One of the best parts of being part of the blogging community is meeting new people. I have had the honor of following the uber talented Minna Lee of Living Minnaly. I was drawn at first to her gorgeous photography and then soon realized she is total healthy living guru. Not in the way of here is how to get skinny and pose in different bathing suits. Her message is way more inspirational. Encouraging followers to  get strong in body, mind, and spirit. Loving who are all encompassing of your strengths, and weaknesses. Accepting the bad days, and rejoicing in the good days! I look forward to seeing her Instagram posts in my feed daily. I learn something new from her on a regular basis!

I was so excited when she agreed to share some her wisdom for new mommas like myself. I am now going to make sure I get on the collagen train, and boil eggs at the start of every week.  Make sure to follow Minna on social media, and check out her blog linked above, for even more fabulous info to keep you on the right track!

Healthy Hacks for New Mommas

Life as a new mom can already feel overwhelming with the sheer amount of change happening. It’s easy to feel like you’re putting yourself last, when you have a new adorable (but let’s be real, exhausting!) addition to the family that you spend most of your energy on.

After having worked with many of my clients before, during, and after their pregnancies, I see the unique challenges that so many new moms face when it comes to keep on top of their own health. Time is not an easy luxury to come by when you’re so busy chasing after, feeding, and changing your little one, so it’s vital that you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your healthy habits.

Protein + the various amino acids found in it are absolutely crucial for new moms. Your body just went through the most incredible process a human body can. Recovering from a Herculean effort like that already is no picnic, but you also have to be strong and healthy enough to all the physical exertion that comes with holding and picking up your baby. Your joints and soft tissue (ligaments, tendons) need all the support it can get to heal properly, and protein is vital to this process of rebuilding healthy tissue. Yet, it’s a nutrient that many new moms lack because traditional main sources like chicken, fish, meat, and legumes are not the quickest or easiest to prepare sometimes.

So today, I want to share with you two easy tips to incorporate some protein + complete nutrition winners into your foods that require little to no preparation, as well as an easy recipe for you guys!

TIP 1: Boil eggs at the beginning of the week

An egg is one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there, and an unsung hero. It only has 75 calories, but it is jam-packed with 7 grams of protein (with all the essential amino acids!), 5 grams of heart-healthy fats, iron, lutein, and more.

I love hard-boiling about a dozen organic eggs in the beginning of a week, then storing them in a airtight container in my fridge for the easiest grab-n-go throughout the week. It’s so versatile! It goes well on top of avocado toast, in savory oatmeal bowls, thrown into any salad, soups, stir-fry, etc. If hard-boiled eggs aren’t your thing, feel free to soft boil them too– then to reheat those, just let your egg sit in some warm water to re-soften that gooey yolk.

TIP 2: Keep Collagen-Hydrolysate on hand to add to… literally anything

Haven’t heard of collagen yet? It’s an odorless, colorless powder that dissolves in anything to give it a major boost of protein and nutrients– you get 11 grams of protein in just 2 tablespoons! It’s shelf-stable and a dry food, so it’s SO easy to just upgrade any of the things you’re already eating with an extra boost of protein. What ingesting collagen does, is it helps boost your own body’s production of collagen, which greatly decreases with time and age. Collagen is responsible for the health of your tissues, which includes your ligaments and muscles, but also is helpful for maintaining that youthful and hydrated skin. For new and recovering moms in particular, your joints and soft-tissue really benefit from the amino acids in collagen that help rebuild that new healthy tissue. Collagen is also proven to help with digestion and gut health.

My favorite kind is derived from grass-fed cattle, but there is also marine-based collagen as well. I love mine mixed into my iced matchas, stirred into my overnight oats (+ pumpkin overnight oats, because haaayyy fall!), smoothies, soups, and more.

Note: Collagen is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms as it is an all-natural derivative of animal tissue, however, as with starting all new foods and dietary regimens, it’s advisable to consult your doctor first for your unique needs.

Now onto the recipe!

Protein-Packed Savory Oatmeal with Eggs + Avocado

Protein-packed savory oatmeal with eggs and avocado is a great way to start your day. Also, healthy hacks for busy new moms!

ingredients

• 3 c filtered water

• 1 c rolled oats

• 1/2 c quinoa flakes (if you don’t have this just add 1/2 extra cup of oats)

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

• 3 eggs, hard boiled

• 1/2 avocado, sliced

• 4 Tbsp collagen

• 2 Tbsp tamari

• black or red pepper. just a pinch

instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

2. Add in oats and quinoa flakes, and reduce heat to a simmer. Stir.

3. Cook for about 5 minutes until oats have softened and the consistency is still a touch watery. Add in chia seeds, collagen, pepper, and tamari. Stir well to thoroughly combine, and cook for 1 more minute.

4. Remove saucepan from heat. Transfer oatmeal to bowls, top with sliced hard boiled eggs and avocado, then serve! Feel free to add any additional toppings you like.