Healthy, Easy Ideas to Keep You Nourished | Cuyahoga Falls Newborn Photographer
So, you’ve got a tiny human on the way—congratulations! Between the nursery prep, doctor appointments, and wondering if you really need that many onesies (spoiler: probably yes), it’s easy to overlook one major thing… feeding yourself.
Enter: meal prepping. When you’re deep in the newborn fog and can’t remember if it’s Tuesday or Thursday, having nutritious meals ready to go is a total game-changer. No one wants to survive on crackers and coffee forever (although we’ve all been there).
Let’s make it simple, delicious, and baby-brain-friendly.
Why Meal Prep?
The first few weeks with a baby are beautiful—but let’s be real, they’re also messy, sleepless, and snack-heavy.
Prepping meals ahead of time:
Saves energy (your future self will thank you).
Helps you eat well even when your hands are full.
Gives you more time to cuddle your little one instead of cooking or doing dishes.
Tips for Meal Prepping Before Baby Arrives
1. Think Freezer-Friendly:
Soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces are your best friends. They freeze well and reheat beautifully.
2. Go for One-Pan Meals:
Sheet pan dinners or slow cooker meals are great for postpartum because they minimize cleanup.
3. Portion It Out:
Store meals in single-serving or small containers. That way, you’re not committed to defrosting a family-size lasagna if you only have 15 minutes and one free hand.
4. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods:
Your body is recovering, and (if you’re breastfeeding) you’ll need extra fuel. Think protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and fiber.
Healthy Meal Prepping Ideas
🥣 Freezer Smoothie Packs
Throw pre-portioned fruit, spinach, chia seeds, and protein powder into freezer bags. Just add almond milk and blend when ready. Easy breakfast or snack!
🍲 Hearty Lentil & Veggie Soup
Loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor. Freeze in mason jars or reusable silicone containers.
🥘 Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili
Mild but flavorful, and packed with protein and vitamins. Bonus: it freezes like a dream.
🥬 Quinoa Salad Bowls
Make a big batch of quinoa and rotate toppings like chickpeas, roasted veggies, and a dollop of hummus or tzatziki.
🥚 Egg Muffins
Whisk eggs with veggies and a little cheese, then bake in muffin tins. Great grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
🌮 DIY Burrito Packs
Fill whole wheat tortillas with black beans, rice, veggies, and shredded chicken. Wrap in foil and freeze. Microwave when you need a quick meal. (removing the foil, of course!)
Don’t Forget Snacks!
You’ll want easy, one-handed bites on deck. Stock up on:
Energy bites (oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, dark chocolate chips)
Trail mix
Cut-up fruit and veggie sticks
Hard-boiled eggs
Yogurt cups
A Little Extra Help
Ask friends and family to bring meals instead of baby clothes (you probably already have a mountain of those!). Or, sign up for a meal train. People want to help—you just need to let them.
Final Thoughts
Prepping meals before baby arrives isn’t just about food—it’s about creating space for rest, bonding, and those sweet newborn snuggles. Even just a few freezer meals can make a big difference.
I hope that you enjoyed these tips on meal prepping! Check out our Pinterest page for some easy and healthy ideas!
Don’t forget to soak in these special moments with your beautiful newborn! I look forward to seeing you and your sweet baby here at our studio for your newborn session soon!
You’ve got this!
Ashley
ashley@blushphoto.co
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