There was a moment after giving birth when I realized rest alone wasn’t enough.
I had already lost so much, emotionally and physically. I was grieving. I was exhausted. And despite doing “all the right things,” I felt like I was living in a fog. I couldn’t shake the brain fog. The last 10 pounds refused to budge. My emotions were all over the place. The isolation hit harder than I expected.
I knew something had to shift.
Before I Understood Hormonal Health
In those early postpartum months, I wasn’t eating terribly. But I was eating reactively. Whatever was quick, easy, or didn’t require two hands was what I survived on. Half a protein bar, cold coffee, leftover snacks… you name it. I wasn’t fueling my body to feel good, I was fueling it to get through the day.
That kind of eating left me feeling even more depleted. I was constantly tired, sluggish, moody, and unmotivated. I struggled to stay on track with fitness goals. Emotionally, I was unraveling.
I realized that food isn’t just fuel, it’s information. It tells your body how to function and what I was telling mine was: survive, not thrive.
What I Eat Now (when I only have 10 minutes)
Let’s be real: most new moms don’t have time to whip up gourmet meals. That’s why I started creating go-to meals that are fast, nourishing, and hormone-supportive.
One of my staples? Avocado toast with a fried egg and a side of raspberries.
It’s balanced, simple, and energizing. You get healthy fats, protein, fiber, and antioxidants in less than 10 minutes. Bonus: it actually tastes good, even cold.
When you’re in survival mode, these kinds of meals matter. They’re not fancy. They’re not Instagram-perfect. But they work.
A Daily Habit That Changed Everything
When I couldn’t get to Pure Barre, my favorite workout, I found other ways to care for myself. The one that stuck?
Moving my body for 10 minutes in the morning before the baby wakes up.
Even light stretching or a quick walk around the house made a difference. It gave me a chance to breathe, clear my head, and feel in my body again.
Pairing that with my gratitude journal became my little ritual. It was the one part of the day that belonged to me and that made all the difference in my mindset and energy.
Why Easy Meals Matter More Than Ever
You’ve probably skipped meals postpartum. Not because you wanted to, but because you literally ran out of time, energy, or both. That’s why I emphasize easy meals for new moms.
Meals that require minimal steps, few ingredients, and can be prepped or cooked by your partner, parent, or even yourself with a baby on your hip.
Skipping meals and water affects everything: your mood, milk supply (if breastfeeding), recovery, and mental clarity. You deserve better.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about having support systems in place that make nourishment realistic.
Balancing My Hormones Changed Everything
Once I began intentionally eating to support my hormones, I noticed a major shift.
The brain fog lifted. My energy stabilized. My emotions didn’t feel like a rollercoaster every day and my confidence started to return.
I could show up for my baby with more patience. I was less reactive. I didn’t feel like I was unraveling the minute nap time didn’t go as planned.
Hormone balance doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. It starts with simple, sustainable shifts: meals with protein and fiber, hydration, gentle movement, and getting support.
What I’d Tell the Me Who Was Burnt Out
If I could talk to that exhausted version of myself, I’d tell her:
- It does get better.
- Start with what you can control.
- Move your body in the morning, even if it’s just stretching while the baby sleeps.
- Stop skipping meals. You need fuel.
- You’re not failing. You’re healing.
And I’d remind her that she doesn’t have to do this alone.
Asking for help is strength, not weakness.
What No One Told Me About Postpartum Nutrition
Let’s bust a few myths that really need to go:
- You need to bounce back fast. Nope. Healing has no deadline. Your body just did something extraordinary.
- What works for one mom will work for you. Not true. We all have different needs, routines, and bodies. That’s where bioindividuality comes in and where a health coach can help you cut through the noise.
- Quick meals can’t be healthy. False. Some of the best hormone-supportive meals are the simplest.
Nutrition doesn’t have to be stressful. It just needs to support you.
The Power of Support (and simplicity)
One of the most powerful things I did for myself was create simple systems to take the guesswork out of meals. I knew I didn’t have time to figure out what to eat every day. So I made templates and go-to recipes I could come back to again and again.
If you don’t have support right now, whether that’s from family, friends, or a partner that doesn’t mean you can’t take care of yourself. It just means you need systems that work for you, not against you.
That’s exactly why I built my signature postpartum wellness program. To help moms like you (and me) stop spinning their wheels and start feeling better with less stress.
From One Mama to Another
You are doing something incredible every single day. But you weren’t meant to do it running on fumes.
You deserve meals that fuel you, movement that restores you, and support that sees you.
If you’re tired of feeling tired, hungry, or overwhelmed, know this: small changes add up. Healing from the inside out is possible.
Let’s walk this journey together.
Ready to feel better in your body and mind? Book a free call to explore my postpartum program together! I’m here for you.
-Ashley
