Most new mums
can’t wait to bounce back to their pre-pregnancy state. For a few mums,
bouncing back comes pretty easy, depending on some factors such as the woman’s
fitness, age and heredity. However, for most mums, losing the baby fat comes
with a price. It’s a healthy price to pay considering you’ll be back in shape,
looking and feeling good soon. So, it’s time to stop wishing the baby fat away
and start doing something about it. Take these decisive steps towards regaining
your pre-pregnancy body:
1. Set a Goal
Set a realistic
weight loss goal and keep to it. How many pounds or kilos are there to lose
altogether? On a weekly basis, how many kilos do you hope to lose? Is one or
two kilos a week realistic for you?
2. Get a Scale and Measuring Tape
Apart from
showing your accurate weight, a digital scale could give you an insight on how
much you lose or gain each day, putting you in check. Don’t expect drastic
changes from day to day as failure to see any can be depressing. Measure your
midriff once a week and write it down. Although using these items can be
depressing when there’s no noticeable difference, they keep your eyes on the
goal, as they inspire and motivate you to work harder to achieve your weight
loss goals.
3. Be Active
As it’s the tradition in this part of
the world, there are probably so many people eager to care for you and your
baby, that there’s next to nothing for you to do. So, when you’re not
breast-feeding your baby, you settle for ceaseless naps, lying down or sitting
to watch TV. You’re probably being fed with a great portion of all kinds of
delicacies for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The aim is to spoil and let you
rest, but all that may soon leave you with more fat to worry about. While I
encourage new mums to rest because their bodies need it, try not to get
lazy. As your body recovers, gradually increase your activity. Being
active will increase your metabolism, thereby burning off fat. Include other
activities like walking, swimming and climbing up and down a flight of stairs,
into your daily routine.
4. Breast-feed Exclusively
Exclusive
breast-feeding helps you burn 600-800 calories per day. If you are not eating
‘for two,’ exclusive breast-feeding affords you quite a convenient means to
shed a reasonable part of the unwanted baby fat and get back to your
pre-pregnancy weight in no time. Just ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids.
It’s been
reported that breast milk tastes sour after a work-out, if this is the case
with you, ensure you breast-feed or express some milk before exercising.
5. Eat Healthily
Reduce your food
portions and eat healthily. You may eat up to five times a day but in small
fistful portions. Eat a balanced meal of foods that are high in fiber, like cereals,
fruits and vegetables, to keep you full for long, and foods rich in protein
like beans, chicken, fish. Eating healthy is important to give you and your
baby the required nutrients in appropriate quantities. Cut out excessive sugar
intake by eliminating fizzy drinks, minerals and sweets from your diet for the duration of your weight loss program.
6. Take
Lots of Fluids
The importance of
drinking cannot be over-emphasized. If you’re breast-feeding, you want to make
sure that you are well hydrated as there will be a huge demand of fluid from
your body. Eat fruits and veggies with high water content like water melon,
apples, carrots, strawberries, lettuce and spinach. Apart from keeping you well
hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids will make you feel full, thereby minimizing
your hunger or craving for food.
7. Settle into an Exercise
Routine
If you’ve had a
normal delivery and you feel up to it, you can start doing light exercises,
though it’s generally recommended to wait from six to eight weeks after, depending
on the type of delivery. Start with your light stretches and “kegel” exercises
or any other you can handle, and then gradually progress into doing more
difficult ones like cardiovascular exercises. Note that it’s important that you
get your doctor’s approval before starting any rigorous exercise regimen,
especially if you had a c-section.
8. Get a Workout Buddy
Finally, have a
workout buddy that shares similar weight loss goals with you. It translates to
having a support system that injects a bit of fun into the whole process,
keeping you motivated enough to achieve your goals.
9. Remember,
no pain; no gain.
So, approach
losing that baby fat with less anxiety, consistent hard work and determination,
putting all the afore-mentioned into practice (no short cuts) and you’ll be
smiling at your mirror again soon enough.
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