How to Get Rid of Pregnancy Weight
Tabloid stories feature a constant stream of celebrities who seem to give birth one week and are back in a bikini the next, but that is simply not realistic for anyone to expect, particularly if you do not have access to a personal trainer or chef. Laura Riley, author of "You & Your Baby: Pregnancy" and Massachusetts General Hospital director of labor and delivery and obstetrics, reminds new moms it took nine months to gain all that weight, so it will take some time to lose it. If you follow a balanced, healthy diet and get some exercise, though, you can fit back in that bikini again, even if there aren't any paparazzi around to publicize your achievement.
Things You'll Need
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Low-fat dairy products
- High-fiber foods
- Low-calorie liquids
- Stroller
Instructions
Delay your diet to give your body the time it needs to recover from the strain of child birth. Don't even try to count calories until at least six weeks after you deliver the baby. Wait two months if you're breastfeeding, since dieting can reduce your milk supply and even release harmful toxins into your milk. Don't slow the healing time by trying for rapid weight loss -- instead, aim for a loss of approximately 1 1/2 pounds per week. Nibble throughout the day rather than consuming three large meals. Take a tip from American Dietetic Association Spokeswoman Tammy Baker, who recommends you eat small, frequent meals in order to keep your blood sugar levels steady. This will also help prevent you from overeating and will allow you to burn calories more efficiently. Try for five or six small meals consisting of something along the lines of half a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a glass of milk. Choose healthy foods, such as whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Eat plenty of high-fiber foods, such as bran cereal, oatmeal, berries and prunes, as these are not only low in calories and fat but will also help you overcome postpartum constipation. Limit sugary or fatty snacks and opt for broiled or baked, rather than fried, foods. The National Institutes of Health's website Medline Plus recommends drinking at least 64 ounces of liquids per day to help your body flush out fat. Limit sodas, juices and other high-calorie beverages, however, as these won't help you shed unwanted pounds. Exercise with baby in order to get your metabolism back in gear. Get out and push your baby around the block in a stroller, or incorporate baby into your exercise routine. Follow the recommendation of Pilates expert Brooke Siler, who suggests you tone your abs by holding your baby out in front of you with both arms, keeping your back straight and shoulders down while you pull your belly in toward your spine. Postpartum fitness expert Renee M. Jeffreys also endorses working out along with your baby, perhaps by holding him to your chest as you do lunges or by holding him above your chest as you lie on your back, then slowly lifting him up toward the ceiling a few times. Get enough rest. Catch a nap whenever your baby does. This will help offset the upset to your metabolism resulting from sleep deprivation and will also prevent you from needing to binge on high-calorie foods as a way to keep up your energy. Previous:No
