Hala Abu Taha, a dietitian for Right Bite who works closely with pregnant and nursing mothers, explained, The two most common symptoms of being a new mom are fatigue and depression. Luckily, there are a variety of super foods that can help fight these things. Complex carbohydrates increase serotonin levels in the brain, the hormone that controls your mood. The best way to fight fatigue is by incorporating small, frequent snacks that are loaded with complex carbohydrates such as trail mix, oatmeal, yogurt, and high fiber cereals. Vitamin B3 has an essential role in energy metabolism; foods such as beef, dried beans, chicken, and fish are a good way to get Vitamin B3 in your diet. Zinc is another important mineral that supports different processes in the brain and body. Lack of zinc in your diet can lead to irritability and depression. Foods that are loaded in zinc include eggs, fish, and yogurt.

Similar to zinc, Vitamin C deficiencies have also been linked with depression. Hala said that increasing your diet with foods such as peas and raspberries can help battle depression. Adding servings of calcium-rich foods may help ward off depression and anxiety. Your best bets for calcium are yogurt, cheese, sardines with bones, milk, and salmon with bones, sesame seeds, or calcium-fortified juices. The important thing to remember is that you need to eat! This is not the time to follow a strict diet as your body needs enough energy and the right nutrients during this period and so it is necessary to know that it’s not about eating less, it’s about balancing your meals. Another thing to keep in mind is to watch the clock; eat something about every three or four hours to help keep your blood sugar and energy levels steady throughout the day, she added.