It is no wonder we always get emails from new mums asking us how they can lose the extra weight they gained during pregnancy.
Be rest assured that is very possible to lose the baby weight and live a healthy happier life.
At the same time it is important for new mothers to remember that it took a nine month period to gain that much weight and so it is not going to miraculously fall off after the birth of your child.
Moreover if you started out at a normal weight it shouldn’t take you more than a couple of months to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight if you watch what you eat and exercise.
If, on the other hand, you were overweight before your pregnancy or you put on more weight than is normal, it can take much longer, up to a year for example to get the weight off.
If you would like to lose the extra weight you gained while pregnant, these 5 ways could ensure that you accomplish your weight loss goals.
Step 1: Baby-Friendly is Your Best Friend
We are sure you have heard all the benefits about exclusive breastfeeding. You may also have heard that breastfeeding your baby can help you lose your pregnancy weight.
Yes it can!
In fact for many, nursing burns up to 500 calories per day, as much as many forms of exercise.
Step 2: Eat Smart
Even if you’re not breastfeeding, you need energy to care for your baby and yourself.
Eat smart by choosing foods packed with nutrients like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats.
Keep different snacks in the house to keep you from feeling hungry and give you energy throughout the day. Fruits that are in season are great to help you quench your hunger.
Step 3: Move It, Mama
If you have passed the 6-weeks postpartum stage, start exercising now.
Six weeks gives your body enough time to heal after labour and delivery. Getting some type of exercise will help you feel alive again and you’ll lower your risk for both postpartum depression and obesity.
There are 4 activities to choose from each week and we encourage you to do at least 1 of them 3 times a week:
Walking: Anyone can walk. And as “light” as it may seem, it is an activity that packs some calorie burn. Walking also has mental health benefits, allowing you to de-stress as you
tune out of the bustle of daily city life.
Running: Running is a great way to lose weight and increase your cardiovascular health. Running preserves your heart and keeps it healthy while burning serious calories. The other major benefit is that no training is necessary. You just do it!
Aerobics: Aerobics provide immense fitness benefits. It helps with weight loss, gives you more energy and can even help manage your stress levels.
Swimming: Swimming is both a therapeutic and fitness activity. The low impact nature preserves your bones and joints from strain. It builds toned muscles while burning fat especially in the thighs and arms.
4. Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day prevents you from getting dehydrated. It also fills
you up so that you don’t eat as much, and some research has found that it may speed up your metabolism.
5. Get some Sleep
It may seem impossible to g.et a full eight hours of sleep when you have a new baby keeping you up throughout the night, but being sleep deprived could make it harder for you to shed the baby weight.
Stick to the popular advice of “sleep when your baby sleeps,” and catch as many naps as you can during the day and go to bed early, at least until your baby starts sleeping through the night.
