From the expert: Being a mom is not a diagnosis
Apr 08, 2024
From 2024 resident scholar Dr. Alexa Torontow
Most—if not all—moms, including me, struggle with the postpartum chapter of our lives. “Fatigue” takes on a new meaning. We feel irritable, frustrated and impatient. We have trouble sleeping, even when we’ve been awake for longer than we care to acknowledge. We have brain fog and catch ourselves looking for our phone while we’re still holding it in our other hand. We’re tired, tense and bloated.
But when we try to seek support, we’re told, “That’s just being a mom.”
I’m here to tell you that “being a mom” is not a diagnosis.
While your symptoms may be common, they aren’t your destiny. Through small, evidence-informed lifestyle shifts, you can help your brain and body overcome the overwhelm and feel more energized, calm, and balanced.
Here are two simple and sustainable ways that you can restore your energy and emotional balance postpartum.
Increase your protein intake
Many people do not get enough protein in their diets, and moms are especially prone to under-consuming protein. A high-protein diet will help you maintain energy levels throughout the day and achieve a more balanced mood. I know it’s hard to remember to eat throughout the day, let alone keep track of your protein intake, but prioritizing your own needs and nourishment is one of the best things that you can do for yourself and your family.
Higher protein intake also:
- Reduces junk food cravings
- Helps you fall asleep more quickly (and stay asleep)
- Speeds up your metabolism
Try this: Find ways to add extra protein to your meals and snacks. For example, add a scoop of Greek yogurt to your smoothie, walnuts or guava to your oatmeal, and sliced chicken or hard-boiled eggs to your salads.
Avoid eating “naked” carbs
Eating just oatmeal or just toast will leave you feeling full and satiated for an hour or two if that. When we eat naked carbs, it spikes our blood sugar levels and puts us on an energy roller coaster. If you want to get the biggest benefits out of your carbs, you need to pair them with sources of healthy fats and proteins, such as chia seeds, flax seeds, nuts, nut butter, collagen powder, protein powder…the list goes on! “Dressing up” your naked carbs will help to increase and stabilize your energy levels, boost your mood and keep you feeling full and satisfied for far longer.
Avoiding naked carbs also:
- Helps you eat a healthier and more nutritionally rich diet
- Promotes higher protein intake (see the first point in this list!)
Try this: If you’re having just pasta, add a few different types of veggies and some meat or tofu.
Do you want more tailored guidance to shift from just surviving to truly thriving?
If you’re looking for empowering maternal healthcare that encompasses your entire journey from preconception to postpartum, I offer virtual naturopathic services for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care, giving you a consistent and compassionate touchpoint each step of the way. Through an individually tailored care plan that includes lab work, lifestyle medicine and other evidence-informed therapies, I can help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and thrive postpartum!
Visit my website to learn more about my virtual naturopathic services and online program, and book your free, 15-minute discovery call.
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Alexa Torontow is a Toronto-based naturopathic doctor and mom to two daughters with a passion for delivering modern and comprehensive maternal healthcare, education, and support to moms and moms-to-be. Her virtual practice offers evidence-informed one-on-one care and online programs designed to help you gently and effectively optimize your health during this transformative chapter of your life and beyond.
Whether you are at the start of your fertility journey, moving through the often overwhelming transition into motherhood, or dealing with the terrible twos, she can help you shift from overwhelmed and exhausted to energized and empowered!
IG: @dr.alexatorontow
Website: www.alexatorontow.com
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