10 Easy and Healthy Postpartum Freezer Meals
As a new mama with a new baby to take care of, you’re probably looking for ways to make your life a little easier. Meal prep can be a great way to save time and money, and it’s doubly important if you’re trying to eat healthy. But which recipes are worth making?
Luckily for you, I’ve been in your shoes before and I found several super great meals that I’m sure you and your family will love!
These recipes are quick to prepare and full of the nutrients you need to recover from childbirth and care for your newborn. So don’t worry about what’s for dinner tonight—or tomorrow night, or the night after that. Just stock your freezer with these delicious dishes and enjoy some stress-free mealtimes.
WHY FREEZER MEALS ARE A GREAT IDEA
New mamas have a lot on their plate, so it’s no wonder that many of us feel overwhelmed. One way to make life a little easier is to prepare freezer meals. This way, you can have a healthy (and TASTY) meal ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Freezer meals are also a great way to save money. By batch cooking and freezing larger quantities of food, you can reduce your grocery bills. With grocery prices these days, this is a must!
Most importantly, freezer meals are a healthy option for new moms. By preparing meals in advance, you can control the ingredients and ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need.
TIPS FOR PREPPING FREEZER MEALS:
1. Get The Right Tools for the Job
First off, you’re going to need the right storage containers for your freezer meals. Good-quality Ziploc bags are an excellent choice for your soups, sauces, and stews. You can lay them flat to freeze, saving you a lot of space. And once frozen, you can stack them up like books on a shelf. Easy-peasy, right?
For meals like lasagna, casseroles, and your favorite breakfast burritos, aluminum foil trays are your best bet.
But do you want to know a little bit of a pro-mama tip? Line your trays with parchment paper before filling them. This way, the food won’t stick to the tray, and the cleanup becomes a breeze.
Now for the more solid stuff, think cooked chicken or big batch of delicious meatballs, think about investing in some sturdy glass or plastic storage containers. They come in different sizes and shapes, and the best part? You can go from freezer to microwave to dinner table in no time. Talk about an easy meal solution!
2. Food Safety First
Alright, now that we have the tools down, let’s move on to the food safety aspects. It’s essential to cool your meals to room temperature before freezing. It’s one of those “better safe than sorry” things. Plus, your freezer will thank you for not having to work overtime to cool hot foods down.
3. Plan Like a Boss
Now, I get it, meal planning might sound like a chore, but trust me, it’s one of the easiest ways to make sure you’re eating real food and not relying on takeout or instant meals. Start by making a dedicated grocery list. It might sound like a simple thing, but it’s a total game-changer.
Head to the grocery store with your list in hand and stick to it. This way, you won’t forget any ingredients, and you’ll also be less likely to buy things you don’t need. And just imagine, once you get home, you’ve got everything you need to prepare healthy freezer meals for the weeks ahead. Now, doesn’t that sound like a great way to handle meal prep?
4. Embrace Your Third Trimester Energy
The third trimester is the perfect time to start meal prepping. You’ve got that nesting energy going on, so why not put it to good use? Plus, knowing you have delicious meals waiting in the freezer when your sweet little one arrives can be quite comforting.
10 HEALTHY AND EASY Make-Ahead FREEZER MEALS:
1. CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Chicken noodle soup is PACKED with all the good stuff (protein, nutrients, and FLAVOR)! Plus it’s a comfort food. I like to add a can of cream of chicken soup to make it a little thicker, as well as a splash of lemon juice to boost the flavor!
2. MAKE-AHEAD BREAKFAST BURRITOS
You just can’t go wrong with breakfast burritos. They’re yummy, you only need one hand to hold them, and they’re packed with protein! Breakfast burritos were actually one of my most favorite freezer meals after I had my son Jackson.
3. EASY MAKE-AHEAD EGG MUFFINS
These egg muffins are easy to make, loaded with veggies, and are a delicious breakfast (or snack) option!
