How to Shed Your Baby Weight Post Pregnancy

Having a baby drastically changes life, as you know it. Post pregnancy erratic hours, lack of sleep and just the feeling of constantly being on your toes can overwhelm even the best of us.  

Additionally, all those pounds you piled on during your pregnancy simply does not go away as soon as the baby arrives. Going by Hollywood standards, your post pregnancy body is expected to look absolutely glamorous and in shape in a matter of a few weeks.

However, it is important to understand that it is more vital to be healthier rather than go on crash diets or extreme exercise routines to get back your pre-pregnancy body. 

The best way to get rid of that post pregnancy weight is to begin with a few simple steps that will ensure that you remain healthy and can provide the best care for your baby.

Begin With Simple Exercises

Though you may be tempted to hit the treadmill and shake off those extra pounds, it is necessary to give your post pregnancy body adequate time to heal. Begin with simple exercises like lunges, squats and light pushups.

Consult your doctor before working on your core and abdominal areas. Avoid working on your abdomen for 4-6 weeks after childbirth.  Start walking around outside whenever possible.

Take your baby along on a stroller and walk for a few blocks. This will not only improve your mood and help you bond with your baby, but also allow you to shed weight naturally and get your post pregnancy body back to normal.

Avoid Extreme Post Pregnancy Diet

Your body needs the right nutrition to heal and to sustain your energy levels for breastfeeding as well as taking care of the baby. Avoid following any extreme fad post pregnancy diet that promise you to make you lose post pregnancy weight drastically.

Follow a healthy nutrition plan with just the right amount of wholesome goodness to keep you healthy and happy. Add strawberries, almonds and potatoes in your diet. They will speed up your healing process and give you the energy levels you need and enable you to lose your post pregnancy weight naturally.

Eat Sensibly and Only When You Are Hungry 

Having indulged in all your cravings during pregnancy, it is vital to get back to eating healthy. Include lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. Strictly avoid junk food, sugary delights and empty calories in your post pregnancy diet.

Stay away from carbonated drinks: drink plenty of water and natural juices. Be cautious about your fat and carbohydrate intake. Start healthy eating habits which means eating only when hungry and not just to fill time or satisfy your taste buds.

This will not only help you lose your post pregnancy weight, but also give you an opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle for years to come. 

Maintain a Food Journal

Keep a tab on your post pregnancy food intake. Analyze the amount of empty calories consumed and chart out plans to eat healthy, nutritious food. Motivate yourself to stick to your nutrition plan by maintaining your food journal.

Accept Your Time Constraints 

Caring for a newborn is definitely highly challenging as well as time consuming. If you find yourself getting too stressful, do not get worried about missing exercise deadlines to lose post pregnancy weight.

Instead, phase your exercises throughout your day and spending a few minutes every couple of hours will make all the difference.

Dealing with Mood Swings

The hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy and after is often difficult to deal with. Post pregnancy mood swings and irritability are all part of the process.

Do not be too hard on yourself for feeling lost or depressed.  Make time for yourself to do the things that you love.

Do not be guilty for longing for some “me time”. If you are happy and content, you can take better care of your baby.

Find Support and Guidance

Seeking the counsel of family and friends will help you gain valuable knowledge about everything you need to know from raising a baby to losing post pregnancy weight.

Talk to them about your experiences, about having a baby and getting back in shape. Surround yourself with people you love, so that you have a positive environment to raise your baby and take care of yourself.

Focus on the Bigger Picture

Accept that your body has undergone drastic post pregnancy changes and will probably never be the same again. Learn to love yourself and maintain your post pregnancy body in the best way possible.

Being skinny is less important than being fit and healthy. Do what is best for you and your baby. Enjoy and embrace this new phase of your life.

How did you deal with your post pregnancy weight? Please share your tips with us!

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About The Author

Mark Snachez has been writing for Dailychump.org a health magazine. Visit our site to get tips that really work for weight loss, relationships, fitness, beauty, skin care and much more.

 Image Source: stevesimpson1