Nutrition, Postnatal

How to Nourish Your Body Postpartum

The days and weeks after birth are such a sacred time of bonding between mother and baby. The postpartum period, also known as the 4th trimester, is the 6-week period that begins after the birth of your baby. When you’re pregnant, it’s common to focus most of your attention on planning the birth and organising the nursery. What doesn’t get enough attention is planning the postpartum period and how you are going to support your recovery and wellbeing as you make the transition to ‘mother’.

In traditional cultures, families and villages took care of the mother after birth. It was customary for family members to help the mother for a period of time, often 40 days or longer. In Chinese culture, they call it “Zuo yuezi” which translates to “sitting out the month”. Family members took over household chores including cleaning and cooking and prepared nourishing traditional meals to boost circulation, replenish nutrient stores and enrich breast milk. This allowed the mother to recover, rest and bond with her baby. In our modern culture, this practice is usually not observed and self-care, including specific postpartum nutrition strategies, are not given much attention or thought between the chaos of nappy changes and feeds.

You might be surprised to know that nutrient needs in the postpartum period are actually higher than in pregnancy, especially if you’re breast and bottle feeding.

When considering the best ways to support and nourish yourself during this time, it helps to consider what your body went through over the last 9 months of growing a baby and during the birthing process. This includes (but is definitely not limited to): the physical repair and healing of body tissues, blood loss during birth, demands of breastfeeding, disruptions to sleep, hormonal changes and mentally adjusting to looking after a little human.

One way you can focus on self-care is by having an easy to follow postpartum nutrition strategy in place. The two key principles of postpartum nutrition should focus on:

  1. Providing adequate macronutrients: Ensuring you are consuming the right balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats is crucial to making enough breast milk and providing nutrients that your baby needs, without depleting YOU!
  2. Replenishing nutrient stores: Research on the link between nutrient depletion during pregnancy and postpartum depression has shown that nutrient depletion can affect the production of key mood-regulating neurotransmitters, like serotonin. Lower levels of folate, vitamin D, iron, selenium, zinc, fats, and fatty acids have all been associated with a higher risk of PPD. It’s important to include foods rich in these nutrients, see below for some ideas…

Some guidelines for what to include are:

Warm & digestible foods

Giving birth is an outward motion, and postpartum is an inwards motion. Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to these as yin and yang. Birth is described as very yang, and the postpartum period welcomes more yin. To balance both yin and yang, warm foods and liquids ensure ‘chi’ known as ‘energy’ flows freely through the body providing circulation and a sense of well-being to the mother.

Soups, stews & curries

The focus should be on soups, hearty stews and curries. By slow cooking fattier and tougher cuts of meat, these foods supply collagen-building amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are key to supporting tissue healing. Where possible, use bone broth as a base for your meals.

Cooked vegetables

Soft-cooked vegetables also offer a broad range of vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates. Roast a tray of vegetables and add them to lunch bowls or add them to slow cooker meals. Vegetable based broth and soups are perfect too. Use warming spices such as cinnamon, cumin, ginger and turmeric.

Try our Roast Pumpkin Bowls or our Harvest Salad.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great option as you can sneak in so many nutrients and consume them one handed. Add avocado, nut butter, hemp or chia seeds for good fats. For a breastfeeding safe protein powder, we love Nutraorganics Thriving Protein. Smoothies are best consumed at room temperature, or at least not super icy to aid in digestion.

We love our Green Goodness Smoothie or the Golden Immunity Smoothie.

Preparing grains

When cooking grains, such as oats, rice, quinoa or buckwheat, soak them in 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and filtered water overnight, then rinse and cook as per usual. Soaking grains before cooking can help neutralise the phytic acid, removing barriers to proper absorption of important minerals. 

Nutrient dense foods

Energy & healthy fats

This is about ensuring your overall energy intake is high enough to support the needs of yourself and your baby, especially when breast and bottle feeding. Include fats from quality proteins such as eggs, grass-fed beef, seafood, avocados, nuts, seeds and cold-pressed oils to help baby’s brain development. We love using ghee to pan fry eggs, olive oil through salads and coconut cream through soups and curries.

Iron & protein

You want to focus on iron rich, high protein foods. This will help to restore iron lost through birth and assist with energy levels. One tip for increasing the iron content of meals is to use organ meats. Ask your butcher for carnivore mince, which is a combination of beef mince mixed with liver. Chicken livers contain 11mg of iron (per 100g) compared to beef mince alone which has 3.5mg of iron (per 100g).

Omega-3’s

Omega-3’s are an integral part of all brain and nervous system cells. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects that may be protective against postpartum depression (PPD) and improve the production of serotonin, thereby providing mood regulation through balancing the feel-good chemicals in our brain. One study observed that women who developed PPD regained their blood DHA levels slower than those who did not develop PPD. Foods rich in omega-3 include salmon, sardines, mackerel, chia and hemp seeds. These foods are also rich in choline which is required in higher amounts while breast and bottle feeding. A supplement may be beneficial if you are vegan or plant based.

Hydration

When breastfeeding you need an extra litre of fluid every day to keep your body hydrated and your milk supply up. A rough aim is 3L per day. Choose filtered water, bone broth, coconut water and herbal teas.

Keep water stations around the house and always take a bottle when you’re out and about.

Remember, it’s not about getting it perfect every day but doing what you can to support your recovery and allow yourself to be the best mother you can. Surround yourself with people you trust, ask for help and remember you are never alone.

By Thea Doyle – GDipHumNutr.

Founder of EatByDesign & Holistic Nutritionist at The Natural Nutritionist.

Nutrition

Plant-based Protein

Protein requirements vary between each person. That said, a good baseline to go for is 1 gram of protein for every kg of body weight. If you aim for 20g of protein in each of your three meals, you’ll be in the right place for your protein requirements. 

