Hi,
You do not need any protein powder while breastfeeding. You only need an additional 10.6-13.6 g protein per day (usual requirement is 0.8-1g/kg body weight).
You can easily meet the protein requirements with food.
1. Eggs:
• 1 large egg provides about 6-7 g of protein. Having two eggs per day can fulfill almost the entire additional protein requirement (12-14 g).
2. Milk and Dairy Products:
• 1 glass of milk (250 ml) provides around 8 g of protein.
• Adding paneer (100 g of paneer provides approximately 18-20 g of protein) or curd (1 cup of curd provides about 8-10 g of protein) can further boost protein intake.
3. Dals (Lentils):
• 1 cup of cooked dal (like toor, moong, masoor) provides about 7-9 g of protein. Including a serving of dal at both lunch and dinner can easily contribute 14-18 g of protein.
4. Sprouts:
• 1 cup of sprouted moong or chana contains around 7-8 g of protein. This can be a great snack or added to meals.
5. Nuts and Seeds:
• A handful of almonds (about 23 nuts, 28 g) provides around 6 g of protein.
• Flaxseeds, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds can also be included, providing an additional 2-3 g of protein per tablespoon. Use only 1-2 tsp a day.
6. Whole Grains:
• Whole grains like quinoa, millet (ragi, bajra), and brown rice contain moderate amounts of protein. One cup of cooked quinoa, for example, provides about 8 g of protein.
Also include foods that support lactation. Use easy to digest pulses.
Next Steps
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