Do you feel bloated or full after eating grains/seeds like rice, quinoa , oats, millet etc?  What about nuts like almonds, pecans or brazil nuts?  

 

Nuts, seeds and grains and legumes are deemed healthy foods – and they do contain lots of goodness.  However, they also contain phytic acid, which, in a nut shell (no pun intended), is an anti-nutrient that protects the seed. 

 

When we eat them though, it can actually be less beneficial.  How?

 

The phytic acid actually reduces the absorption of minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium.  

 

A vegetarian diet can be quite high in phytic acid, so this could be one reason why there are iron or zinc deficiencies. 

 

So does that mean no to grains, nuts, seeds and legumes?  Not at all.  However, it’s really important to be soaking them.  For 24 hours. 

 

There are some who are against grains all together.  I’m not hear to talk about the myriad of eating plans out there.  You really have to get to know your own body.

 

What I want to share is, for a mama who is about to be or in early postpartum, and also a mother who is further along and noticing digestive issues like gas, bloating, reflux etc, soaking is a must do. 

 

These phytic acids make the process of digestion very difficult, and therefore you won’t be getting the nutrition you think you’re getting.  In fact, it will be taking even more from your body as mentioned above.  And THAT definitely needs to be avoided.

 

It’s so interesting to me, that years ago, back in 2009 I started getting into sprouting and fermenting and then built a small business with that, teach people to sprout and soak grains, nuts and legumes overnight before consuming. 

 

Little did I know back then, this is exactly what a new mother needs because of the low digestive enzymes immediately after birth. 

 

Most cultures traditionally soaked, sprouted and/or fermented ALL grains and seeds.  They knew it helped with digestion.    Our diet has moved so far away from these traditionally practices and it’s time we start honouring them and bringing them back…. because, clearly, what many people are eating isn’t doing many favours.

 

In the meal plan I guide you through, we keep grains to a minimum and definitely soak first.  It does take a bit of planning ahead, and that can feel very challenging when you’re in the moment with a new baby!   

 

Ideally you will have someone to take care of these things for you for those several weeks. 

 

If not, you can set a timer to remind you the day before, and just pour the water into the glass jars to cover the grains/nuts etc.

 

A quick note on rice.  Pictured is black rice (soaking), and it’s a very nutritious rice.  It’s higher in fibre, vitamin E, calcium and protein than white or brown rice.   Red rice is another beneficial option.

 

Depending on your body, you may need to have it in small doses, and soaking it for 24 hours first will help you to digest it. 

 

Listen to how your body feels after eating grains, nuts, seeds etc.  If you feel bloated and heavy, they may not be best for you at this time.  (Another thing we go over together in the nutrition plan).