Here is a list of vegan proteins and how much they contain. I’ve split the list into two categories. When building a vegetarian meal, go for one of the options in the primary category and use some of the options in the secondary category to boost the total amount of protein in the meal. 

In our meal plan, this is already done for you. For example our hemp seed pesto contains hemp seeds and our seeded bread contains a variety of vegan protein from quinoa, nuts and seeds. If you slice your bread into 10 slices, each has approximately 9g of protein. 

Vegan protein sources (primary)

  • 1 cup lentils – 18g protein
  • 1 cup beans (pinto, black, kidney, chickpeas, butter beans) – ~14g protein
  • 100g tempeh – 20g protein
  • 150g tofu – 18g protein
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa – 8g protein
  • Sprouted seed bread – 9g per slice (if sliced into 10 slices) 

Vegan protein sources (secondary)

  • Hemp seeds – 3g per tbsp⁠
  • Chia seeds – 1.5g per tbsp⁠
  • Peas – 4g per 1/2 cup⁠
  • Almonds – 6g per 30g serve⁠ (about 20 almonds)
  • Tahini – 2.5g per tbsp⁠

For vegetarians, in two eggs there is 12 grams of protein.  Protein plays a key roll in keeping us feeling full and energised. We need protein to perform our best, physically and mentally so is key while we are implementing daily and consistent movement. Often we associate protein with meat, however there are so many ways to incorporate protein if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Nutrition

MIXED MUSHROOM AND LEEK RISOTTO

INGREDIENTS:

10g dried porcini mushrooms

2 leeks, washed and chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped finely

2 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups arborio rice

1/2 cup dry white wine

1.5 litres chicken stock

50g parmesan, finely grated

Zest of one lemon

1 tsp salt or to taste

300g mixed mushrooms

1 tbsp fresh thyme

50g butter

Salt and pepper

METHOD:

  1. Add dried mushrooms to a small bowl. Cover with boiling water and soak for 5 minutes. Drain then cut into small pieces and set aside.
  2. Heat a large oven proof pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, leeks and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until caramelised. Add rice. Stir until translucent. 
  3. Add white wine and cook for 3 minutes or until evaporated. Add porcini mushrooms and broth.
  4. Bring pot to a boil then cover with lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 20 – 30 minutes or until all rice is evaporated. Remove the lid and stir twice throughout cooking time to prevent rice from sticking.
  5. Remove from heat and add parmesan and lemon zest. Stir then taste and add salt if needed.
  6. Heat butter in a frypan. Add mushrooms and thyme, sauté for 10 minutes or until browned. Season with salt and pepper. 
  7. Ladle risotto into bowls and top with sautéed mushrooms and fresh parsley. Serve warm. 

NOTES:

Stock varies in sodium levels so always taste risotto before adding extra salt as it may not be necessary. Risotto is best enjoyed straight away. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dried porcini can be found in the mushroom section of most major supermarkets. Oyster, shiitake and swiss brown mushrooms work best in this recipe. 

Health, Nutrition

Six Healthy Kitchen Tips

Cooking and eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult, time consuming or intimidating. Spending a few extra moments here and there, or a few extra hours once a week, can set you up for success. Consider these healthy kitchen tips when following our nutritional plans: 

Step one. Plan!

Without a plan, it can be hard to decide what to eat for each meal. Follow our meal plans and take away the guesswork on early mornings or late, tired nights. Follow shopping lists to avoid forgetting critical ingredients or panic buying in the supermarket which leads to waste. Having a plan sets you up for success. 

Step two. Stay organised 

Stay on top of keeping your fridge and pantry clean and organised. At the end of each week do a quick organise and stocktake of what is left in your fridge and pantry before writing your shopping list so that you know exactly what is needed. A clean and organised kitchen helps you think clearer about your food choices. 

Step three. Sourcing and storing ingredients

  • Fresh herbs – your local farmer’s market or green grocer is likely to sell fresh herbs in much bigger bunches than you can find at the supermarket. It is even better to grow your own! If you are short on space consider a balcony garden or some pots by your window sill. To prolong the life of your fresh herbs store them in water-filled glass jars and cover with a plastic bag. Change the water every few days to keep your herbs super fresh. 
  • Produce and eggs – consider shopping at your local farmer’s market once weekly for produce and eggs. Buying from the farmer’s market is a great way to ensure you are eating locally and in season, plus the produce you end up with is generally way better. A great way to know more about the source of your food is simply striking up a conversation with your local farmer. Did you know that eating in season is a great way to help our bodies function at optimum level? Farmer’s markets also sell the best raw honey! Keep an eye out for your local bee-enthusiast.
  • Dry products – consider shopping at your local bulk food store for ingredients including nuts, seeds, spices, flours and grains. Take your own jars to tare or transfer ingredients into your own containers or jars at home. Bulk food stores often have a monthly discount day so keep an eye out for this and stock up. Another great option for dry goods is to shop online in bulk. There are many great online retailers such as iHerb and Goodness Me. Stock up for the month ahead on staples such as nut butter, oils, seeds and condiments.
  • Oils – both supermarkets and specialty stores stock a great range of oils. When buying products such as olive oil, sesame oil, avocado oil and coconut oil, opt for extra virgin or cold pressed where possible. Oils are best stored in a cool, dark place.

Step four. Use leftovers

When looking at your leftover produce, consider what can be frozen (e.g berries, bananas) and what can be cooked (e.g. most vegetables). Roast leftover vegetables and add as a side to your meals, add to a frittata or blitz into a soup. Leftover or wilted herbs can be blended with a little olive oil or water and frozen in ice cube trays for future use.

When looking at your leftover produce, consider what can be frozen (e.g. berries, bananas) and what can be cooked (e.g. most vegetables. Roast leftover vegetables and add as a side to your meals, add to a frittata or blitz into a soup. Leftover or wilted herbs can be blended with a little olive oil or water and frozen in ice cube trays for future use. 

