Top 4 Tips For Weight Loss After Pregnancy

After nine months of steadily getting bigger and growing your baby, it’s now time to get that post-baby body back into shape. Amongst the riot of hormones going through your body as it begins to regulate itself, you might be feeling less than your best. You might even feel unattractive and ungainly now that you’ve had a baby. Arm yourself with the motivation you need and with these 4 tips for efficient and healthy weight loss after pregnancy, you’ll soon be able to trim down and feel more yourself.

Read on for the best way to go about losing weight after giving birth.

An Important Note

First of all, note that you shouldn’t expect to lose all the baby weight instantly. If you gained the pregnancy weight (25-35 pounds) the doctor recommended, it might take at least two months, but probably more than that, especially if you plan to breast-feed your newborn. If you managed to gain more than that, pencil in your goal for weight loss after pregnancy for at least a year in the future.

In short, don’t be discouraged if it takes you a little longer in either case. The important thing is keeping up your health, particularly if you’ve got a newborn baby around!

Tips For Weight Loss After Pregnancy

1. Avoid fad dieting! It’s not healthy to just drink cranberry juice or green tea or whatever the cleanse of the month is. Instead, focus on moderation or you’ll be obsessed with whatever you’re depriving yourself of. Balance your postpartum diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat bread but leave a little room for a naughty dessert now and again. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water as well.

2. Increase your physical activity! Start by planning a varied regimen of strength training and aerobic exercise that will keep up your strength and burn calories. You can also just walk briskly around the neighborhood with stroller in tow to start burning those extra calories. Not finding the time to exercise at least 30 minutes a day? Try breaking it up into three 10-minute segments throughout the day and become the next weight loss after pregnancy success story.

3. Try to sleep as much as possible! Now that might seem impossible with a newborn baby in the house, but it will help you in your goal of losing postpartum weight. If you’re tired, the hormone cortisol builds up in your body, which encourages weight gain. Whenever possible, try taking a nap when the baby does it as well – it will make you feel less tired.

4. Ask for help! Don’t be afraid to seek out help when you find yourself having trouble. Many community centers offer Mommy and Me classes that incorporate exercise with your baby. Team up with new mothers to encourage each other and if you’re truly having trouble, seek the help of your doctor or a physical trainer.

Although the role of breast-feeding in weight loss after pregnancy isn’t absolutely proven, many people believe that it can only help. Just keep an eye on the calorie intake, as you’ll need more if you’re feeding your baby.

The most important thing you need to remember is that you just spent nine months gaining the baby weight. Losing it can take longer than that, but if you work constantly and patiently at it, you will lose the pregnancy weight. You’ll be feeling yourself in no time!