Are you a new mom juggling taking care of your baby, managing household chores, and trying to prepare wholesome meals, all while barely finding time to grab some much-needed shut-eye? You’re definitely not alone! While making sure you are well-nourished is important for both mama and baby in these early days, it can be tough! Especially for busy moms who don’t have much energy or time left over after tending to other responsibilities. This post will explore five nutritious, delicious, and easy freezer meals for busy postpartum moms that will help take the stress out of your daily life.
Why Are Freezer Meals for New Parents A Great Idea?
As a new mom, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself when you’re focused on taking care of your little one. However, it’s crucial to remember that your body still needs nourishment and care postpartum. One simple yet ingenious way to ensure you’re fueling your body properly is by preparing freezer meals before your due date. By taking this small step, you’ll ensure that you have nutritious options on hand even on the busiest days. Remember, replenishing your nutrient stores after delivery is just as important as during pregnancy. So, take care of yourself, mama! You’ve got this.
What Makes The Perfect Freezer Meal?
Just like any great meal, a freezer meal should be packed full of nutrients and delicious ingredients. It's essential to ensure that your diet is packed with the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to function properly postpartum. B vitamins, vitamins A, D, and K, choline, and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA are just a few vital elements. High-iron foods like beef, pork, and chicken are excellent choices, as are warm vegetable soups, eggs, broth, and fish.
The good news is that you can easily incorporate these ingredients into ready-made freezer meals. These dishes are not only healthier than takeout but also easy on the wallet. So, embracing freezer meals can be an excellent way to ensure your body gets what it needs while still having time to do the things you love.
Here are some ingredients that freeze well, making for the perfect freezer meal:
- Vegetables – pre-cooked or uncooked veggies like peppers, carrots, spinach, avocados, mushrooms, broccoli, beans, and carrots are nutrient-dense and delicious additions to your freezer meals.
- Rice – best frozen immediately after preparation
- Potatoes – you can freeze potatoes and sweet potatoes prepared in all sorts of different ways. Mashed, boiled, baked, you name it!
- Pasta – for best results, freeze pasta slightly undercooked. This will allow it to cook the rest of the way when you reheat it.
- Cheese and butter – staples for many great meals!
- Bread – All sorts of bread fare well in the freezer.
- Cooked Meats – Chicken, beef, pork, and even fish all freeze well.
- Soups and Broths – make for a great side dish or lunch!
Sesame Chicken and Rice
This hearty chicken dish is not only easy to make but it is also jam-packed with flavor and protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, it can be prepped in a slow cooker or Instant Pot before freezing, making it a convenient option for busy parents. Whether you're juggling diaper changes, bottle feedings, or breastfeeding around the clock, this dish is sure to become a go-to meal in your household. So why not give it a try and simplify your meal routine while boosting your nutrition at the same time?
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast fillets
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Salt
- Paprika
- Sesame Oil
- Garlic Cloves
- Honey
- Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Soy Sauce
- Rice
- Sesame Sauce
- Chopped Scallions
Taco Bake
When it comes to finding comfort in the postpartum days, sometimes all you need is a warm and cozy dish that hits all the right spots. And that’s where this dish comes in. With its crispy layers and cheesy goodness, it’s no surprise this dish is a go-to for those looking to scratch that itch for comfort food. Plus, prepping it for the freezer makes it super easy to have on hand for when those late-night cravings hit. So go ahead and indulge in some much-needed comfort during this special time. You deserve it!
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Flour tortillas
- Mexican Cheese Blend
Tomato Florentine Soup
When you're feeling down and out, there's nothing quite like a warm and hearty bowl of soup to lift your spirits. This particular soup is not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients to help you feel better. The tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while the spinach provides a healthy dose of iron. Plus, with its quick prep time, it's the ideal choice when you need something fast and comforting. So the next time you're feeling under the weather, cozy up with a big bowl of this delicious soup and let it work its magic.
Ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion
- Celery Stalks
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oregano
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes
- Vegetable Broth
- Elbow macaroni
- Baby spinach
- Romano Cheese
- Lemon
Baked Strawberry Oatmeal Cups
If you're in the mood for something light and delicious, these baked strawberry oatmeal cups will satisfy your cravings! They are easy to make, and you can make them in advance for an easy grab-and-go snack or light breakfast – you name it! Better yet, you don’t have to settle for strawberries! If you're in the mood for other fruits, blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate chips work just as well!
Ingredients:
- Old-fashioned oats
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
- Vanilla protein powder
Freezer Burritos
If you're looking for a satisfying and healthy lunch option that will restore your energy levels, look no further than these delicious burritos. Packed with fiber and protein from chicken, as well as essential vitamins from the veggies, these burritos are a powerhouse of nutrition. And the best part? They're incredibly tasty and easy to make. Whether you're looking to fuel up for an afternoon workout or just need something filling to get you through the workday, these burritos are the perfect choice.
Ingredients:
- White rice
- Lime
- Cilantro
- Peppers
- Yellow onion
- Olive oil
- Cooked chicken breast
- Black beans
- Salt
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salsa
- Cheese
- Flour Tortillas
Final Thoughts
Instead of adding stress and pressure to your life as you become a new parent, you can actually start to subtract it – and the key is simply making sure that you are prepared. Having a few wholesome, nutritious, and delicious freezer meals prepped ahead of time can give you a huge confidence boost as a new mom. You'll be able to have dinner ready in no time without any hassle while you adjust to your new normal.
With some creativity in the kitchen and a few basic tricks, you can easily make freezer cooking work for you! Don't be intimidated by the challenge - your future self will thank you for taking the initiative and stocking up on healthy options for those busy days when cooking just isn't feasible!