Step five. Cook in bulk

Cook once, eat twice (or three times, or four). Consider doubling meals that can easily be frozen. Soup, curries and stews all make for great freezer food. Simply defrost overnight in the fridge and heat up on the stove or oven. Almost all baked goods, such as muffins, truffles and slices, can be made in bulk and frozen. When making any type of loaf, slice before freezing. Pesto can be made in bulk and frozen in small jars or containers. 

Having nutrient dense meals in your freezer is an especially great idea for those late nights when you are time-strapped and would otherwise be reaching for convenient or fast food. 


Step six. Soak and sprout your grains, nuts and seeds

When you have the extra time, take a moment to properly prepare your foods for added nutrient density. Soaking your grains, nuts and seeds helps reduce anti-nutrients, increase digestibility and improve the nutritional profile. Soak grains such as rice, quinoa and oats in filtered water with a splash of  apple cider vinegar for up to 12 hours, then rinse before cooking. There are great resources on the internet for soaking nuts and seeds that will provide you with the time and process needed for each individual type. 

At Fluidform, we are all about setting yourself up for success through preparation. Try this fool-proof condiment, bursting with flavours to upgrade any meal. Add to any salad or sandwich and turn your boring office lunch into a delicacy!

Toasted Pine Nut Pesto

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 bunch of basil, leaves picked
  • 30g parmesan, grated finely
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts or cashews, toasted
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Pinch of cracked black pepper

METHOD

Add all pesto ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blitz until combined.

Pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days, or frozen in airtight containers or jars for up to 3 months!

To make this dish vegan, leave out the parmesan or replace with 30g of nutritional yeast.

Health, Nutrition

Fluidform Your Body 2.0 Nutrition Handbook

Support your movement journey with our Fluidform Your Body 2.0 6-week meal plan. 

When it comes to your health, movement and nutrition go hand in hand. A healthy diet fuels an active mind and body, and consistent movement helps motivate a healthy lifestyle. 

The foods we eat play an important role in both our physical and mental wellbeing. 

THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS FROM FOOD

Protein – Protein builds and maintains strong and healthy muscles, and builds enzymes and proteins for the body’s cellular processes. Adequate protein intake boosts metabolism. Protein also helps keep you satisfied between meals and reduces cravings.

Great animal sources of protein to consider include: lean beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, fish and eggs.

Vegan sources of protein to consider include: organic tofu, tempeh, chickpeas and beans.

Carbohydrates – Carbs provide the body with glucose which is converted to energy and used by our body’s cells. Carb requirements differentiate based on activity level and body mass.

Great sources of carbs to consider include: whole grains such as rice, quinoa and oats, potato, sweet potato, legumes

Fats – Good fats nourish the brain and nervous system. Fats are integral for brain function, hormone function, healthy weight and inflammatory response within the body. Fats also support skin health.

Great sources of fats to consider include: coconut products/coconut oil, tahini, ghee, avocado/avocado oil, nuts and nut butters, seeds and salmon.

Vitamins and minerals- protect and enhance immunity, cardiovascular system, bodily functions and menstrual health 

Fibre – support digestive system and energy levels 

Antioxidants – reduce risk of disease and maintain healthy skin, hair and nails 

Other foods to consider:

Fermented Foods – Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and kefir help to support a healthy gut flora balance. Fermented foods give your body a healthy dose of probiotics with are crucial to digestion. 

Sugar – Our bodies require sugar to survive however in large quantities or in the wrong form sugar can be damaging. When using sugar consider natural forms including raw honey, pure maple syrup and medjool dates

THE MENTAL BENEFITS FROM FOOD

Great nutrition can help with: 

Improved focus and concentration, boosted mood, increased brain function, healthy and maintained energy levels and the release of healthy hormones to boost self esteem.  

Introducing FLUIDFORM YOUR BODY 2.0 – a 6-week transformation challenge and meal plan of daily recipes to transform your mind and Fluidform Your Body.

This 6-week meal plan comprises of 3 x 14-day meal plans to cleanse, nourish and strengthen your body as you move through the movement challenge. We encourage you to follow the meal plans in the recommended order for ultimate results, however you are free to make swaps and alterations to suit your needs and lifestyle. 

FLUIDFORM YOUR BODY 2.0 MEAL SCHEDULE

Part one. CLEANSE launching July 18th

A clean, vegetable-rich meal plan with fewer refined carbs to make way for more vegetables and lean protein. In this first stage of the challenge we focus on cleansing and detoxing the body to promote clean energy, healthy digestion and glowing skin. 

New recipes include:

  • Pesto & Goats Cheese Folded Eggs
  • Coconut, Turmeric & Pumpkin Soup (Kee’s favourite)
  • Chicken & Ginger Congee
  • Mediterranean Chicken Bake
  • Matcha Truffles

Download your Weekly Shopping List & 14-day Meal Plan

Part two. NOURISH August 1st

Similar to CLEANSE this meal plan is vegetable rich, however in this second stage of the challenge we begin adding in more whole grains and emphasise nourishing, sustaining and warming meals.

New recipes include:

  • Pumpkin & Pesto Tartine
  • Almond Butter Tofu Nourish Bowl
  • Green Goddess Chickpea Sandwich (Kee’s favourite)
  • Mushroom & Leek Risotto
  • Eggplant & Butternut Lasagna

Download your Weekly Shopping List & 14-day Meal Plan

Part three. SUSTAIN August 15th

In this final stage of this challenge we build upon the previous nutrition pillars and introduce higher protein meals to build muscle and strength and sustain energy.

New recipes include:

  • Green Shakshuka (Kee’s favourite, three times a week!)
  • Kimchi Fried Rice
  • Lemon, Chicken & White Bean Soup
  • Grilled Snapper with Salsa Verde
  • Spiced Cacao

Follow the daily recipes of recommended breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Listen to your body, and alter recipes to suit your own dietary and nutritional needs. 

