Insights on new mom nutrition with Annie Kimmelman
In our latest Insight Series, we loaded up on snack ideas, meal-prep hacks, and wellness wisdom with vegan influencer, food brand founder, and new mom, Annie Kimmelman. She shared all about her journey through pregnancy, sharing recipes online, and founding her company, HEAPS foods. From the perfect peanut butter to mouthwatering snacks, keep reading to fill up on Annie’s insights for staying full and satisfied through pregnancy and beyond!
Congratulations on becoming a mom! What are you most looking forward to in this next chapter of life?
I'm most excited for the little everyday moments. Family dinners, weekend brunches, and getting to experience everything for the first time again through his eyes. Food has always been how I connect with people, so I cannot wait to cook with him, host holidays, and create memories around the table.
What is something about pregnancy that has surprised you, especially something people do not talk about enough?
How much your relationship with your own body changes. As someone who’s struggled with body image, pregnancy gave me a level of grace for myself that I'd never experienced before. I stopped feeling guilty about the days I got nothing done or when all I could stomach was cereal because my body was busy growing a whole human! While some days were still hard, I felt genuinely proud of what my body was capable of.
How has your relationship with food, nutrition, and overall wellness evolved throughout your pregnancy?
Before pregnancy I focused a lot on protein and performance ahead of getting ready for my wedding. During pregnancy my priorities shifted toward nourishment. Some days that meant eating a balanced homemade meal, and other days it meant eating whatever I could stomach. Instead of feeling like I had to do everything perfectly, I focused on the basics: getting outside for fresh air, moving my body when I felt up to it, staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, and choosing cleaner products wherever I could.
What are some easy snacks that you recommend during pregnancy?
I always recommend snacks that are simple and easy to keep on hand. I found that eating smaller snacks throughout the day was MUCH easier than trying to eat large meals due to nausea and heartburn. A bowl of cereal, trail mix, and apples with peanut butter saved me!
You have built such a strong presence through your recipes. What originally inspired you to start sharing your food online?
In college I transitioned away from a meat and dairy heavy diet to a plant based diet, and it turned my life upside down in the best way. I began sharing how much better I felt after changing the way I ate. Over time, that naturally evolved into sharing more vulnerable topics about life, wellness, and now motherhood, alongside my recipes.
Do you have any simple meal prep tips that have helped you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed?
Instead of meal prep, I ingredient prep. I'll roast vegetables, cook a big batch of grains, boil potatoes, cube and marinate a block of tofu, wash and chop a head of lettuce, and make a few sauces. That way I can mix and match throughout the week without getting bored, and when I do have the energy to cook, half the work is already done.
You are also the founder of HEAPS Foods. What gap did you see that made you want to create your own brand?
As someone who absolutely loves natural peanut butter, I was frustrated by how difficult it was to stir and spread. There are plenty of peanut butters on the market, but I felt there was room for something cleaner, higher in protein, and more convenient to use. We’re relaunching our squeezable peanut butter “Drizzle” and our spreadable peanut butter “Spread” in 3 new flavors, and I am so excited to create products that fit into real life and help adults and kids make convenient, healthier choices without sacrificing taste.
With everything you are balancing right now, motherhood, content, and your business, what are you most proud of at this moment?
I'm proud that I've continued showing up even though this season has looked completely different than I expected. Pregnancy taught me that productivity isn't always measured by how much you accomplish in a day. Sometimes it's about knowing when to slow down, adapting when your body needs something different, and still staying committed to the bigger picture. Building a business while growing a family has been challenging, but it has made me more confident in what I’m capable of.
Annie Kimmelman is a mom, vegan influencer, and the founder of HEAPS foods. Stay connected with Annie through her Instagram handle @theplantcollective_ (opens in a new tab).
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