Top 5 Tips For Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss
You just gave birth, your 8-pound baby is out and you still get asked… When are you due? It’s horrible really, but post-pregnancy weight loss takes time and effort. This article will discuss what it takes to get you back in shape post-delivery. Yes, you can reclaim your body post-baby!
First, be realistic. Your body went through a major upheaval carrying your baby for 9 months or so. Do not expect it to snap back into shape instantly. It is especially crucial to lose weight gradually after giving birth.
Remember, your body is still recovering. Right after giving birth is not the time for diet pills or quick weight loss programs. Neither is it the time to shock your system by jumping back into strenuous exercise. These are important to consider for you and your baby’s sake.
Still, there are steps you can take to lose weight post-pregnancy. Here are some tips that have successfully helped women with their post-pregnancy weight loss:
1. Breast feed. Not only does it help shrink your uterus and tummy back into shape, breast feeding alone burns up to about 500 calories a day. Breast feeding is not just about providing the most perfect food for your little one, it is also one of the best ways for you to burn calories. To make breast milk requires burning your fat stores!
2. Eat healthy. Stay away from the usual suspects of high fat, high sugar and super salty foods with empty calories. Instead, eat plenty of fruits, whole grains, fiber rich food and an ample amount of lean protein to keep you strong and healthy enough to care for your baby - and these healthy foods will also keep you from eating junk that will only keep you fat.
3. Drink plenty of water. It is especially important to keep hydrated if you are breast feeding. The fluids will also keep your system clean by helping your body excrete toxins. Regular bathroom trips mean a slimmer mid-section as well… very useful for post-pregnancy weight loss!
4. Ease back into exercise. Any mom should also take some time off from baby-duty. We all need to take care of ourselves so we can take good care of our babies! A good way to spend “mommy-time” is by doing some light to moderate exercise. A daily walk can be done by practically anyone. A light dance class or a light cardio class in the gym could work as well. Of course, check with your doctor first to see if you have the go-signal to start doing all this after giving birth.
5. Bond with your baby. Just choosing bonding activities that involve some action can help you burn calories - and lose some of that stubborn baby weight. Taking the bay to walks in the park burns calories. So do some mommy-and-baby yoga classes. Bond and burn!
Post-pregnancy weight loss should not be just a pipe dream. Having the baby is no excuse for you to think you can’t fit into your old clothes again. Many other women have done it. So can you!
Just be disciplined with your food and your exercise time. The weight can fall off, but it is not going fall off on its own. You still have some work to do! Now get to it, and know that you are on your way to meeting your post-pregnancy weight loss goal.