Our top 5 tips to make the most of your 6-week challenge:

1. Stay hydrated:

Aim to drink at least 2L of clean, filtered water each day to maintain your fluids with added exercise each day. Stick to water and herbal tea, we recommend eliminating sugary drinks such as soft drink, juice and flavoured water as well as excess caffeine. Start your day with a large glass of warm water and lemon to start the day hydrated, especially before having any caffeine which is dehydrating. You typically get 20% of hydration from the food you eat so don’t forget to include foods such as cucumber, iceberg lettuce, celery, tomatoes, watermelon and strawberries. 

Try our Ginger & Lemon Detox Tea

2. Be prepared: 

The key to keeping your health on track. Spend some time on Sunday getting yourself ready for the week ahead. Prepare the following recipes at the beginning of each week to set yourself up for success. 

Week one: Seed Bread Matcha Truffles

Week three: Zucchini Bread Granola Bars

Week five: Matcha Truffles and Savoury Muffins 

Visit our Guide To Recommended Brands or the brands we opt for when grocery shopping. Use this as a guide only, the key to eating well is keeping it simple, local and fresh.

3. Keep your food fresh: 

  • Compartmentalise your fridge and pantry into categories: fruit and vegetables, grains and legumes, meat and fish. This helps to showcase everything you have available, to avoid foods going to waste. Keep foods with a shorter shelf life easy to see and use, to avoid being forgotten and going to waste.
  • Only purchase enough food for the week ahead, to avoid food waste.
  • Prepare any dressings or dips and keep them refrigerated, in an airtight container or glass jar.
  • Bread can be stored in the fridge, and lightly toasted with meals. You can also store bread in the freezer. Be sure to slice the bread prior to freezing to allow for easy defrosting later. Simply place the frozen slice straight in the toaster. 

4. Get high quality sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of high quality sleep each night. Sleep is the restorative phase of our day, giving our bodies and brain a rest allows us to reset. Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule encourages healthy hormone production, boosted immune system, better mood, exercise performance and increased productivity. To ensure a great nights sleep, avoid drinking caffeine after midday and consider limiting the use of screens before bed where possible.

5. Manage stress

Prolonged time in our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight mode) can be damaging to our gut, energy levels, mental health and general wellbeing. Consider introducing elements of mindfulness to your daily routine to encourage ‘rest and digest’ mode within the body. Our favourite ways to practice mindfulness include: guided meditation, yoga, stretching, journalling and time spent in nature.

FOR BREASTFEEDING & BOTTLE FEEDING MOTHER’S

It is important to remember that every woman and their baby will respond differently to different foods while they are breastfeeding and bottlefeeding. There are no foods that every woman should avoid, however there are a number of foods you can limit or be aware of during this period, to ensure healthy milk production and a happy and healthy baby. 
Like any period in your life, eat foods in moderation and maintain a well-balanced diet.

Foods to limit or be aware of:

  • Alcohol and highly processed foods / added sugars.
  • Caffeine (includes black tea).
  • Seafood high in mercury including tuna, swordfish, mackerel.
  • Herbs such as peppermint, parsley and sage.
  • Spicy foods and garlic may impact the flavour of breastmilk, which may impact how your baby responds.
  • Be aware of common food allergies: dairy, soy, gluten, eggs, peanuts, citrus and fish. Monitor how your baby responds to these foods. 

Nutrition

PRENATAL NUTRITION

Pregnancy is such a special time in a woman’s life. The food we eat while pregnant affects not only our own health and wellbeing, but the health of our developing bub. As mothers, we want the very best for our little ones and preparing delicious and nutritious food not only provides nourishment but can also help us feel more connected to our growing baby.

Discover our 28-Day Bump & Glow Pregnancy Safe Meal Plan.

Read on to discover the key nutrients we need to focus on during pregnancy, and how to include these on your plate.

Even when choosing nutritious foods, it can sometimes be difficult to obtain all we need from our diet alone, especially during periods of morning sickness when there is less desire to eat healthy food. Therefore, we recommend talking to your doctor or health professional about a pregnancy multivitamin to specifically help you meet the nutrient demands of pregnancy.

We acknowledge that the advice around what you should or shouldn’t be eating while pregnant can feel very overwhelming, so we have broken down the information below into sections that focus on individual nutrients and have linked recipes to inspire your meal times. At Fluidform we believe that nutrition shouldn’t be complicated, but instead should be simple and allow you (and your little one) to feel and become your very best.

When it comes to pregnancy nutrition, we need to not neglect the basics, which means building out our plate with an abundance of non-starchy vegetables, protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Focusing first on a balance of these macronutrients (protein, carbs and fats) will provide us with the sustained energy we need to get through 40 weeks of growing a mini human!

PROTEIN

During pregnancy, having adequate protein in your diet is essential to support the rapid growth and development taking place. Protein also helps us to feel satiated. When choosing protein, whether you are plant based or eat meat, it’s important to choose quality over quantity. Opt for grass fed organic meat, pasture-raised eggs, organic chicken, wild caught fish, organic non-GMO tempeh and tofu, organic or biodynamic dairy products, pregnancy safe protein powders such as Nutraorganics Thriving Protein, quality collagen and gelatin products, nuts and seeds.

