Mamabee

5 Ways to Optimize Your Weight Loss After Pregnancy

You’re full of joy at the birth of your snuggly newborn. Your days are bursting with diaper changes, feedings, and adorable costume changes. And here are five steps to help you shed those excess pounds more effortlessly. 

Don’t Rush the Process

Weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy, and research shows that most women hang on to a minimum of 2.5 to 5 pounds – and more – after they give birth. Experts agree you can return to your normal, healthy weight over time. And if you went into your pregnancy with unwanted pounds, you can lose those as well. 

1. Healthy Eating is Crucial

When you incorporate healthful, natural foods into your eating plan, you’ll get the nutrients you need to recover from childbirth, and you’ll keep your energy up to meet the extra demands of mothering. And nutritious foods promote consistent and permanent weight loss. If you ensure those foods are high in nutrients, you can meet your nutritional needs by less calories and still lose the excess fat.

 2. Consider Breastfeeding

The milk your body makes for your baby is the most nutritionally complete food you can give your baby. It’s at the perfect temperature, and it contains the beneficial bacteria your child needs to establish a vigorous gut microbiome and a robust immune system. Breastfeeding encourages your uterus to shrink to its pre-baby size, which flattens your belly. And research shows, breastfeeding may help you reduce your body fat.

3. Introduce Movement

If you choose to add a workout to your daily routine, take it slow, and don’t over-do it. Your strength and endurance will return in no-time, and you will have time for more vigorous exercise sessions soon. Also, give yourself time to recover from your pregnancy before you incorporate activity into your day. Pregnancy and childbirth take an enormous toll on your body. Be kind and gentle with yourself.

After childbirth, the best way to get moving is to exercise with your baby. That way, you get exercise, and it doesn’t take precious time away from your newborn.

4. Get Your Zzz’s

Sleep when the baby sleeps, if you can. Dim the lights, put on relaxing music, and avoid using television as a way to drop off to sleep. When you fall asleep watching tv, it can interrupt your body’s ability to reach the vital REM cycles you need to refresh. 

5. Try Intermittent Fasting for Beginners

Intermittent fasting is a highly effective lifestyle change that helps you lose weight. If you’re not familiar with intermittent fasting, it’s an eating protocol that gives you a window of time to eat all of your days worth of nutrients. The best protocol to start with is 12:12, since it’s mild and easy to follow. In this case, your eating window would last for 12 hours, followed by a 12-hour fast.

The health of you and your baby is your top priority. So, set realistic expectations, and let your body tell you what is and isn’t working for you.Please remember to check with your doctor before you incorporate exercise or make any changes to your eating plan.

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