4. WHOLE WHEAT PUMPKIN PANCAKES
Pumpkin pancakes are one of my FAVORITE foods. What’s better than pumpkin pancakes? Healthy pumpkin pancakes!
I’ll be honest, I might have added some chocolate chips to mine.
5. BLACK BEAN TACO SOUP
Taco soup is loaded with protein and veggies, and always warms the soul. What makes this recipe so great is that most of the ingredients are canned -making it super easy to prep!
6. INSTANT POT THREE BEAN CHILI
There’s nothing like a good bowl of chili to make you feel warm and cozy. It’s a meal your whole family will love and is super cheap to make!
7. OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN FAJITAS
These yummy chicken fajitas are sure to have you drooling. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies and chicken, making it a great option for all you new mamas!
8. EASY EGG AND SAUSAGE CASSEROLE
Eggs are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and great for new parents!
9. FREEZER CROCK-POT BEEF STEW
Beef stew is a classic recipe and one that I’m sure you’ll love! Just make sure to grab some beef broth before you cook it, as it isn’t included in the prep.
10. CHICKEN AND VEGGIE FREEZER PACKS
This is an easy meal that any first time mama can appreciate. These sheet pan packs are loaded with yummy chicken and veggies -both super great for moms recovering during postpartum.
Extra Help for New Moms
Those early days with a newborn are filled with sleepless nights, feeding sessions, and diaper changes. And honestly, the thought of cooking a meal can seem overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there.
That’s why I want to share this idea with you. It’s something that saved me during my postpartum period and I hope it can do the same for you – the concept of a meal train.
What is a Meal Train?
A meal train is when your friends, family, or even your friendly neighbors take turns bringing meals to your house. Yes, you heard that right! Delicious, homemade, nutrient-filled meals delivered right to your doorstep. Now, doesn’t that sound like a good idea?
Why a Meal Train is a Great Idea
When you have a new baby, making a trip to the grocery store can feel like an expedition. Not to mention the energy it takes to prepare a meal. That’s where the meal train comes in. It’s a simple, yet incredibly effective way to ensure you’re getting the good stuff in your diet without lifting a finger. Well, except maybe to open your front door.
And here’s the other great thing about meal trains – they’re not just about food. It’s about the community. It’s about feeling loved and supported. It’s about knowing you’re not alone on this incredible journey of motherhood.
How to Start a Meal Train
Setting up a meal train is easy. You can ask a close friend or a family member to organize it for you. You can even set it up yourself. There are plenty of online platforms that help manage meal trains, where people can sign up for a day to bring you a meal.
Remember, mama, it’s okay to accept help. Welcoming a new family member is a big transition, and you don’t have to do it all alone. So why not lighten your load a little bit? I promise, your future sleep-deprived self will thank you.
Bonus: Make-Ahead Treats
We’ve been talking a lot about those hearty, nutritious freezer meals, but let’s not overlook the sweeter things in life.
Sweet and Simple: Freezing Cookie Dough
Who knew freezing cookie dough could be so easy and convenient? Make a batch of your favorite cookie dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them in a Ziploc bag or container. Now you’ve got a tasty treat on standby for those late-night nursing cravings!
Nutrient Boost for Nursing Moms
Remember, smart ingredients can turn cookies into a nourishing snack. Think oatmeal cookies with flaxseeds or whole wheat chocolate chip cookies. Adding peanut butter offers a protein punch and a yummy taste twist, meeting those increased nutrient needs while breastfeeding.
Final Thoughts
After having a baby, it can be hard to think about cooking. Besides, you need to rest as much as possible! These 10 easy and healthy postpartum make-ahead freezer meals can help make your life a little bit easier. Just pop them in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot and you have a home-cooked meal with little effort.
What are you waiting for? Get started on your postpartum freezer meal plan today!
Mamas, are there any recipes you would recommend that I didn’t include? If so, leave some of your favorite freezer meal recipes in the comments below!