You should be including protein-containing foods in each of your main meals and snacks where possible. An adequate serve of protein is approximately 20-30g. Some examples of this include:

  • 1 palm size piece wild caught fish, pasture raised chicken, or grass fed beef/lamb (120-150g raw weight of animal protein)
  • 1 small can wild caught tuna, salmon or sardines
  • 3 free range eggs OR 2 eggs + 50g bacon OR 2 eggs + 30g cheese
  • 30g pregnancy safe protein powder
  • 120g fermented tofu or tempeh (organic & non-GMO)
  • 1 cup lentils, legumes and/or chickpeas
  • 3 tablespoons hemp seeds + ½ cup lentils, legumes and/or chickpeas 

Many of the recipes found on our website include protein sources, for example our smoothies have either protein powder or collagen added, such as our Green Protein Smoothie. A few more of our favourite protein rich recipes for pregnancy, which also include iron and omega-3 fatty acids are:

IRON

Iron is required to manufacture red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. During pregnancy, iron requirements jump to 27 milligrams per day. The increased requirement for iron is primarily to supply the growing fetus and placenta and to increase the maternal red cell mass. To avoid the fatigue and overwhelming tiredness caused by low iron or iron deficiency anemia, you need to be strategic about regularly incorporating iron rich foods into your diet. Iron from food comes in two forms, heme and non-heme. Heme is found principally in animal products and non-heme is found in plant based sources. Below is a list of iron rich food sources that features in many of our recipes:

  • Meat (beef, lamb, pork, liver)
  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Legumes
  • Tofu/tempeh
  • Nuts & seeds
  • Wholegrains (oats, quinoa)
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Dried fruits such as apricots

Pairing vitamin C-rich foods such as tomatoes, capsicum and citrus fruits with iron containing foods can help to boost the absorption of iron in the body. It’s important to note that phytates in whole-grains, calcium in milk and tannins in tea and coffee can inhibit the absorption of iron. Make sure you prepare your grains well (you can do this by soaking them in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and water overnight and rinsing well before cooking) and keep your caffeine and dairy containing products one hour away from any iron rich foods. Why not try these recipes for a hit of iron:

CALCIUM

Calcium is an important mineral that helps to form healthy bones and teeth. Interestingly, a woman’s body becomes more efficient in absorbing calcium during pregnancy, therefore the recommendation stays the same at 1000 milligrams per day. Rich sources of calcium include dairy foods, fish with edible bones (canned wild caught salmon and sardines in pure olive oil), tofu, tempeh, tahini and dark greens such as spinach and broccoli. Our Quinoa Tabouli Bowl with Seared Feta and Lemon Tahini Dressing is rich in not only calcium but protein and iron. If you’re plant based, we recommend trying our Sticky Sesame Ginger Tempeh rich in calcium from the sesame and tempeh or the Charred Roasted Broccoli and Haloumi, also rich in folate.

VITAMIN D

Similar to Calcium, vitamin D is important for the development of your baby’s teeth and bones. Getting your levels tested prior to pregnancy and monitoring throughout will help you understand your requirements and whether or not you need to supplement – your doctor or health professional can guide you on this. Vitamin D can be produced by the body in sufficient quantities when skin is exposed to the sun. If you’re pregnant in the Summer, it may be easier to ensure you get safe sun exposure daily, compared to Winter. Where possible, prioritise exposure of 10-15 minutes of natural sunlight per day on your belly and thighs without sun cream between the hours of 10am and 3pm. However, if you live in a cloudy or cold climate where it’s difficult to get regular exposure, you need to be proactive in your methods of obtaining vitamin D, and this is where food sources can be very powerful.

Few foods in the Western diet are good sources of vitamin D, however the best naturally occurring dietary sources are oily fish, cod liver oil (also rich in omega-3 & vitamin A), egg yolks and UV-exposed mushrooms. A handy tip is to expose mushrooms in the sun between the hours of 10am and 3pm for 30-60 minutes before cooking/consuming for a rich source of vitamin D. Try soaking your mushrooms and then cooking our Fried Eggs with Garlic Greens & Mushrooms. If you can stomach sardines, boost your levels with our Sardine Avocado Spread on Sourdough.

OMEGA-3 FATS

Fats in general, but especially adequate consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for the building blocks of fetal brain and retina development. Omega-3 fatty acids may also play a role in determining the length of gestation and help in preventing perinatal depression. Essential fatty acids are lipids that cannot be synthesised within the body and must be ingested through the diet. To optimise fetal health, guidelines recommend that pregnant women consume at least 200mg of DHA per day, this can be achieved by consuming 1-2 serves of low mercury seafood per week, for example: prawns, salmon, tuna, scallops and sardines. Other sources of omega-3 include cod liver oil, walnuts, chia seeds and linseeds. We love including chia seeds in both sweet and savoury dishes, they are so versatile! Try our Mint Pea Spinach and Chia Fritters or the Chia Pudding with Seasonal Fruit. For a boost of omega-3 from oil fish, we love our Moroccan Salmon Salad.

FOLATE

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods, while folic acid (or activated folates: folinic acid and methylfolate) are the synthetic forms found in supplements. The recommended daily intake of folate in pregnancy is 600 micrograms per day. This nutrient is important for DNA synthesis and helping to build your baby’s cells, it can also help reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Folate is found in foods such as leafy green vegetables including brussels sprouts, watercress, parsley and broccoli, avocado, beans, legumes, eggs, peanuts, liver and seafood.

As mentioned, it can be difficult to get enough folate from food sources alone, so it is recommended to take a supplement of ~500 micrograms each day when planning your pregnancy and for at least the first three months of pregnancy. Depending on genetic mutations, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider on the best type of prenatal for you.

Here are two tasty ways to include folate rich foods in your diet:

IODINE

Iodine is an essential nutrient used in the body to produce thyroid hormones. During pregnancy, thyroid activity and therefore iodine requirements are increased. Pregnant women require 220 micrograms per day. Sufficient maternal thyroid hormone is essential for your baby’s brain development. Naturally occurring sources of iodine include seaweed, kelp (or seaweed salt), dulse flakes, salmon, eggs & dairy products. To make sure you are obtaining adequate iodine you can include fish at one to two serves per week, consume moderate amounts of seaweed or kelp products or take a multivitamin that contains at least 150 micrograms of iodine. Here are some easy ways to include iodine rich food sources to help boost your iodine levels in pregnancy:

We hope that this information empowers your pregnancy journey and helps guide your food choices through one of the most special times in your life.

