11 Quick Postpartum Breakfasts

That’s right…we said 11. We’ve had several requests for quick and easy breakfast meals lately. (You know, the first thing you skip with a newborn in your home) Here’s some ideas that will hopefully make you re-think that choice.

1. Whole Grain Pancakes

We like to make oatmeal pancakes, with blueberries or raspberries in the batter. They can be made ahead and put in the fridge and then popped on a hot griddle/pain in the morning on top of some coconut oil. I never use syrup but you can if you like….just always choose real maple syrup. Grade B if you can find it

2. Avocado Toast

Try sourdough toast or whole grain (doesn’t have to be wheat). This is simple and easy and brings you good fats for recovery. If you mash the avocado with some good quality olive oil –even better! Plus, you can add a few red pepper flakes for a kick of heat if you like the extra flavor. Otherwise, just salt and pepper work well. I also never eat toast without good butter….you have my permission to use butter too!

3. Overnight Oats

Listen, ya’ll, I can’t overestimate the importance of plenty of fiber in your postpartum recovery period. Please hear me when I say, oatmeal is a great vehicle for lots of good foods and superfoods that add fiber–without seeming like you’re taking fiber.

Consider adding chia seeds, crushed almonds or pecans, Greek yogurt and berries. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries and Blackberries are all low glycemic. And….I sometimes add cacao powder so it tastes like chocolate without the sugar. Ok, I’m hungry now….

4. Toast Your Way

Consider adding (well, butter, of course!) nut butter, avocado or even cottage cheese and a slice of tomato. And it can be literally ANY kind of bread. My favorite is a buckwheat toast from Pacha. Easy to digest, no stomach upset and it’s gluten free. You can choose your own bread….or get Grandma to make you a good loaf! Use this meal as a way to add fiber (consider topping with ground flax seed)

5. Smoothie

Ok, so I am not a big proponent of protein powders and smoothies –especially in the early weeks postpartum. But, in the warm summer months a cool smoothie can be just right. Again, consider getting good nutrients in here. Start with a plant based protein and add nut milk, frozen berries, bananas, avocado, spinach and the like. I also like using flax seeds in my smoothies. Top the smoothie with a dusting of cinnamon or a 1/4tsp of real vanilla extract.

6. Classic Omelet

I have the best set of pans ever and make an omelet in the morning in less than 5 minutes. There is no limit to the ingredients you can use here or you can keep it simple with just eggs. I like to use this as an excuse for more spinach in my diet and, of course, I add cheese. You can make omelets dairy free, of course!

7. Egg White Breakfast Burrito

Again, the sky is the limit here with ingredients. Consider: red, yellow or orange peppers, mushrooms, cheese, onions…the list goes on. I use a grain free tortilla when making burritos. And, the white of the egg is where all the protein is. WIN!

8. Granola w/Greek Yogurt

This is simple and easy. Choose low sugar or sugar free options. I make my own granola so that I can control how much sugar goes in and I usually mix it with sour dried cherries (so I never miss the sugar). Easy, peasy!

9. A Parfait, You Say?

You can layer granola with greek yogurt and berries of different kinds. Also super simple and quick and they can be made the night before so you can just grab it out of the fridge in the morning. It will be less crunchy than if it was fresh, but it’s still great! If you want a touch of sweetness here you can always add some coconut sugar or date syrup or even monk fruit.

10. Bagel….and Not Just Any Ole Bagel!

Typical bagels can be super high in refined carbs with no fiber at all and no actual nutrition. Think about this as a vehicle for protein. Start with a whole grain bagel or even one that has added protein already. You can add an organic cream cheese and lox, nut butters, eggs w/organic turkey sausage, eggs w/cheese or even and egg w/mashed avocado. I have even put cottage cheese and lox on a bagel! If a whole bagel is too much (like it is for me) just use half and load that puppy up with protein!

11. Protein Powder + Your Vitamin Supplements

If it’s just too much to eat in the morning because you don’t have any help and your newborn is super fussy then….please at least get a protein powder in and some good vitamins & minerals. I recommend plant based protein (like Arbonne or Truvani) with a nut milk of your choice. For postpartum recovery you should be taking a good Omega 3 supplement, a good quality multi-vitamin with Choline, D3, K and Mg (hint, those cheap pharmacy grade pills do NOT qualify here), Vitamin B complex (specifically with a methylated B12) and probiotics–at a minimum.