When you are breastfeeding, it’s so easy to become focused on ensuring your little one gets enough to eat, that you forget about yourself. In order to produce breastmilk, you need to make sure you are consuming enough healthy food (plus snacks) and drinking plenty of water too.

It’s common to feel really thirsty and hungry as soon as your baby latches on. So why not get into the habit of grabbing your water bottle and a healthy snack before you sit down to feed?

1. Lactation cookies

Sure, their milk-making benefits may not be scientifically proven, but lactation cookies have been used for generations with great results (and they taste fantastic). The ingredient you will need to hunt down from the health food shop is brewer’s yeast, which is meant to help boost your milk production. Try one of our recipes in the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge recipe hub. The best part is you don’t need to share them with anyone else because if you write ‘lactation cookies’ and label the container most people will think they contain your breast milk and will steer clear!!

3. Smoothies

Blend up your favorite fruits, some veggies, and some yogurt to add some creaminess if that’s your thing. Not only will you be enjoying a healthy snack but you also can throw in milk boosting ingredients to help bub as well.

Bonus: Next time you make your morning smoothie, make double and use the extra to pour into popsicle molds and freeze.

4. Fruit, Nuts, and Chocolate

What a combo! There are lots of ways to do this. You could slice up an apple or pear, and spread with 100-percent nut spread such as peanut butter or almond butter and top with a few dark choc chips. Or you could take some small chunks of banana or whole cherries and dip them in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with LSA or coconut.

5. Popcorn Trail Mix

Make a healthy mixture of air-popped popcorn, whole nuts, chopped dried apricots, and coconut chips. Store in individual serves and enjoy anytime.

6. Homemade Dip

Get your food processor out and go to town by making two or three healthy dips to store in the fridge. Try our hummus, tzatziki or beetroot recipes available in the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge. Then choose your dippers – brown rice crackers, carrot or celery sticks, or rice cakes.

7. Bliss Balls

It’s like these were invented for hungry, tired moms holding a baby. They keep really well in the fridge or freezer too, so you can grab a snack anytime hunger strikes. Check out our favorite Almond and Date Protein Bliss Balls.

8. Coconut Date Delight

Here is a great fix for a sweet craving, from The Healthy Mommy. An easy to prepare and healthy snack with the sweetness of dates and goodness of nuts and coconut.

Ingredients (Makes one serving):

• 3 Medjool dates, fresh
• 1 tablespoon pistachios, unsalted
• 1 tablespoon walnuts
• 1 teaspoon shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Cut dates in half and remove pits. Roughly chop pistachios and walnuts and combine.
2. Fill each date half with nut mixture, sprinkle with coconut and serve.