We’ve all been there. New baby = an insane feeding-sleeping-pooping schedule + exhaustion like you’ve never known.
When you’re in the trenches of new motherhood, the last thing you want to think about is what to eat. You need something easy to nuke or pop in the oven. Something nutritious and good, so that you can eat quickly and get to napping while your newborn does.
That’s why this post is actually for your friends and family, the people who will bring The Food. If you’re in the newborn trenches, share now!
FREEZER BREAKFASTS THAT NEW MOMS NEED
These breakfast burritos by Damn Delicious are packed with breakfast sausage, eggs, refried beans, cheese and even tater tots. Assemble, then freeze in individual foil-wrapped servings (don’t bake them before freezing). Place in dated Ziploc bags and they’ll keep for a month.
Treat your new mom buddy to a healthy breakfast option with smoothie packs that can be frozen for up to a month. This green smoothie pack, also by Damn Delicious, includes oats, bananas, strawberries, mango, blueberry and spinach. All a new mom has to do is add milk and whizz in a blender.
FREEZER-FRIENDLY LUNCHES THAT NEW MOMS WILL BE SOOOO GRATEFUL FOR
This vegan-friendly stuffed sweet potato is perfect for cold days at home. Stuffed with corn, black beans and red pepper, they can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months. Simply cook the potatoes, stuff, then let them cool completely before wrapping in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer storage bag. Reheat in a 400-degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
Good old comforting chicken soup is a hug in a bowl, exactly what moms need when they’re only halfway through the day with a newborn. This lightened up version by Sally’s Baking Addiction can be made in one big batch, then frozen in smaller containers for 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and heat through on the stovetop or zap in the microwave.
FREEZER DINNERS THAT EVERYONE WILL LOVE
Beef and barley stew is a comfort food classic, at once both meaty and nutty. This recipe by Damn Delicious adds in carrot, onion and mushroom, so you get the benefits of veg too. For freezing, just let it cool completely, then portion into plastic freezer bags if you want to make up individual servings, squeeze out excess air and pop in the freezer. Reheat over a low heat.
New baby or not, we can’t imagine giving up Taco Tuesday! We love this pork carnitas recipe, which can be kept in the freezer for 4-6 months. Once cooked and pulled, let it cool completely before placing in an airtight freezer bag, leaving about 2” at the top for expansion. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, and serve in warm tortillas, in burrito bowls, with nachos or over a bowl of rice and beans. Thank you Isabel Eats!
What could be better than a few bags of tasty chicken meatballs, all stacked and ready to add to mashed potatoes, spaghetti, sandwiches, pasta bakes… This scrumptious recipe by Pinch of Yum recommends prepping and baking the meatballs beforehand, letting them cool before freezing – easy and quick to use for puh-lenty of dinner options (or even as a quick snack during the day).
What would a post about freezer meals be without a lasagna? This creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna by Damn Delicious is packed with veg goodness. To freeze, wrap lasagna in plastic wrap then aluminium foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove plastic, cover and bake for 90 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes till completely cooked through.
(Image credits: Damn Delicious, Joyful Healthy Eats, Sally’s Baking Addiction, Isabel Eats, Pinch of Yum)
