggeration!

I actually cannot remember the last time I worked out; unless chasing Dorothea around a play park counts! I’ve certainly made more cakes than salads, and our recycling bin is more Alcoholics Anonymous than Veganuary!!!

We need help! And to be honest our crappy diet and lack or motivation to be active has had an impact on Dorothea! I do not want this- we want to teach her to make healthy choices, be active and enjoy her five a day; recently I’m doubting I’ve had two a day (unless grapes in wine count- they don’t do they???)

Pizza eating (below)

Soooo….. me and the Mr have made a pact to now be good……. no more; Christmas, winter, Dorotheas birthday, valentines excuses!

Time to get back to it; healthy eating, two days a week without alcohol (gulp), regular workouts and activity, no more normal cake excuses. This will be better for us and our family!!! Watch me as I succeed; and I will, but I promise no dull #myswjourney (because I don’t believe in fad diets or shakes)

This is how I feel now (below)

check out my insta to follow melodies g the gained 10lbs!!!!

www.instagram.com/ivf.ninja

New gym kit from https://radiantchaos.co.uk/

Hoping this will motivate me

When I was in the first few weeks of maternity i batch cooked loads.

When I was due to start weaning Dorothea I returned to my batch cooking days- it’s so helpful, quick and cheaper too.

I recently asked on my insta what people want more of; and the answer was weaning recipes! So here we go.

I don’t follow recipes; so these are pretty much my creations.

A couple of great easy to make ‘finger’ recipes for weaning- and a fab cookie recipe for breastfeeding mums.

Butternut yum yums

1 large butternut cubed- steamed and mashed

2 large bananas mashed

3 eggs

2 tablespoons almond butter

1 cup oats

2 teaspoons dried herbs

Mix together- pour into large square silicone pan- bake for 25 mins at 180 ( or until firm and brown on top)

Slice into fingers and cool (can be frozen)

1 large butternut cubed- steamed and mashed

2 large bananas mashed

3 eggs

2 tablespoons almond butter

1 cup oats

2 teaspoons dried herbs

Mix together- pour into large square silicone pan- bake for 25 mins at 180 ( or until firm and brown on top)

Slice into fingers and cool (can be frozen)

These are my ‘coconut and chocolate flapjacks‘

Also contains oats and brewers yeast which is thought to be good for #breastfeeding supply

– 1 cup coconut oil

-1/2 cup agave syrup

– 1 large apple chopped finely

-1/2 cut raisins

Melt/bubble the above in a pain til squishy

Then add to

-3.5 cups porridge oats

– 1 cup desiccated coconut

– 2 teaspoons brewers yeast

– 1/2 cup milled flax seed ( or any milled seed)

Mix well

Pat down in a greased silicone pan ( I used a 20cm square one)

Bake at 180 for 15-20 mins

When cool top with a thin layer of chocolate( minimum 55% cocoa) and sprinkle with more desiccated coconut- starting cl in fridge til chocolate solid then cut into small squares

Lentil/aubergine fingers

1/2 roasted aubergine

150g lentils

1 baby or low salt stock cube

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milled flax seed

Teaspoon turmeric

2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs

25g grated cheddar

Roast aubergine- blitz in processor. Bubble of lentils with hot water and stick until soft. When both cool mix with remaining ingredients. Top with cheese bake in square silicone pan at 180 for approx 30 mins

For some more awesome healthy cooking recipes check out https://instagram.com/thehealthkick_louise?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=cayut8sllgyl her book is awesome

Use code ‘sugarboo’ for 20% off https://www.louisemercieca.co.uk/product/health-kick-book/

Tag: nutrition

Mum bod…. what’s happened

Batch cooking (veggie style)