Postpartum Nourishment: Embracing the Body God Gave You
There’s a new trending diet sweeping through my social media feeds—maybe you’ve seen it too. It’s called the “Dirty Carnivore” diet.
It’s being heavily marketed to postpartum moms as a way to “heal your body” safely while breastfeeding. The promise? Increased energy, reduced inflammation, balanced hormones, and—you guessed it—weight loss. And while some claim that weight loss isn’t the primary goal, let’s be honest: it’s almost always part of the motivation.
But the part that alarms me most?
This diet requires cutting out a massive list of foods—things like fruits, grains, honey, and even vegetables. All in the name of “healing.”
And it’s not the first time we’ve seen this. Years ago, it was keto. Grocery stores were flooded with “keto-friendly” everything. People swore by it—until it disappeared into the diet graveyard like so many others before.
Now here we are again, and moms are lining up to restrict their diets in hopes of “bouncing back” after baby. But is that really what our bodies need in this season?
What Our Bodies Are Actually Doing
As a mama of three, I can tell you—my body is not the same as it was when I was a young newlywed. And I’m okay with that.
Yes, I have more stretch marks,
Yes, my bra size is wildly different,
Yes, there are skirts in my closet that haven’t fit in years.
And also—my body is doing something incredible.
With each pregnancy, I gain weight (the amount varies depending on my starting point), but every single time I go into labor, I weigh the exact same number. Then I’ll drop 20 pounds post-birth, gain some of it back while breastfeeding, and finally lose the rest once I wean.
It’s a cycle. And it’s a rhythm I’ve learned to expect.
And just when it settles? I’m sure if you read one of or recent posts (linked here) you can guess what happens next! We begin again—with open hands, open hearts, and a deep love for the gift of children.
My Wake-Up Call
During my third pregnancy, I struggled. I was not at the weight I had hoped to be when I conceived, and that brought a lot of shame. I carried that shame through my first trimester, quietly disappointed in my body.
And then, my world shattered.
That little boy went to be with Jesus.
In the weeks of grief that followed, I thought back to my early pregnancy with him—how upset I was with my body, how frustrated I felt, how I let it steal the joy of those fleeting moments.
And I was crushed.
Because now I’d give anything to relive that season without the shame. To savor every second with a heart full of gratitude instead of self-criticism. That experience changed me, deeply.
Let’s Talk About the “Bounce Back”
Culture is obsessed with bouncing back. You know what I mean:
-“Six weeks postpartum and back in my jeans!”
-“3 months in and already hitting the gym again!”
-“Here’s my favorite weight-loss smoothie for breastfeeding mamas!”
And while I understand the desire to feel like yourself again—this pressure to look like we never had babies is heartbreaking.
Your body just did something miraculous. You created life. You birthed a human. You’re sustaining that baby with your own body. God designed this! What an amazing feat!
This is a season that calls for rest, nourishment, and care—not deprivation and punishment.
Stewardship, Not Shame
Now, here’s where I want to pause and clarify something very important:
I am not advocating for an unhealthy lifestyle.
I am not saying that being significantly overweight doesn’t matter.
I believe in stewarding our health wisely.
We do have a chronic obesity issue in this country. Overindulgence in processed foods, excessive sugar, and inactivity only make our lives harder—and they don’t honor the bodies God gave us.
But I also don’t believe that cutting out entire food groups, starving your body, or chasing a number on a scale is the solution either.
God Gave Us Good Gifts
One of my biggest issues with diets like Dirty Carnivore is that they demonize God’s provision.
Honey?
Fruits?
Wheat?
Even vegetables?
These are not the enemies.
They’re gifts.
“And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.’”
—Genesis 1:29, ESV
We should be nourishing our postpartum bodies—not depriving them. They need minerals, probiotics, enzymes, healthy fats, complex carbs, and gentle movement. Not restriction.
If you haven’t read the book Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon, I highly recommend it. It helped reframe my understanding of food as something to enjoy and celebrate—not fear or fight against.
A Better Way to Nourish Postpartum
Let’s reimagine what postpartum wellness could look like:
- A cold glass of raw milk full of enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and creamy fat to support your body.
- A slice of homemade sourdough bread, fresh from the oven, slathered in raw butter and drizzled with local honey.
- Bone broth simmering on the stove, releasing collagen and minerals for your healing tissues and joints.
- Quiet rest. Nourishing meals. Gentle walks. Baby snuggles.
None of these are indulgences. They’re provision—for a season that requires deep restoration.
Final Encouragement
Mama, your body is not failing you. It’s not broken, it’s not too far gone.
It’s doing exactly what it was made to do.
Yes, be a wise steward. But also be a gracious one.
Let’s not chase youth or flat stomachs. Let’s chase faithfulness—caring for our bodies with the respect and nourishment they need to sustain the beautiful work of motherhood.
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.”
—Psalm 139:14, NKJV
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