Many pregnant women worry about their size, looks and what happens to their bodies after child birth. This is because pregnant women crave a lot of weird food and gain extra pounds during pregnancy. From your body changing shape to your ankles swelling and of course your baby bump. Now that you have your bundle of joy in your arms, you may feel you want to regain your pre-pregnancy body.
But don’t panic, mums! Losing pregnancy weight need not be a challenge like you think. The important thing is not to rush into changing your body – after all, it’s taken nine months to look this way.
Here are some helpful tips to get you started in your goal to drop “baby fat”.
Breastfeed to lose baby weight
Some women are uncertain about the idea of breastfeeding; about people seeing, what it could do to their breasts, or perhaps it seems unnatural to them. But breast milk is considered the way forward. Not only is it exactly what your baby needs, readily available and free, but the best news is that it can help you shed the baby weight, as mums naturally burn calories to produce breast milk every time they breastfeed.
Jog or Powerwalk with Your Newborn
Jogging or powerwalking are not only excellent ways to keep fit but they also aid weight loss; roughly each mile the average person will burn around 100 calories. But what’s better is that you can take your baby with you in their pram. This provides your little one with some fresh air and change of scenery, while you’re able to slot in some calorie burning. Head to your local park or the Ikoyi-Lekki link bridge and be a yummy mummy lunging and power walking your way to a slimmer body. Look out for prams designed for this kind of activity, called jogging prams, which are streamlined and designed not to topple.
Join the Company of Other Mums
Misery loves company may be clue here. Not only good for moral support and sympathetic conversation, but you can also see what other mums are doing that works for them. A mum who is on a second or third child can share a lot of wisdom to a first timer.
Also, it might be easier to take up jogging or going through a video workout routine if you have some others in your situation to encourage you.
Try Zumba for New Mums
Zumba combines Latin dance, pumping music and aerobic routines to help you trim down and tone up. Zumba is an excellent full body workout which really burns the calories; up to 500 an hour in fact. Not only do you lose weight but it’s also a great time to de-stress; exercise releases endorphins so you’ll leave feeling more relaxed – the perfect state for a new mum. It’s also a time to socialise, as women of all ages can enjoy the classes. Take an hour out of your parenting schedule and join the Zumba craze.
To Lose Weight Get Plenty of Rest
As a new mum you will be sleep deprived and have an unusual sleep pattern, so it’s natural for your body to crave more food (usually of the sugary or fatty variety) to give you the energy boost you desire. If your baby is sleeping, so should you. A baby’s needs can impose strange sleep cycles on adults and this can upset the metabolism and this makes it hard to lose pregnancy weight. Sleeping when the baby sleeps will allow you to avoid any long-term sleep deficits. That will keep your energy levels high and help keep sugar cravings for energy in check.
If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t have the energy to keep yourself moving through your waking hours, much less want to work out or get your exercise.
Eat your way to a better post-pregnancy body
It’s the same whether you want to lose your holiday weight or whether you’re trying to get rid of your post-birth bump; what you eat affects your weight. During the pregnancy you should aim to eat healthily to keep your body and your baby’s development in top shape. But the same applies after the birth. While it may be tempting to save time by eating fast food, this won’t do you any favours in losing the baby weight or keeping you energised. Keep wholegrain, fruit, vegetable, lean meat, fish and water intakes topped up and try to maintain the pregnancy rules of no alcohol and limited caffeine.
Consider Natural Weight Loss Remedies
Many ingredients included in weight loss supplements are not approved for women who are pregnant or nursing. Consider some natural weight loss foods that will stem your hunger or affect your metabolism in a healthy way. Not all of these may set well with you, but give some a try.
>Try some apple cider vinegar in hot water two or three times a day to help reduce fat.
>Taking lime and honey in water a couple times a day is a natural weight loss remedy.
>Tea made from Indian plum leaves has fat burning properties. Drink some twice day.
>Green tea has excellent properties that help weight loss. Drink it often during the day.
>A cabbage dish once a day is good for weight loss – low in calories and high in fibre.
>Taken twice a day, acai berry juice can be an effective weight loss remedy.
>Munch on negative calorie foods like celery, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Allow Your Body to Recuperate
Experts advise against going on a diet right after giving birth. Getting your body back means thinking about your health first – your body is trying to repair itself. Do not rush into things, but do not be too relaxed either.
Your body should be given enough time to recuperate and restore its normal processes. The weight may not fall off as quickly as you would like, but if you stick to it and follow the guidelines above, you will ultimately please yourself. And you won’t have to go thumbing through a trashy tabloid to see how the stars lose their post-pregnancy flab.
Source:Â realbuzz/expertenough
Do you have futher suggestions, that would help mums trim down? We hope to hear from you. You can send your mail to [email protected]