Bringing a baby home, doing baby care, and getting used to being a parent will take a lot of your time and energy, both mentally and physically. Even though there is a cute new baby in the house, you are still getting used to raising kids or figuring out how to handle life with two or more young kids. It’s also important to remember that you are still recovering from giving birth. Because there are so many things to do, everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry can quickly become problems.
Prepare some freezer meals for postpartum before the baby comes to make sure you are ready for success. It will help ease some of the stress you and your partner will feel in the first few weeks of being a mom. Need some ideas to get you going? Three great cookbook writers have given us delicious ideas. You can try the following best freezer meals for new mom that are healthy and easy to make.
Importance Of Meal Prep For Postpartum
When you have a newborn at home, time will become very important. The times you used to look forward to spending time cooking will now be filled with eating, changing diapers, and, most importantly, cuddling with your new baby. As you may be feeling stressed, having a delicious home-cooked meal ready to be heated up is important.
There is no need to do any extra work and no dirty dishes. You can focus on your new bundle of joy while eating these meals, which are convenient and give you back some time. Secret information! When you double any magazine recipe, you can make enough for two meals at once and then freeze the extra for later.
Freezer meals aren’t just a way to save time. You should pick choices that are also good for you nutritionally. We’re talking about meals full of healthy foods that give the body the energy it needs, which is especially important for breastfeeding women. When we are tired, picking less healthy options is too easy, and takeout food isn’t always filled with good nutrients. This is the reason why making freezer recipes is a good idea. We chose to include a wide range of recipes that will meet a lot of different cravings.
There are healthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You can change the ingredients to fit your diet by adding or removing ingredients, changing the amount of spice, or making other changes. We’re sure the foods on this list will help you try new ones at meals.
Best Freezer Meals For New Mom
Following are the best recipes to freeze for new moms:
1. Vegan Lasagna With Spinach
This is one of the best freezer meals for new mom. It’s a good thing that lasagna is one of the most popular freezer meals for new moms. This recipe can be frozen for up to three months, but it will take an hour to an hour and a half to make, including prep time and baking time. You can store it beforehand or give it to someone you know who is a new parent. It is also “enriched with spinach and vegetables for additional nutrition” because it has tofu, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
2. Asian Peanut Chicken
This filling chicken dinner is not only simple to make, but it tastes great, too. You can make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot to save time and work. On the other hand, it has a lot of protein, which will help you stay energetic even if you are breastfeeding or changing diapers quickly all the time.
3. Overnight Oats
For parents who are short on time, overnight cereal has become their go-to breakfast choice. Not only are they cheap, but they’re also rewarding and very easy to customize. This recipe only needs a little work to make a meal easy to get out of the fridge. Preparing and storing single doses in an airtight container in the fridge for five to six days (three to four days if fruit is added) is possible. As a bonus, this meal is great for breastfeeding moms because the oats help the body make milk.
4. Pesto Tortellini Bake
This recipe is delicious and warm, and it’s very easy to make them ahead of time to freeze. It was made to satisfy your need for comfort food after giving birth, and wow, does it ever? With that ooey-gooey sauce and those cheesy tortellini pieces, your comfort food needs will be met.
5. Creamy Chicken Noodles
This soup has many great flavors, making you feel full for a long time. You can freeze it in one big jar or several smaller ones. Put the bottle or bag in a sink with cold water or put it in the fridge overnight to thaw. The food should be cooked in a big pot over medium-low heat for 30 minutes after thawing. Either heat the food again in the microwave until it’s completely warm. Freeze for three to four months.
6. Mexican Noodle Soup
This is best if a new mom wants comforting and cozy freezer meals. In Mexico, kids in the United States eat a lot of soup de fideo, like toasted cheese and tomato soup. This dish from Plant-Based on a Budget only takes 20 minutes and needs eight common pantry items, like tomato sauce, pasta, vegetable broth, and tomatoes. It’s easy to freeze and full, making you feel better during the tough time after giving birth.
7. Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes
Saturday mornings are no longer hard to get to; they are now more delicious. These pancakes are hearty and healthy, and they won’t make you feel bad after breakfast because they are made with whole wheat flour and pumpkin puree, which give them a great taste and a lot of fiber.
Conclusion
Making meals ahead of time to freeze is a smart way for new moms to make sure they have healthy, home-cooked food on hand during the difficult time after giving birth. These best freezer meals for new mom recipes include a range of meals that can be frozen for later use. They include cozy lasagna, creamy chicken noodles, and quick and easy overnight oats. Getting these meals ready before the baby can help new parents relax, save time, and focus on getting to know their baby better while still having tasty, healthy food.
Remember that the most important thing is to pick recipes that are both easy to make and full of nutrients that will help you heal and give you energy, especially if you are breastfeeding. Without worrying, you can change these recipes to suit your tastes or food needs.
Need more help getting ready for life with a baby? Go to Momvila for useful information, tips, and help for new moms. Momvila has everything you need to help you as a mother, from meal planning ideas to postpartum care tips. Get out there and look around today to set yourself up for success in those first weeks with your baby.
FAQs
How long can freezer meals be safely stored?
Most freezer meals are safe to keep for three to six months if properly packed and frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
What containers are best for storing freezer meals?
Bins that don’t let air in and can go in the freezer or heavy-duty freezer bags work well. You can use glass containers, aluminum foil pans, or plastic cases made to go in the freezer.
How should I reheat frozen meals safely?
Meals can be thawed overnight in the fridge. The next day, they can be heated up in the oven, microwave, or range, depending on the recipe. Before serving, you should always make sure the food is a safe 165°F (74°C) inside.