I have been planning a blog about what to pack in your hospital bag for a while now and one of the things everyone agrees on taking is snacks. It got me thinking so I asked my friend Chloe Stephens who runs the bootcamp I go to, if she had any advice on this. Chloe is the perfect person to ask as she helps women to eat more healthily while leading busy lives and keeping up their energy levels. Here’s what Chloe had to say on the subject of what to eat during labour.
Eating little and often will help to sustain your energy. Bite-sized portions are ideal. Most importantly , avoid becoming dehydrated – this will only deplete your energy and slow the process down .
Always take lots of water – you could even add a squeeze of fresh lemon and a pinch of himalayan rock salt to yours to hydrate your body better. Coconut water is one of the best things to drink during labor, as it has a mild taste and is full of electrolytes.
Fresh fruit is refreshing, but it will also give you a quick burst of energy. a piece of fruit can give you enough energy to get through labour and delivery. Bananas are great for this as are apples and melon – foods that are easy to transport !
Dark Chocolate – It may sound strange to have chocolate , but if you find your energy flagging, a small piece or two of dark chocolate may be just the thing you’re looking for. The small amount of sugar will give you an energy boost, and the flavonoids will relax those same blood vessels and smooth muscles. These benefits will only come from dark chocolate, so the darker the better. Also, if chocolate is a comfort for you, it may help you to relax mentally.
Some dried apricots and almonds may do the job, they’re easy to transport and are a perfect size to snack on, AS are my chocolate yummy balls !
Chocolate yummy balls.
• 1 cup pecans (plus 1/2 cup, separate)
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 2 tablespoons organic cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• Start by placing 1/2 cup pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Put in a bowl and set aside • Place remaining pecans, pitted dates, almond butter, cocoa powder and salt in the food processor and mix until the consistency of dough. If necessary, add a little more almond butter • Shape the dough into balls (1 inch in diameter) and roll in chopped pecans • Refrigerate (they freeze well too) • Makes one dozen
Chloe is a women’s lifestyle coach – she runs fun Bootcamps in Tonbridge – www.fivestarbootcamps.co.uk and works online with women at www.feduptofab.com