By Thea Doyle – GDipHumNutr.

Thea is the founder of EatByDesign & Holistic Nutritionist at The Natural Nutritionist.

References

Cardwell, G, Bornman, F, James, A & Black, L 2018, ‘A Review of Mushrooms as a Potential Source of Dietary Vitamin D’, Nutrients, vol. 10, no. 10, DOI: 10.3390/nu10101498.

Coletta, J, Bell, S, Roman, A 2010, ‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Pregnancy’, Rev Obstet Gynecol, vol. 3, no. 4, pp.163-171, viewed 18 June 2022, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046737/>

National Health and Medical Research Council 2019, Nutrients, National Health and Medical Research Council, viewed 18 June 2022, <https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients>

The Royal Women’s Hospital 2022, Food & nutrition in pregnancy, The Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria Australia, viewed 18 June 2022, <https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/pregnancy-and-birth/a-healthy-pregnancy/food-nutrition-in-pregnancy>

Health, Nutrition

Superfood Cookie Dough Bites

At Fluidform, we understand the interplay of movement and nutrition to maximise your health and wellbeing. Nutrition helps to nourish and support your body, to perform better, move more efficiently and recover safely.

It is important to integrate a balanced diet of wholefoods, vegetables, vitamins and protein to fuel, energise and satisfy your body and mind. Most importantly, we recommend you listen to your body and feed it with the nutrients you need to feel strong, happy and healthy.

Nutrition should be simple and achievable. Forward planning allows you to map out your meals and ensure you are eating an abundance of balanced, fresh foods. Stick to wholefoods (unprocessed and free of added sugar), fresh fruit and vegetables and incorporate a mix of protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Our secret to staying on track with your nutrition is always having healthy, protein rich snacks on hand to keep your body energised between meals. We asked our friends at Sakara Life for the ultimate snack, to tick all our nutrition boxes while still being delicious.

Image & recipe source: Sakara Life

Superfood Cookie Dough Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) almond butter
  • 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1⁄4 cup (30 g) coconut flour
  • 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
  • 1⁄4 cup (30 g) cacao nibs
  • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut 

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, stir together the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until creamy.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, flaxseed meal, and salt.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well to combine. Use the back of your spoon to work in the cacao nibs.
  • Use your hands to roll the dough into 2.5 cm balls. 
  • In a small bowl or on a plate, mix together the hemp seeds and shredded coconut. Roll each ball in the mixture until fully coated.
  • Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to one month. 

Find more healthy snacks over on Fluidform Nutrition.

Health, Nutrition

Fundamentals of Healthy Eating

Welcome to the Fluidform Guide To Nutrition Fundamentals.

As we begin a new year, we want to take it back to the basics of eating well. Nutrition should not be complicated and healthy eating should not be a chore. Here is our guide to enjoying healthy food and how to keep it simple.  

It is easy to fall into new health trends and diets we see on social media, that often leaves us feeling confused about what we should be eating. We believe that nutrition should be simple, and with just a few things to focus on, you can feel amazing. 

Here we discuss five nutritional principles we use to create our meal plans. With this information, you will:

  • Have a better understanding of our meal plans 
  • Feel comfortable customising our recipes to suit your needs 
  • Find confidence in creating your own healthy habits in the kitchen
  • Have a base of knowledge when we discuss more complex topics such as detoxing, weight loss, skin health, energy and gut health, so you can apply these topics to suit you and your body 
  1. The Power Of Plants 

Take a look at our recipes and you will quickly find a rainbow of different vegetables and natural ingredients. We believe in the nutritional power and benefits of plant-based ingredients and encourage you to incorporate a variety of plants into every meal. 

VEGETABLES 

  • Green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, silverbeet, lettuce, broccolini, rocket, green beans and Brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses filled with vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy. You’ll find at least one of these in every lunch or dinner recipe, and we encourage you to follow the same principle for your daily diet.  
  • Red, orange, yellow and purple vegetables such as capsicums, carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin, red cabbages, radishes and radicchio offer an entire spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a healthy gut, brain, heart and skin.
  • Ensure to have one or more of these in your lunch and dinner, and even breakfast too if you desire!

FRUIT

  • Fruit is not only a natural sweet treat, but provides our body with antioxidants and fibre. Enjoy 2-3 serves of fruit a day either in meals such as smoothies, porridges, puddings and salad or as a snack. 

LEGUMES

  • Legumes are a fantastic plant based source of protein, fibre and carbohydrates. These include chickpeas, lentils, butter beans, black beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans, mung beans and green peas. You can use canned or dried, and these legumes can serve as a source plant based protein in your meal, or alternatively as a fibre-rich carbohydrate to accompany animal protein. 

GRAINS

  • Focus on whole and unprocessed grains like oats, rice, barley, rye, freekeh, sorghum and millet, as well as quinoa and buckwheat (which aren’t technically grains). These are unprocessed and filled with fibre and complex carbohydrates, keeping your digestion moving along, your energy levels stable and ready for your workouts. 

With all of these amazing plants forming the base of your diet, you ensure you are getting a dose of:

  • VITAMINS and MINERALS to keep up cellular processes and preventing disease.
  • FIBRE for satiety and maintaining a healthy gut.

  1. Quality Proteins Over Quantity 

While we love plants, eating plant-based doesn’t mean cutting out all animal foods. In fact animal foods can be incredibly nutritious if you choose to include them on your diet, and that is why we use them in some of our Fluidform recipes. 

We encourage looking at quality when it comes to shopping for these ingredients. This includes pasture-raised and organic chicken and eggs, grass-fed and organic beef as well as wild caught fish and seafood. Read our Guide to Recommended Brands.

When it comes to dairy, we encourage the use of organic or biodynamic dairy products. 

