Welcoming your new bundle of joy in this world is a very elated feeling. However, most new moms are worried about all the excess weight that they have gained.
Here are some handy tips to ensure weight loss after pregnancy:
1) Do Not Diet
It may sound weird but if you go on a proper diet, you might be derailing your ‘after-pregnancy’ weight loss goals. When you deprive yourself of your favourite foods while already being stressed out by being a new mom, it can result in weight gain.
Health experts are of the opinion that if you eat healthy and according to your hunger, you will find the weight reducing naturally. Eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods. Snack on healthy stuff like apple, carrots and whole wheat crackers. Never go below 1,800 calories a day especially if you are breastfeeding.
2) Eat more super Foods
Choose foods that are light in calories and fat and heavy in nutrients. One of those super foods is fish as it is packed with omega 3 (especially DHA) that helps in developing a healthy brain and nervous system in new borns. Even milk and yoghurt are good as they are high in calcium. For protein you can have beans, lean meat and chicken. Protein tends to keep you full for long.
3) Breastfeed
There are mixed opinions about breastfeeding and weight loss. However, one thing is for sure that it is good for the infant. It boosts the baby’s immunity and provides a lot of important health benefits. Nursing needs you to add 300 calories a daily diet. Just ensure that you are not using breastfeeding as an excuse to eat what you want!
4) Drink water
Drink water to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated. It will fill your belly and also speed up your metabolism. You should have a minimum of the recommended 8 glasses a day.
5) Exercise
Apart from diet, in order to ensure Weight Loss After Pregnancy, you need to do aerobic and strength training exercises to burn calories and keep your muscles and bones strong. Exercising is not just helpful for weight loss. It helps the new mom fight depression, a sleep issue or stress. Just take baby dear out in a stroller to get some exercise every day. You might not get 30 mins for yourself at a stretch to work out with a new baby around, break it into 10 min instalments instead.
Carrying the baby around is a workout in itself. However, lifting light weights is a good idea. However before getting into any exercise routine, get the doctor’s approval if you have had a C-section.
6) Get ample sleep
It may seem impossible to sleep for 8 hours in a row when you need to meet the demands of the baby. However, when you are sleep deprived, shedding weight can be harder. Sleep deprivation makes you feel tired and that makes the body release stress hormones that promote weight gain! So, the best piece of advice is to sleep when your baby sleeps, which means several little naps during the day and throughout the night.