Best Weight Loss Tips For After Delivery

Weight loss after delivery is a goal of many new mothers. And it is reachable! Many women, however, find it really hard. Some believe this might be because they are breastfeeding, some others think that is because they are at home all day long, moving less and eating more, others find different reasons for that. But in reality, losing weight after having a baby is not very difficult, you just have to choose the right path and stick to it – follow the right steps each and every day, to achieve your goal.

• Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water every day. Replace your high sugar beverages such as sodas and juices with some water and a squeeze of fresh lemon. You could also try flavored seltzer water which has no calories. You can cut out hundreds of calories a day this way.
• Keep healthy snacks handy such as raisins, popcorn, wheat crackers, and nuts. Refuse to buy store-bought baked goods or junk food.
• Eat lean meats such as boneless chicken and the leanest cuts of beef.
• Eat whole grains (breads, cereals, pastas) instead of the “white” versions.
• Don’t be fooled by foods that are labeled as nonfat. Some are loaded with calories and can have hydrogenated vegetable oils and/or high fructose corn syrup, neither of which are healthy. Read your labels!
• Resist the urge to indulge in a fast food meal. Or if you do, order the salad and not the fat-filled burgers and fries.
• As soon as you feel ready, start light exercise. Weather-permitting, take a 10 minute walk with the baby every day and slowly increase your time to 20 minutes per day. Babies can be worn in a snugli or sling or you can use a baby jogger or stroller when they get too heavy. Even better, walk at a regular time with a friend.
• Find easy ways to increase your exercise like parking farther away or using stairs instead of elevators.
• Breastfeeding uses up your fat stores! Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories per day so the longer you breastfeed, the more calories you burn.
• Consider joining a gym and trade babysitting hours with a friend so when you each go to do your workout, the other can watch the babies. Some gyms may offer babysitting services as well.

Weight Loss Guidelines For New Moms

The fastest, most effective way to lose weight and regain your figure is to make it part of an overall program, involving diet, exercise and general lifestyle changes. Here are a few sensible guidelines.

Look After Your Body

Your body has just undergone enormous strain. In addition, your new arrival means you are going to need all the energy you can get. So make sure you eat properly and maintain your health.

Eat Properly

The American Medical Association has stressed the importance of eating a diet that is nutritionally sound: i.e. a diet low in fat (not fat-free), nutrient-dense (i.e., full of vitamins and minerals) and high in fiber. This applies to all new moms, regardless of weight. The two biggest mistakes you can make is (a) Start eating junk food, or (b) Go on a crash diet. Either action is guaranteed to make you fat and unhealthy.

Find Out About Food

Contact your doctor or local clinic. Educate yourself about nutrition, rather than weight loss.

Start Exercising

• Develop a personal exercise plan. Think it through, before you start.
• Ideally, recruit a partner, a friend or another new mom to exercise with you.
• Aim to work towards a regular 30 minutes exercise, per day.
• Set little goals, like 10-minutes of exercise each day, then gradually increase it.
• The best time to start exercising is about 6 weeks after the birth.
• Hollywood stars are often photographed working out within hours of the birth of their child. This is not healthy. Do not be tempted to copy them unless you do so under expert professional care.
• Pay particular attention to strengthening the pelvic area.

Remember: exercise gives you more energy, not less.