A lot of women will gain at least 20 pounds for the whole duration of their pregnancy. That’s normal. In fact, pregnant women are expected to eat a lot and gain weight to keep the baby healthy. However, the problem lies as soon as you give birth. Even if you can lose at least 10lbs immediately after giving birth, most women have a problem getting their pre-pregnancy body again. While it may take some time before you are able to get that waistline back, here are a few tips that will help you put back into shape after giving birth.
1. Breastfeed
Aside from the health benefits that is beneficial for the baby, not to mention the savings and convenience, breastfeeding can help you lose weight. When you are nursing your child, your body releases oxytocin which helps your uterus to contract and return to its original size and shape.
Further, the fat stored in the body which was gained during pregnancy will be burned and utilized during lactation, thus helping you to lose those pounds.
2. Eat Healthily
Now that you’ve given birth, there is no excuse to overeat. As much as possible, eat healthy foods that are rich in protein and carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. You need the right amount of nutrients in your body especially when you are lactating.
Watch your fats and calorie intake so avoid any junk food or soda or drinks with artificial sweeteners. Your body is still recuperating so it still needs the necessary nutrients to repair itself.
3. Be Active
It is advisable for new moms to exercise after 6 weeks from giving birth, although it may take longer for those who underwent Cesarean section. Nevertheless, take it easy on your physical activities. Try walking around your area first or go up and down and the stairs. When you are fully recovered, incorporate cardio exercises such as running or biking or if you’re into flexibility, go for Yoga or Pilates.
It doesn’t matter what type of exercise you want to do. What matters most is for you to move around and be active once again to shed off those pounds.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Never take sleep for granted. You need the right amount of rest and energy to help you blast through the day.
When you are sleep-deprived, there is a tendency for you to have lower levels of energy and can make you crave sweets, thus impedes your goal to lose weight. So when the baby is asleep, get some rest too.
5. It’s All About Commitment
Losing weight is a commitment. You need to keep in mind that to get back into shape, there is a need for you to work hard for it. If you are not dedicated enough to do this, then you will never have that pre-pregnancy body back.
Set your goal and make sure you’ll put all the necessary efforts to achieve that goal.
While losing weight is a priority, don’t rush yourself into exercising. Give your body some time to adjust first before doing any physical activities. You’ll eventually get your body back in no time.
Unfortunately for some, there are those who have a hard time achieving their pre-pregnancy body which they attribute to several reasons. While this may be the case, getting that body back is not very difficult to achieve for as long as you are dedicated. In fact, here are five ways that can greatly help women to get back into shape after pregnancy.