Personal Trainers Forum

[nishpaul]

5 Ways To Lose The Weight After Birth

Being pregnant and seeing your body grow and expand to sizes
and shapes you never thought possible, you may wonder if your
body will ever be the same again. While pregnant your body is
considered beautiful, purposeful, and miraculous. Many of us
however, give birth, and then cringe each time we pass a mirror.
Luckily we have our little ones to look at instead. And of
course that bundle of joy is worth every newly put on pound, but
how can you get back to your old body? Here are five effective
ways that worked for me and countless other new moms wanting to
re claim their pre-prego bod.

1. Only gain the recommended 25-35 lbs. If you are underweight
to begin with you may need to gain a little more, you can talk
to your doctor about what the exact appropriate weight gain
should be for you. Keeping active and eating healthy are
essential to not gaining more weight than is actually needed.
You should never "diet" while pregnant, just be cautious of
extra calories. Just because you are pregnant does not mean it
is a free for all. Your baby needs healthy calories, and it is
better for you to stay active. Remember for every extra 6 lbs
you gain over this amount- you can add one month to reach your
previous weight and shape.

2. Breastfeeding. Breast milk is the best start for your baby
anyways, and aside from all the benefits it offers your baby, it
helps you to burn between 350-500 calories a day. That is the
equivalent of an extremely strenuous workout, and all you had to
do was sit on the couch and bond with your child. You will find
that breastfeeding not only helps you loose the weight, but also
helps you regain your shape.

3. Eat Healthy. You spent the last nine months making sure you
were sending your baby only healthy and nutritious things. Why
stop now? Hopefully by now you have a habit of eating what is
good for you. Don't waste calories on unhealthy treats and fast
food. If you are breastfeeding you need to watch what you are
eating anyways. Keep healthy snacks around like cut up veggies
and fruit and remember that drinks have calories too. Be aware
of how many calories are in your coffee or juice. Try to drink
10-12 glasses of water a day. You need water for your body to
help flush out the fat and toxins of extra weight, plus it will
help you feel less hungry.

4. Play with your baby. Find ways to be with your baby that can
burn a few calories. Get a pack and walk around the neighborhood
with him. These extra 10-15lbs you are carrying around will make
your walk more effective. There are tons of exercises you can
also do while pushing a stroller. Get a group of mommies and go
together for support. Your baby might also enjoy watching you
dance around the room, lay on your back and "super baby" him
with your legs, lay him on the floor and do push ups up and down
where he can see your face moving up and down.

5. When you feel ready, and after your body has had the chance
to recover physically from the birth get out and exercise. Have
your spouse, a friend or relative take the baby for just 30
minutes a few times a week so you can. It will be good for you
to have a little break and just focus on yourself. Consider
joining a gym, health club, or community center where aerobics,
yoga, or water aerobics are taught. Walking and light running
are also ideal. You will also want to include toning exercises
into your routine, you do want to regain your shape and not just
your weight. Various kinds of sit-ups and crunches are
important, as well as lunges, push ups, and leg lifts.

Don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away.
Remember your body has gone through a lot and you have a
precious little baby as the result. Your body is amazing. It may
take some time and effort but you will look and feel like your
old self again. Take it slow and always consult your doctor
about what will work and is best for you specifically to loose
the post pregnancy weight.