Postpartum Nutrition: Nothing Should Be Overlooked!

“There is no such thing as ‘overlooking nutrition’ after childbirth.”
This is the first principle of postpartum nutrition in traditional medicine.

Mothers who are considering dieting must always keep this in mind.
After childbirth, a mother’s body is in a state where nutrients are depleted rather than accumulated.
Even water intake becomes more important at this stage.

Until the body fully recovers, it is crucial to consume sufficient amounts of calcium, protein, and essential minerals.
Here, “overlooking” does not mean avoiding calories but failing to consume essential nutrients.

Focus on “Nutrition,” Not “Calories”!

How do mothers who worry about their body shape usually behave?
They often eat less out of fear of gaining weight, skipping meals such as breakfast and dinner, and living only on simple snacks.

However, such habits can cause deficiencies and slow recovery.
The important thing is not to cut calories excessively but to choose foods with high nutritional value.

For example, even if you eat the same calories, nutrient-rich foods such as milk, fish, seaweed, and vegetables are far better than snacks or processed foods.

If you are breastfeeding, you need at least an extra 500 kcal per day.
A mother who needs 2,000 kcal a day before pregnancy requires about 2,500 kcal while breastfeeding.

Dieting immediately after childbirth is not recommended.
It is better to focus on a balanced diet and start light exercise only after recovery.
Losing weight slowly and steadily will help prevent fat accumulation and ensure long-term health.

Eat Seaweed Soup the Right Way

Seaweed soup itself, often eaten after childbirth, does not cause weight gain.
The problem lies in the various seasonings added.

Instead of adding fatty meats like beef brisket, it is better to use seafood rich in minerals and calcium, making the soup lighter and more nutritious.
This way, you can keep the calories low while enhancing nutritional value.

Never skip seaweed soup, especially if you are breastfeeding, as it helps with milk production.
Seaweed is also rich in essential minerals and iodine, which support postpartum recovery and help prevent anemia.

How to Approach Postpartum Dieting

The most common postpartum diet meal is rice with seaweed soup.
It is best to eat a little less rice, with lightly seasoned side dishes and seaweed soup.

Simple side dishes such as grilled fish are ideal, as they provide protein and essential nutrients without being too heavy.
Vegetables and fresh seafood are also excellent choices.

Fruits and juices are healthy but should be consumed in moderation, as too much can turn into body fat.
Especially sweet fruits can be a burden on the body, so it is better to consume them in smaller amounts during the postpartum period.

Avoid These Foods

Avoid cold foods, overly sweet foods, salty foods, greasy or fatty foods, highly stimulating or spicy foods, foods high in caffeine, and instant or processed foods.
These are not good for the weakened digestive system and teeth of postpartum mothers.

In particular, cold foods hinder blood circulation and can cause various discomforts.

It is also best to avoid hard, unripe fruits. While fruits are important for nutrient intake, overeating them can be counterproductive.