Lose Weight After Giving Birth: 5 Simple Ideas You Can Follow

Sep 03, 2009 @ 11:30 am by Guest Author

You just gave birth, your 8-pound baby is out and you still get asked When are you due? Its horrible really, but post-pregnancy weight loss takes time and effort. This article will discuss what it takes to get you back in shape post-delivery. Yes, you can reclaim your body post-baby!

First, be realistic. Your body went through a major upheaval carrying your baby for 9 months or so. Do not expect it to snap back into shape instantly. It is especially crucial to lose weight gradually after giving birth.

Post-pregnancy, your body is still recovering. Diet pills or quick weight loss programs are a no-no for women who just gave birth. Suddenly getting back into strenuous exercise is also not advisable. Keep these in mind to make sure you and your baby are both healthy.

But do not lose heart. There ARE ways to lose weight post-pregnancy. Just be smart about it. Here are 5 great tips for losing weight after baby:

1. Breast feed. Not only does it help shrink your uterus and tummy back into shape, breast feeding alone burns up to about 500 calories a day. Breast feeding is not just about providing the most perfect food for your little one, it is also one of the best ways for you to burn calories. To make breast milk requires burning your fat stores!

2. Eat well. Avoid the usual high fat, high sugar and high sodium foods. These foods are not only high calorie - they are low in nutrition. Opt to eat plenty of fruits, whole grains, fiber rich food and a good amount of lean protein to keep you strong and healthy enough to care for your baby - not to mention trim down those extra inches.

3. Drink plenty of water. It is especially important to keep hydrated if you are breast feeding. The fluids will also keep your system clean by helping your body excrete toxins. Regular bathroom trips mean a slimmer mid-section as well very useful for post-pregnancy weight loss!

4. Get back into exercise… slowly. When you take time-off baby duty, make sure there’s physical activity included. Mommy-time should involve some light to moderate exercise. You can take daily walks that build up to jogs, then runs. You can also take a dance class or a cadio class at the gym. Just be sure to check with your doctor first before starting an exercise program, especially after giving birth.

5. Bond with your baby. Just choosing bonding activities that involve some action can help you burn calories - and lose some of that stubborn baby weight. Taking the bay to walks in the park burns calories. So do some mommy-and-baby yoga classes. Bond and burn!

Post-pregnancy weight loss is totally doable. Having the baby is no excuse for you to keep those extra pounds on. Many have lost weight after giving birth. You can too!

Just remember: it takes some time and effort. Be disciplined with your food and stick to your exercise schedule. Follow our top 5 tips! Yes, you CAN get back into shape post-pregnancy!

Discover the secrets of quick weight loss with quick and easy tips from Patsie Adams. Visit Patsie’s blog for daily advice on smart healthy weight loss, plus motivation to keep you on track.