Top 5 Tips For Losing Weight After Having A Baby
Just about every new mum is really concerned with how to go about shedding those extra pounds left over from her pregnancy as quickly as possible. While they will naturally lose the weight over time, many mothers want even faster results, and that is where diet and exercise come into play shortly after giving birth.
While you certainly don’t want to have to starve yourself, nor will you have the time to count calories or follow programs that are too complicated, if you are a new mum who wants to lose weight and get back into her pre-baby shape, there are many things that you should do to make sure you maintain your health while losing the pounds fast.
1. Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day will prevent you from becoming dehydrated and will also prevent you from looking for foods to fill you up. By drinking enough water, you will also maintain a steady metabolism, which is necessary for losing weight by burning through calories and fat. Just make sure you drink pure, filtered water instead of sugary drinks like juices and sodas, which will add calories to your daily diet.
2. Eat Healthy Snacks Throughout the Day
As a new mum, you will be more than busy, so you may not find enough time in the day to even eat full meals. Keep yourself going by snacking on foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre so that you will stay fuller longer and you will also have plenty of energy to keep you going for a few hours as opposed to constantly crashing from sugary, simple carbohydrate snacks like cookies and chips. Look for whole grain or whole wheat crackers, baby carrots, fresh vegetables and fruits, and other satiating snacks.
3. Breastfeed Your Baby
Some research has shown that breastfeeding helps new mums shed their extra pregnancy pounds faster than mothers who choose not to breastfeed. While there is a debate as to whether or not this is entirely true, it is worth it to try it, especially since breastfeeding your baby will provide him with vital nutrients and immune-boosting properties that are not found in store-bought baby formulas.
4. Stay Active and Start a Workout Routine
As a new mum who is probably also sleep-deprived, it is probably easier to say you will stay active than to actually do it. But try your best to fit in some form of an exercise routine every day, whether it means taking your baby out for a walk in her stroller, jogging with the stroller, climbing stairs around your home, or lifting and lowering your baby as you play with her. All of these seemingly simple, everyday activities actually help you shed pounds, gain muscle, and lose weight faster.
5. Unwind and Get Enough Sleep
Making sure you get enough sleep and finding ways to ease your stress can help you stave off extra pounds that can occur as a result of stress hormones.
Jessica McDonald is a professional trainer. Jessica works with new mothers and develops excellent exercise regimes to help them loose the weight gained during pregnancy. Jessica frequently visits easynappies.co.uk to gain further information for her clients and their babies.