Becoming a mother is undoubtedly one of life’s most joyful milestones. However, this doesn’t make it any less challenging. The lack of a proper sleep schedule, the constant worry for your bundle of joy, and the fact that your body is still recovering can be quite tall hurdles.
Moreover, now that the baby is out of your protective womb and you’ve had the chance to wrap your head around your new reality, you may start thinking about shedding the weight gained during pregnancy. But, regaining your pre-baby figure can be a bit of a struggle, especially when it comes to finding practical solutions amidst the hectic demands of newborn care.
But don’t worry, we know you don’t have time to research and test all sorts of weight loss methods. That’s why we put together a list of simple and feasible ways to lose those extra pregnancy pounds.
Battling Post-Pregnancy Weight Gain
Before you think about losing weight, you should first understand why you’ve gained these extra pounds during pregnancy. Essentially, weight gain is an absolutely natural and healthy part of pregnancy. Your body builds up reserves to nourish your baby both in the womb and after birth, particularly if you choose to breastfeed.
This weight is not all fat – besides the extra fat storage, it also includes increased blood volume, plus the weight of your baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. This is why losing baby weight more often resembles a marathon than a sprint. The process is slow, and it may take several months to get to your pre-pregnancy weight.
Moreover, medical experts usually recommend waiting until your six-week postpartum checkup before starting any dieting routine or intense workout plan.
Make Healthy Choices
Exercise is great for your mental well-being and your strength, but nutrition is the one that holds the key to weight loss. So, don’t bend over backward to find ways to fit exercise into your already busy life.
Instead, focus on making healthy nutrition choices, such as lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes. Fruits and vegetables – especially those high in fiber like berries and leafy greens – are another excellent food group to prioritize. They offer vital vitamins and minerals, help you feel full, and promote better digestion, which is beneficial for weight loss.
Additionally, proper rest cannot be overstressed when it comes to post-pregnant weight loss. As a new mom, catching up on sleep may feel impossible, but remember that sleep is crucial for recovery from childbirth and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Lack of sleep can lead to increased hunger hormones, making it harder to lose weight.
Make Low-Calorie Cooking a Breeze with Meal Delivery
Nowadays, it is easier than ever to eat well, even if you’re a busy mother with a newborn on her hands. However, there are those times when you simply can’t be bothered to think about finding recipes, shopping for ingredients, and cooking.
That’s when you can have low-calorie meals delivered to your door. With such a service, you get the pre-portioned ingredients, the recipe, and the sauces. All you have to do is assemble the meal and leave it to cook for the indicated amount of time.
Sounds good, right?
Even better, these are highly nutritious meals designed to support your weight-loss efforts without letting your energy levels drop.
Exercise Is Important
As we previously stated, physical activity is fantastic for your body and mind, but your approach towards exercise needs to be cautious, especially soon after child delivery.
Remember that your body is still healing. Jumping straight into intense workouts can potentially slow down your recovery or even put you at risk for injuries. Instead, gentle exercise is the wiser route. Also, ask your doctor when it’s best to go back to physical activity.
Once you’re cleared for gentle exercise, you can have your pick. There are numerous simple workouts that you can gradually incorporate into your daily routine. Walking, for example, is great because it enhances cardiovascular fitness and burns calories without straining your body.
Plus, you can take your bundle of joy on a walk around the neighborhood, so you won’t be separated.
Pilates or yoga make other excellent options in the initial stages post-pregnancy. These forms of exercise focus on strengthening core muscles, an area often weakened during pregnancy, while also enhancing flexibility and promoting relaxation.
Monitor Your Progress
Weight loss, in general, is about consistency and persistence. It isn’t about making significant changes overnight but rather committing to small, sustainable shifts in lifestyle that add up over time.
Therefore, it can be challenging to keep your motivation, especially when you have a fussy baby to keep happy. Also, keep in mind that visible body changes don’t happen instantly.
This is why tracking your progress is incredibly helpful. Start a journal or download a fitness app on your phone to keep track of your food intake, the physical activities you engage in, and even how well-rested you feel each day.
Try not to focus solely on the scale numbers but instead celebrate non-scale victories, like improved energy levels, better-fitting clothes, and healthier skin. All these are signs that your body is responding positively to the lifestyle modifications you’ve made.
Key Takeaways
Weight loss after birth is a slow and steady process, so patience is essential. Be kind to yourself during this time – your body accomplished something amazing and needs time to heal and adapt.
Start with paying more attention to your food choices and prioritize balanced, nutritious meals over restrictive dieting. Also, once you’ve recovered enough, look for an exercise routine that works well for your needs. Physical activity plays a critical role in recovery post-birth and the ensuing weight loss process.
