Getting in shape after pregnancy can be extremely difficult. Aside from gaining weight, you gain a larger appetite, go through random cravings, lose some mobility and will soon lose out on some “me time.” With that in mind, it requires a bit of determination and a little help from your friends and family to get you back on track to have you looking like your old self again…or maybe even a new you!
Take Naps
While it may seem near impossible to get as much sleep as you once used to, taking naps and catching some Z’s is crucial when it comes to losing and maintaining your weight. Lack of sleep slows down your metabolism, thus preventing you from losing weight or even causing you to gain more weight. We encourage you to try to get some napping in while your little one does the same or even get your significant other or family member to watch the baby while you get some rest. Remember, if Mom isn’t happy, then no one is.
Breastfeed
During and after pregnancy, your body will be going through a lot of changes and producing milk is certainly one of them. Fortunately, there’s a brighter side to that change – breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can actually burn an astounding amount of calories, letting you take in more calories than normal – hence, “eating for two” – and still lose weight. You can actually burn up to 700 calories a day by breastfeeding. But just remember that once you stop it, your body will no longer be able to lose weight while taking in more calories. As you begin to wean your baby off, you should also lower your calorie intake to prepare your body for the change.
Take a Walk
Right after pregnancy, your body may not be ready to get back into a complete exercise routine. Start out by taking it slow. Walk around the house and soon take the baby out for a walk in your new stroller. That’s right, it’s time to put that stroller to use! Taking a walk outside will help your body get acclimated again and will get you out of the house. There’s nothing worse than feeling trapped in your own home. Plus, the baby might enjoy the fresh air and find its happy place (aka stop crying) while on the move. Once you are ready, you may even want to upgrade to the jogger! And always remember that every little bit of movement counts.
Eat Healthy Snacks
As a new mom, you may want to start thinking about those snacks that you are having. If you are breastfeeding, your baby will be taking in a decent amount of what you are putting in your own body. With that in mind, be mindful of what is in your snacks. If you are having too many sweets, then your blood sugar level can cause you to crash and be tired a lot quicker than normal – making taking care of your little one a lot harder. Go for the healthy snacks such as veggies and fruits. Yogurt is a great option as it has a good source of calcium for you and your baby, and can even aid your weight loss.
Create a Mom Group
Remember, you aren’t in this alone. Finding a group of new moms is a great way to have support and encouragement along your journey in being a parent and weight loss. As a group, you can share healthy recipes, parenting tips and go on walks, runs and take exercise classes together. Going at it alone is hard and many people don’t quite understand the same struggle like fellow moms do. Plus, you will soon have lifelong friends for yourself and your little one.
Be Patient
It’s difficult looking in the mirror after gaining all that baby weight. And it’s even more annoying when you see celebrity moms shedding off that weight in no time. It’s frustrating, but you have to realize that most people don’t have access to nannies, a personal trainer and a chef like most celebrity moms do. Plus, many go on a crazy, unhealthy diet to shed those extra pounds because they have a photoshoot or a movie to get ready for. While that may seem nice, you have to realize that losing weight after a pregnancy can be a long journey. You should never overindulge on workouts where you push yourself to over exhaustion or starve yourself by eating 1,000 calories a day. If you try too hard or end up too exhausted you may find yourself frustrated and end up quitting altogether. With that, we remind you to be patient and listen to your body.
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