I've seen many cases where lots of women are worried and totally
frustrated to see the changes in their body when it comes to significant
weight gain due to pregnancy. So, what is a women to do if you've just
given birth and still have 20 or more pounds to lose to get back to your
pre-baby body? In this article I would like to share simple tips to
lose weight after pregnancy.
1) Regain Your Energy
You
probably don't even realize that your body has just been through a very
traumatic experience with all the debilitating tension that occurs
during the delivery process. Before attempting to get back into a
regular exercise regime, give your body some time to rest and restore
your lost energy since the giving birth. Before you start any weight
loss program after pregnancy, make sure that your body feels better and
that simple tasks such as walking or lifting slightly heavier objects do
not cause you any physical pain.
2) "Break Up" with Your Bad Eating Habits
Usually
unconsciously, a lot of women think they can eat whatever they want
during their pregnancy and often feel it is the fetus that is directing
their cravings and causing them to want certain foods. There is
definitely some truth to this, but once your baby is born, you need to
remind yourself that you are no longer "eating for two". It can start
with a few mistakes here and there, but the truth is continuing to eat
unhealthy foods will cause you to continue gaining weight instead of
losing it. A perfect example is late night junk food and after dinner
dessert. These may have been unavoidable cravings while you were
pregnant, but you need to eliminate them after baby if you want to lose
weight.
3) Use Logic
Ask yourself, is this
weight loss program reasonable and realistic for my lifestyle? If a
program offers extreme promises such as LOSE 30lbs in 5 DAYS, you should
be cautious. The more unrealistic it seems, the more unrealistic it
really is and I would stay away from any diet plan just trying to sell
to you on your frustration. Also I would recommend avoiding dietary or
slimming supplements, especially fat burning pills, medications or any
herbal supplements. These can be dangerous to your health when you don't
have all the facts and if you are still breastfeeding you are also
putting your baby's health and life at risk.
4) Start Eating Weight Loss Foods
There
are tons of tips, resources and free weight loss plans for postpartum
women which you can be easily found online nowadays. You may use the
Internet to do some research on weight loss foods after pregnancy for
both women who are breast-feeding or not.. I personally suggest you look
for a weight loss diet plan for women that works with your lifestyle,
this way you will be more likely to stick with it. Most weight loss
programs have all the information you need to shed extra weight and
explain the essential nutrients you require to reach your weight loss
goal as quickly as possible, but if you spend money on a program and
never follow it, there really is no weight loss program that will work
for you.
5. Do SOMETHING Physical Everyday
This
is probably the biggest mistake I see among my friends and family when
they complain to me about postpartum weight loss. It's exhausting caring
for a new born day and night and the thought of going for a jog or
working out at a gym probably makes you want face plant on the floor.
But, the only way to get over this feeling is to start doing SOMETHING.
Start with light exercises, such as walking with the stroller or a yoga
class will not only get your body back in motion, but it will also help
to reduce postpartum depression. The ideal time to start light exercises
is about six weeks after giving birth and as you stick with it you can
move up to higher impact routines such as strength training and
cardiovascular activities which will help to tighten and tone those
parts that got "loose" after giving birth.
6. Be Patient
Last
but not least, you need to be patience with yourself. It took 9 months
for your baby to grow and develop and cause that extra weight on your
belly and bottom. You can't expect your body to bounce back in just a
few short weeks, even if you are following a postpartum weight loss diet plan for women.
Getting back into shape will take eating the right foods, consistent
physical activity and most importantly...time. A good support system
always helps so ask for it! Your family members, friends and especially
your husband want you to succeed so lean on them when you're having a
tough day and feel you like hanging from the ceiling fan!
Gook Luck!