With all our recipes, we provide vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options if applicable. 

  1. Welcome Healthy Fats 

It’s important to count nutrients over calories, and nourishing fats absolutely have a place in the Fluidform nutrition plans. Incorporating healthy fats into your diet supports healthy female hormones, fertility, gut health as well as being anti-inflammatory and regulating appetite. All of these things help us to maintain a healthy weight and feel energised.

Our favourites include extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds of all varieties, coconut oil, coconut yoghurt and hemp seeds. 

You will always find at least one of these in our recipes, and we encourage you to ensure there is a source of healthy fat in all of your meals to ensure satiety, reduce cravings and support overall health. 

  1. Indulge And Enjoy Yourself 

A healthy diet does not need to be without treats and indulgence, no matter your health goals. In fact ensuring you love the food you are eating is paramount to being able to stick to a healthy eating plan. 

When it comes to sweet treats, we encourage using whole fresh fruit to sweeten recipes or to enjoy as a snack or dessert. And beyond that, we use natural sugars in moderation such as maple syrup and honey. 

  1. Make It Yours 

Customisation is key to long term success, and although we provide you guides and easy meal plans and shopping lists to follow, we encourage you to make it work for you. It’s important not to ignore your body’s needs. 

For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may wish to add in larger servings of carbohydrates or proteins into the meals and supplement with snacks in between meals – we provide plenty of Fluidform Nutrition approved snack recipes.

If you are hungry at different times in the day, you can alter the plan to suit your needs. And if you are cooking for a family, you may wish to cook in larger batches to save you having to spend extended hours in the kitchen. 

No two people are the same. Customisation and listening to your body are very much part of our philosophy.

Health, Nutrition

FLUIDFORM NUTRITION: RISE & RESTORE HANDBOOK

Start your year strong with our Rise & Restore 21-day movement challenge and meal plan. 

When it comes to your health, movement and nutrition go hand in hand. A healthy diet fuels an active mind and body, and consistent movement helps motivate a healthy lifestyle. 

The foods we eat play an important role in both our physical and mental wellbeing. 

PHYSICAL

  • Protein – to build and maintain strong and healthy muscles, and to build enzymes and proteins for the body’s cellular processes. 
  • Vitamins and minerals– protect and enhance immunity, cardiovascular system, bodily functions and menstrual health 
  • Grains and fiber – support digestive system and energy levels 
  • Antioxidants – reduce risk of disease and maintain healthy skin, hair and nails 

MENTAL

  • Improve focus and concentration
  • Boost moods
  • Increase brain function
  • Support and maintain energy levels 
  • Release healthy hormones to build self esteem  

Introducing RISE & RESTORE – 21 days of workouts and daily recipes to get moving, eat well and feel amazing. 

Follow 21 days of workouts with a meal plan to support your daily movement with balanced and nutritious meals. 

Download your Weekly Shopping List

Follow the daily recipes of recommended breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Listen to your body, and alter recipes to suit your own dietary and nutritional needs. 

STAY HYDRATED

Aim to drink at least 2L of water each day to maintain your fluids with added exercise each day. Stick to water and herbal tea, we recommend eliminating sugary drinks such as soft drink, juice and flavoured water as well as excess caffeine. Start your day with a large glass of warm water and lemon to start the day hydrated, especially before having any caffeine which is dehydrating.

Try our Ginger & Lemon Detox Tea

PREPARATION

The key to keeping your health on track. Spend some time on Sunday getting yourself ready for the week ahead. Prepare the following recipes at the beginning of each week to set yourself up for success. 

Buckwheat & Zucchini Bread
Soy, Ginger & Chilli Dressing
Lemon Tahini Dressing
Edamame Hummus
Hemp Seed Pesto
Brown Rice

Visit our Guide To Recommended Brands for the brands we opt for when grocery shopping. Use this as a guide only, the key to eating well is keeping it simple, local and fresh.

Follow these tips to keeping your food fresh:

  • Only purchase enough food for the week ahead, to avoid food waste 
  • Prepare any dressings or dips and keep them refrigerated, in an airtight container 
  • Bread can be stored in the fridge, and lightly toasted with meals. You can also store bread in the freezer. Be sure to slice the bread prior to freezing to allow for easy defrosting later. Simply place the frozen slice straight in the toaster. 
  • Compartmentalise your fridge and pantry into categories: fruit and vegetables, grains and legumes, meat and fish. This helps to showcase everything you have available, to avoid foods going to waste. Keep foods with a shorter shelf life easy to see and use, to avoid being forgotten and going to waste.

CUSTOMISE 

This meal plan and recipes are provided as a guide towards eating well and fueling your body with healthy, nutritious ingredients. It is important to listen to your body, and customise these recipes and meal plan to suit you and your individual needs. 

All the recipes in our Rise & Restore meal plan serve one for breakfast, and every lunch and dinner serves two. If you are cooking for one, you can adjust the shopping list or utilise leftovers for the next day. If you are cooking for a family, simply double the dinner recipes to serve four.

For days when you don’t have time to prepare or cook, a simple slice or two of our Buckwheat & Zucchini Bread with one of our suggested toppings makes an easy meal in less than 10 minutes. 

If you’re feeling hungry in between meals, refer to our list of recommended snacks. You can combine two snacks on each day or increase the quantities to feel full and satisfied. Remember to drink plenty of water in between meals, often when we feel hungry between meals our bodies are actually dehydrated. 

FAMILY FRIENDLY

These recipes are designed to please the entire family. We have provided different options to appeal to everyone. You can always swap tofu for chicken, or fish for chicken or beef to suit your needs.

DIETARY NEEDS 

Most of our meals are gluten and dairy free, using plant-based ingredients. Some are not, and you may need to alter to suit your dietary needs. 

