Table of Contents
Introduction
Being a new mom is both a joyous and exhausting experience. Between late-night feedings, diaper changes, and adjusting to the new routine, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. However, nourishing your body is crucial for maintaining your energy and ensuring you’re able to care for your little one. One of the best ways to support your health during this busy time is by eating nutrient-dense, wholesome meals.
That’s where bone broth and veggies come in. This slow cooker recipe is packed with essential nutrients like collagen, vitamins, and minerals that can promote postpartum recovery, boost energy, and even support lactation. The beauty of a slow cooker recipe is that you can simply set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on your baby while the meal cooks itself.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into why bone broth and veggies are the ultimate meal for nursing moms, walk you through the recipe step-by-step, and highlight some of the key benefits this nourishing dish offers. Whether you’re recovering from childbirth or simply need a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your busy mom routine.
Why Bone Broth and Veggies Are Perfect for Nursing Moms
1. Packed with Nutrients
Bone broth is a powerhouse of nutrients that can provide your body with the essential building blocks it needs to heal and thrive during the postpartum period. It’s rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids like proline and glycine, which help to promote joint health, improve skin elasticity, and support the digestive system. For new moms, who may be dealing with physical recovery from childbirth, these nutrients are especially beneficial for healing tissues and boosting overall wellness.
In addition to bone broth, the vegetables in this recipe (such as carrots, celery, onions, and spinach) provide an array of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients support your immune system, skin health, and energy levels, all of which are essential while navigating the demands of motherhood.
2. Easy to Digest and Gut-Friendly
During the postpartum period, many moms experience digestive issues such as bloating or constipation. Bone broth’s gelatin content can help support gut health by promoting a healthy digestive tract. The amino acids in bone broth also help to repair the lining of your intestines, which is crucial for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
Additionally, bone broth is easy on the stomach, making it a great meal for new moms who may have sensitive stomachs or are recovering from a cesarean section. The combination of vegetables and bone broth provides a gentle yet nourishing meal that won’t overwhelm your digestive system.
3. Supports Lactation and Milk Production
For nursing moms, maintaining a healthy milk supply is a top priority. Bone broth is known for its ability to support lactation, as it contains minerals and nutrients that can help stimulate milk production. In particular, the gelatin in bone broth is thought to support the production of breast milk by providing collagen and amino acids that are essential for tissue growth and repair.
Vegetables like spinach and carrots, which are commonly used in bone broth recipes, are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support milk production. Vitamin A, found in carrots, helps to promote healthy skin and tissues, while spinach is high in folate, an important nutrient for both mom and baby.
4. Convenient and Time-Saving
As a new mom, convenience is key. Between caring for your baby and managing household chores, finding time to cook can be a challenge. That’s where the slow cooker comes in. This recipe is designed to be as easy and hands-off as possible. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and let it cook while you take care of other tasks.
Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, comforting broth without requiring constant supervision. Plus, you can make a large batch of bone broth and veggies, which can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. This makes it a perfect meal prep option, saving you time and energy in the long run.
How to Make Bone Broth and Veggies in the Slow Cooker
Now that you understand why bone broth and veggies are perfect for new moms, let’s dive into how to make this nourishing meal. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple, nutritious, and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
To make this slow cooker bone broth and veggie recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken or beef bones (you can also use pre-made bone broth if preferred)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups spinach (or other leafy greens)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (to help extract nutrients from the bones)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. If you’re using chicken or beef bones, place them in the slow cooker. If you’re using pre-made bone broth, you can skip this step and move on to adding the vegetables. - Add the Veggies and Seasonings
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the water, making sure the ingredients are fully submerged. If you’re using apple cider vinegar, add it to the slow cooker at this stage. The vinegar helps to extract minerals from the bones, creating a more nutritious broth. - Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer and more flavorful the broth will become. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 4-6 hours, but slow cooking on low allows the flavors to develop more fully. - Strain the Broth
Once the cooking time is up, remove the bones from the slow cooker and strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining bits of bone or vegetable. You can discard the bones or use them for another batch of broth if desired. - Add the Greens
Return the strained broth to the slow cooker and add the spinach or other leafy greens. Let them wilt in the hot broth for about 5-10 minutes. This step adds extra nutrients and flavor to the dish. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the greens are wilted, your bone broth and veggie stew is ready to serve! You can enjoy it as is, or pair it with some whole-grain bread for added heartiness. This recipe makes a large batch, so you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.
The Health Benefits of Bone Broth and Veggies for Nursing Moms
As a new mom, it’s essential to prioritize meals that support your health and recovery. Bone broth and veggies offer a wealth of health benefits that can help you feel your best during the postpartum period.
1. Supports Postpartum Recovery
After childbirth, your body needs time to recover and heal. Bone broth is rich in collagen, which plays a key role in tissue repair and regeneration. The amino acids in bone broth, like proline and glycine, promote the healing of muscles, joints, and skin, which can help you recover more quickly and feel stronger.
2. Boosts Immune Function
The vitamins and minerals found in bone broth and the accompanying vegetables, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc, support your immune system. A strong immune system is important as you adjust to life with a newborn and face the added stress of lack of sleep and potential illnesses.
3. Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair
The collagen in bone broth is also beneficial for your skin and hair, which can take a toll during pregnancy and postpartum. Collagen helps to improve skin elasticity and can aid in reducing stretch marks, while also promoting healthy hair growth.
4. Increases Energy Levels
The combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals in bone broth and veggies provides sustained energy throughout the day. Nursing moms often feel fatigued due to the demands of breastfeeding, but this nourishing meal can help combat fatigue by replenishing key nutrients that support your energy levels.
Conclusion
Bone broth and veggies are a perfect meal for nursing moms who need to nourish their bodies with essential nutrients while keeping things simple and convenient. This slow cooker recipe is not only nutrient-packed but also easy to prepare, making it a great addition to your postpartum routine. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, support lactation, or promote recovery, this dish has you covered.
If you’re looking for more delicious and nutritious slow cooker meals for nursing moms, be sure to check out our article The Best Slow Cooker Dinners for Nursing Moms: Nutritious and Delicious.
Ready to make this nourishing bone broth and veggie recipe? Skip the grocery store and shop everything you need on Instacart! With just a few clicks, you can have fresh ingredients delivered right to your door, saving you time and energy. Click here to shop now on Instacart and get started on your journey to healthier, easier meals today!
And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more easy, healthy meal ideas and tips for new moms. Follow us onPinterest!
Enjoy your nourishing bone broth and veggie stew, and remember to take time for yourself—you deserve it!