Protein is Key - Simple Homemade Jerky
Easy to eat one handed (check). High in protein (check).
When it comes to postpartum recovery, having easy snacks on hand is key. Having snacks that taste good AND aid in your body’s ability to have energy and recover? YES, PLEASE.
Enter my homemade jerky recipe!
During lactation, a woman must eat an adequate amount of protein in order to maintain her own muscle mass, while also providing adequate nutrition to the infant through breast milk. The current Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for protein suggest, that healthy lactating women (0–6 mo postpartum) should consume an Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of 1.05 g protein/kg/d. (Source: National Library of Medicine)
I don’t love math either, so let’s see what that means with my actual body size. I am 150lbs (150 / 2.2 = 68kg) 68kg x 1.05 = 71g of protein as the MINIMUM daily need.
I challenge everyone to be as close to 100g per day as they can get. But I will admit that isn’t easy to do when you’re recovering from birth. Here is a list of my top protein-packed go-tos during postpartum (and always).
Jerky
Collogen Peptides (these are my favorite and cost wise are a good deal!)
Grilled Chicken Breasts
Instant Pot Pulled Pork (my recipe is similar to this but I add chili powder (about 1tbsp) over the entire roast before starting)
String Cheese
Kirkland Protein Bars found here
Fulfill Protein bars - these taste like a legit chocolate bar, but pack 15g of protein and I hide them from my older kids, ya’ll. You can also find them at Trader Joe’s