GLUTEN FREE – all our Rise & Restore recipes are free from gluten. 
DAIRY FREE – all our Rise & Restore recipes are free from dairy. 
VEGETARIAN & VEGAN – see below for alternatives. 

  • Buckwheat Toast with Hummus, Roasted Tomatoes & Sardines – omit sardines. Edamame is a rich source of protein. Try adding fortified nutritional yeast for an added source of protein and b-vitamins. 
  • Salmon, Soba & Edamame Salad – replace salmon with 200g of tofu (serves two) or one boiled egg (per serve). 
  • Poached Chicken & Pea Salad – replace chicken with 1 cup of lentils (per serve). 
  • Walnut Crusted Barramundi – replace barramundi with 

1. 200g of baked tofu (serves 2) marinated in soy dressing OR

2. Oven-baked portobello mushrooms, stuffed with hemp seed pesto (2 per serve) and 1 cup of quinoa (per serve). 

THINGS TO AVOID

Where possible, over the next 21 days, try to avoid the following. A few slip ups is natural, but do the best you can. 

  • Refined sugar 

What to go for instead? 

Fresh fruit, particularly strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi fruit, apples and pears. 

  • Gluten

What to go for instead? 

Seed crackers, rice, rice crackers, buckwheat, quinoa, millet and amaranth. 

  • Processed meat, caged chicken, caged eggs, farmed fish, grain-fed beef

What to go for instead?

Wild fish where possible, pasture-raised chicken and eggs and grass-fed meat. Organic is a bonus.

  • Dairy 

What to go for instead? 

Coconut yoghurt, almond milk, coconut milk, coconut cream and nutritional yeast which gives food a cheesy flavour. 

  • Vegetable oils and industrial seed oils 

What to go for instead?

Go for avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil (must be extra virgin), coconut oil, ghee, butter and hemp seed oil. Avocado, olive and hemp seed oils should be in a dark glass bottle (don’t buy anything in clear plastic), as this preserves the fats in them which can be unstable and negatively affected by light and heat. 

  • Processed foods and food additives 

What to go for instead?

Go for whole foods over packaged and processed foods, make your own sauces and focus on simple flavours. 

SUNDAY EVENINGS

Sunday dinners are the perfect time to use up any leftover meals or ingredients from the week, to clear your kitchen for the week ahead. We have suggested a dinner, however we highly encourage you to choose your Sunday night dinner based on what you have leftover. Use this opportunity to be creative, and put together your own healthy and balanced meal. 

Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition

A Guide To Recommended Brands

This meal plan is designed to be simple, helping you to create healthy and sustainable choices around eating well. Eating healthy should not be difficult, financially or environmentally unsustainable. Our main advice is to buy fresh and local where possible, and just do your best. 

You should be able to find all the ingredients on the shopping list between your local grocer, supermarket, farmers market and butcher. Here are some of our favourite brands to use. Please use this as a guide only. 

Greens Powder

Nutraorganics Clean Greens
Synergy Natural Super Greens
Bare Blends Greens 
Melrose Health Organic Essential Greens

Protein Powder

The Beauty Chef Body Powder
Nutraorganics Thriving Protein
Bare Blends Plant Protein

Fish, Tinned Fish & Seafood 

Depending on where you live, it may be worth exploring fisheries near you and speaking to them about how and where they source their products. 

The MSC is a non-profit organisation responsible for educating and providing information to suppliers and consumers around sustainable fishing. Seafood products labelled with the MSC certification have met their sustainability standards. It is worth looking out for this blue label when shopping for fish. 

Smaller independent groceries offer a selection of sustainable seafood options. Check out this insightful guide to sustainable seafood with some suggested brands.

This sustainable seafood guide by Good Fish is a helpful resource when deciding which seafood to buy. We often opt for Tasmanian Salmon, when in fact the majority of Tasmanian Salmon is farmed. 

Here are some things to look out for:

– Wild caught is generally more sustainable than farmed seafood

– Canada and Alaska are leaders in sustainable fisheries 

– MSC blue labelled fish 

Brands to look out for:

Canadian Way
Austral Fisheries
Good Fish
Fish 4 Ever
Harris Smokehouse
Huon
Ora King 
Regal 
Mr Flax
Karumba
Noosa Seafood
Pan do Mar
The One That Got Away
Wild South
This Fish
Glacier51

For fresh fish like barramundi, look for wild caught fish if possible. For salmon, go for Ora King Salmon, Huon Salmon or anything wild caught. 

Tofu & Tempeh

Nutrisoy Hard Tofu & Tempeh
Macro Hard Tofu & Tempeh

All our tofu recipes use ‘hard tofu’. Remember to look out for this when buying your tofu, as the type of tofu can affect the entire dish. Opt for organic where possible. 

Coconut Yoghurt & Almond Butter

Check the ingredients of your coconut yoghurt and almond butters. Ensure there are no added sugars. The less ingredients, the better. 

Coyo Plain Coconut Yoghurt
Nakula Plain Coconut Yoghurt
Mayvers Almond Butter
Noya Almond Butter
Nutty Bruce Almond Butter
Mandole Orchard Almond Butter

Gluten Free Wraps 

Old Time Bakery
BFree
Nuco Coconut Wraps (for a paleo option)
No Grainer

Cacao Powder

Not all cacao powders are created equal. Always look for a cacao powder that is darker in colour and preferable organic.

Loving Earth Cacao Powder
Power Super Foods Cacao Gold 

Dark Chocolate

Look for chocolate with few ingredients and little sugar. There are great options available in both the confectionery aisle and health food aisle of the supermarket. Look for a cacao option of at least 70%.

Lindt Dark Chocolate Varieties 70% +
Loving Earth Dark
Pico Organic Super Dark
Pana Organic Dark Chocolate Chips
Green & Blacks Organic Dark Chocolate
Alter Eco Blackout or 70% Cacao
Loco Love Dark Chocolate Drops 

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