Our friend Alexandria (aka @lovedaphnemae) is a mom of five homemaking, homeschooling, homebirthing, and homesteading on a small farm in the foothills of South Carolina. Her approach to motherhood is simple, beautiful, and intentional—and we love following along as she shares snippets of her daily life through photography and writing. Here, she’s sharing four nourishing recipes for postpartum and beyond. We hope you’ll give them a try and join us in becoming a follower and fan of hers.
I’ve experienced firsthand the emotional struggles that can accompany the fourth trimester. I’ve felt them myself after each of my babies, and I only wish I had known I could boost my mood through simple, sustaining food. Which is why I’m sharing a few of the recipes that have helped me through the years. The recipes below contain goodness to nourish your body and your mind—because I’ve learned that when we nurture ourselves, we have what we need to nurture the little ones who need us too.
Lentil + Mushroom Soup
This soup is not only delicious and hearty, but it’s like a warm hug, giving you all the happy feelings…and there is a scientific reason for that! Lentils and carrots, both present in this soup, contain high levels of the vitamin B6, which can increase the serotonin levels in our brains, therefore combatting depression. Mushrooms and lentils also contain selenium, which is a mood-boosting mineral. Lentils and kale contain magnesium, which is important for hormone balance, enzyme activity, and neurotransmitter functions that regulate mood.
Combine the following in a large pot with a drizzle of olive oil:
- 1 chopped yellow onion
- 1 tbsp of finely chopped garlic
- 1 small bag of baby rainbow carrots-chopped
- 4 stalks of celery-chopped
- 1 carton of cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cups of chopped Tuscan kale
Cook these ingredients down until veggies are soft and onions are translucent. Season liberally with garlic salt and pepper, then add two cartons of vegetable or chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then bring heat to simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes, then add:
- ¾ cup sprouted green lentils
- ½ cup of wild rice
Simmer again for another 30-60 minutes. To serve, drizzle each bowl of soup with 1-2 tablespoons of canned coconut cream.
Avocado Hummus
This avocado hummus is so good in a variety of ways; with veggies, crackers, pita, or tossed with pasta as a sauce! Folate contributes to serotonin regulation in our brains, and chickpeas and avocados are packed with folate, making this hummus not only tasty, but great for boosting our moods as well. The lemon also adds Vitamin C, which is essential for our bodies to make the neurotransmitters that provide mood stability. And bonus, the raw garlic is a great immune booster, so you can enjoy this knowing you are filling your body with mood and immune-boosting goodness!
Combine the following ingredients in a food processor:
- 1 can of chickpeas (rinsed)
- 1 large avocado
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
- 2 small cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Small bunch of chives
- 1 ½ tsp of coconut sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp coconut aminos
Process on high and drizzle in about a ½ cup of olive oil in as it blends. Process until the consistency is smooth. This hummus is delicious with pita chips, veggies, crackers, or anything else you can dream up!
Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding
Sometimes we need a sweet treat, and even better is one that boosts our moods instead of the opposite, like processed sugars can do. This decadent snack is full of plant-based omega 3 fatty acids in the form of chia seeds. Studies show that these tiny but mighty adaptogens, improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression. Raw cocoa powder also elevates mood thanks to phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine in the brain. The feel-good bonus is that there are no processed sugars to bring you down, and no dairy to upset baby’s sensitive new tummy!
Add the following into a glass bowl:
- 1 13.5 oz can of coconut cream
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Pinch of pink salt
- Open a capsule of probiotics and pour into the mixture
- Use an immersion blender or whisk to combine thoroughly, then add the following:
- ½ cup of roughly chopped frozen dark cherries
- 1 tbsp of chia seeds
Stir together then place lid on the glass bowl and place in fridge for at least 6 hours.
Brazil Nut Bars
These bars are the yummiest snack to keep on-hand. We always have a glass jar of them in the freezer for when hanger strikes! Not only are they satisfying and great for your physical body, they also offer mood boosting benefits. They contain brazil nuts, which are full of selenium, a mood boosting mineral, as well as those omega 3-rich chia seeds. Dates contain antioxidants that help us feel our physical best, which translates to our emotional best, and the oats are a low glycaemic index food, which keeps blood sugar and mood stable.
Place all of the following in a food processor:
- 1 cup raw Brazil nuts
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup gluten-free oats
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 1/2 tbsp raw honey
- 1/2 cup unfiltered coconut oil
- 1 tsp pink Himalayan salt
- 2/3 cup of allergen-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pulse until everything is combined and begins to ball together. Then empty the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and pat it down with your hands until you have a 1/2-inch thick square. Place in freezer for a few hours until hard. Then take out, cut into bars, and keep in a glass mason jar in the freezer. You’ll want to enjoy these straight out of the freezer, as they will “melt” into a nice spread for your sandwich.
