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Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially for the new mom! From sleepless nights to adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn, it can be overwhelming. 

During this time, the last thing a new mom needs to worry about is preparing nutritious meals for herself. As a friend, family member, or neighbor, one of the most thoughtful gestures you can offer is to provide nourishing meals that support her postpartum recovery and help fuel her through those early days of motherhood. 

The ideas below are all meals! But if you don’t have the ability to bring over a home cooked meal (maybe you live far away or don’t have the time to cook at the moment) send her a snack box! Surprise her with a box filled with easy snacks to eat! Recovering from birth takes time and often mom’s are surprised with how hungry they can be after. Make a box filled with all of her favorites or send a premade snack box her way! Include a package of lactation cookies if she is nursing as well! 

While shopping to make the new mom her meal, consider picking up an easy breakfast option as well! Get some greek yogurt, fresh berries, and granola for a simple (but nutrient dense!) breakfast the next morning. 

Here are five delicious and nutritious meal ideas that are perfect for bringing to a new mom.

Breakfast Burritos:

Start the day off right with hearty and satisfying breakfast burritos that can be enjoyed on the go. Simply scramble eggs with your choice of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Add cooked breakfast sausage or bacon for extra protein and flavor. Spoon the egg mixture onto large flour tortillas, top with shredded cheese, and roll them up tightly. Wrap each burrito individually in foil for easy reheating and transport. These breakfast burritos can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated in the microwave for a quick and convenient breakfast option.

Mason Jar Salads:

Mason jar salads are a convenient and portable way to enjoy a nutritious meal without the hassle of preparation. Layer ingredients such as mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and cooked grains like quinoa or farro in a quart-sized mason jar. Top with protein sources such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs. Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Before serving, simply shake the jar to distribute the dressing evenly. These mason jar salads can be customized with your favorite ingredients and are perfect for a light and refreshing lunch.

One-Pot Pasta:

Simplify mealtime with a comforting and delicious one-pot pasta dish that requires minimal cleanup. In a large pot, combine dried pasta with your choice of sauce, vegetables, and protein. For example, you can use marinara sauce with diced tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian sausage. Add enough water or broth to cover the pasta and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Serve the one-pot pasta directly from the pot or portion it out into individual containers for easy reheating. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.

Slow Cooker Chili:

Let your slow cooker do the work with a hearty and comforting chili that’s perfect for chilly nights. Simply combine ground beef or turkey, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, onions, bell peppers, and your favorite seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the flavors have melded together and the chili is thick and flavorful. Serve the chili with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals, making it a convenient option for busy new moms.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables:

Streamline mealtime with a simple yet flavorful sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe that requires minimal prep work. Arrange chicken breasts or thighs on a lined baking sheet and surround them with your choice of vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with your favorite herbs and spices. Roast in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Serve the sheet pan chicken and vegetables with cooked rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Drop off the meal!

These easy meals are designed to simplify mealtime for new moms while providing them with nourishing and delicious options to enjoy during this special time. Whether it’s a quick breakfast burrito to start the day or a comforting bowl of chili to end it, these meals are sure to be appreciated by the new mom in your life. So whip up a batch of your favorite dish, package it with love, and deliver it to her doorstep—you’ll be helping to ease her transition into motherhood one meal at a time.