I can’t believe I am a mum to a 2 month old baby; a gorgeous little man who has turned our lives around in the best possible way. Over the past few weeks we’ve been getting into more of a routine; James is working full-time I’m also continuing my freelance and blog work around keeping fit, seeing family and friends, going to events and doing things together – that’s still important. It can be a challenge sometimes, especially with lack of sleep!
A day in the life of a working new mum
During an average day I’ll be up at 3am for the ‘witching hour’ feed then go back to sleep until 5am when I wash my hair, sort the washing and other do jobs, get boob milk ready so I’m sorted for Tom’s 6am feed. Once he’s asleep I fit in a 1-hour workout in the living room, using weights and kettlebells, squeeze in a shower and breakfast then by that time – feeding time again!
I’ll fit in a 5 mile walk at some point in between cuddles, working while baby is asleep, more feeding and ‘boobing up’ (I express and top up with formula in bottles as well as breastfeed), tidying the flat, making and photographing recipes…then once James is home after the gym we eat dinner and chill with Tom, until I go to bed for about 10pm while husband takes care of the midnight feed – he’s a good egg! We also make time to spend time together, see family and friends and go to events – it’s important to keep our identities as people too 🙂
I guess my main challenge is trying to fit everything in and not falling behind – I hate it when things don’t get done (that’s the control freak in me!). I’m just about used to the disrupted sleeping routine but if Tom has been awake in between feeds, it can be hard work the next day when tiredness REALLY hits. Spending time as a couple can also take a back seat but at the end of the day James and I are a team and we’re looking after a mini human – he’s worth it. As Tom gets older and starts crawling and talking, that’s when the real fun begins and I know that it will probably be harder work – so I’m enjoying this phase for now!
Keeping energy levels up
You may already know that I’m a HUGE peanut butter fan, so when New Zealand-based Pic’s got in touch to work together and representing the new mums out there I was absolutely thrilled. With peanut butter being a source of protein, potassium (helps to lower the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease), fibre, Vitamin E, healthy fats and magnesium to fortify bones and muscles – it is a key part of my diet and helps to fuel my days – plus it’s bloody tasty!
Energy is something that we need even more than ever right now and while eating well, exercising and trying to sleep as much as we can, incorporating Pic’s into my diet certainly helps. I thought I’d share some of my top energy-boosting snacks and treats:
Turmeric zoats
Porridge boosted with turmeric and grated courgette topped with plums, Smooth Pic’s and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and bee pollen.
Blueberry, Jujube & Chocolate Flapjack Bites
Easy no-bake treats packed with sweet dried blueberries and jujube fruit (red dates), topped with a raw chocolate layer. YUM.
PB & J Bites
Layers of ‘shortbread’, no added sugar jam, Crunchy or Smooth (whatever your preference) Pic’s and chocolate. No need to bake – just pop out the fridge when you need a chocolate fix.
Ingredients:
For the base –
- 50g coconut flour
- 50g almond flour
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
Then:
- 6 tablespoons raspberry jam (no added sugar if possible)
- 6 tablespoons Pic’s peanut butter (crunchy or smooth – your choice!)
For the topping –
- 75g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- First make the base: Mix together the coconut and almond flours in a bowl the stir in the honey/maple syrup, coconut oil and milk to form a soft dough.
- Divide this between 6 x silicone cupcake cases and press down using your fingers. Set aside.
- Spread the base with a tablespoons each of the jam, then top with the peanut butter.
- Gently melt the chocolate and coconut oil then pour a layer over each one. Pop in the freezer for 2 hours to firm up – then you’re ready to enjoy!
Peanut Butter & Banana Blondies
Delicious banana blondies packed with Pic’s Crunchy or Smooth peanut butter and naughty chunks of dark chocolate…Too moreish to share.
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