How to Lose Weight Effectively After Pregnancy
Weight Loss Help for New Moms to Shed the Extra Pounds
Nov 13, 2009
New mothers often face the problem of extra pounds and inches that have piled up during pregnancy. Losing weight becomes difficult since there is a little baby that needs to be cared for. However, there is weight loss help available, which offers effective ways to lose weight now. Here are some easy weight loss tips and ideas for new moms to help get started.
Weight Loss Foods – Eat to Lose Weight Now
For new moms, keeping healthy food options around the house and taking care of caloric requirements as well is an important step in losing weight effectively. WebMD experts state that breastfeeding mothers should avoid weight loss diets to prevent depriving baby of nourishment. High-fiber foods, fruits, lean protein are all foods that will help to lose weight.
On the other hand, for mothers who are not breastfeeding, weight loss can be initiated by simple steps such as eating three to four small, healthy meals and snacks for energy and nutrition, reducing or eliminating alcohol, junk food and sugary desserts and drinks, and staying hydrated with water and nutritious beverages.
Exercise Will Help to Lose Stomach Weight
Gaining weight around the stomach is a common enough occurrence during pregnancy. New mothers can start incorporating exercise gradually and slowly, after checking with a health care professional. The Woman's Day Weight Loss Plan recommends joining a mother's club that offers babysitting and exercise programs. Alternatively, new moms can use bonding time with baby to go for short walks or use baby’s nap time to fit in an exercise or yoga video.
Losing Weight Gradually Works Best for New Moms
A slow and steady weight loss of one to two pounds per week is what most new mothers should aim for. This goal can be achieved by paying attention to calories, food choices and starting an exercise routine. According to Kathy Keenan Isoldi, new moms should “…give yourself six weeks to adjust to your baby and schedule.” Lactating mothers should wait until weaning baby before starting on any weight loss plan.
Yoga and meditation will help to limber up the muscles, regain flexibility and also maintain a positive frame of mind. Invest in a yoga DVD to practice with when baby naps. Meditate for 10-15 minutes a day to calm the mind and relax the senses. Do understand and accept that having a baby is a huge change and can get stressful. Don’t let weight loss become an additional source of stress. Let it be gradual and sensible and the gained pounds and inches will melt away soon enough.
More Effective Weight Loss Tips
More weight loss for new moms include:
- Stock up on healthy snacks that are nutritious as well as filling. The Woman’s Day Weight Loss Plan has a whole list of healthy snacks for the new mom.
- Have someone baby-sit in order to make time for exercise.
- Get motivated to lose weight by putting up pre-pregnancy pictures or taking out pre-pregnancy clothes.
- Try and get at least six hours or more of sleep. According to WebMD, studies show that moms who slept less than six hours had more difficulty losing weight than those who slept more than six hours.
- Make small but significant changes that will result in losing weight in the long run. For instance, refuse second helpings of dessert instead of cutting it out completely.
Use these ideas and tips to create a weight loss system that is best suited to one’s own individual requirements and needs. Being a new mom can be a stressful job and the desire to lose the excess weight can make it even more so. Adopting a healthy eating pattern, regular exercise and staying positive and motivated will help most new mothers to shed pounds and inches and achieve a slimmer, healthier figure.
Readers of this article may like How to Choose the Best Weight Loss Camp, Five Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety and A Beginner's Guide to Meditation.
References:
- WebMD
- Isoldi, Kathy Keenan. The Woman’s Day Weight Loss Plan: Lose Weight, Eat Right, Be Fit and Feel Great at Every Stage in Life. Filipacchi Publishing, 2002.
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