Tips For Losing Weight After Pregnancy
Losing weight after pregnancy is often really hard. You want to return to your pre-baby body, but it just doesn't seem to happen.
Remember, you had nine months to put the weight on, give it some time. Your body has been through incredible changes followed by the most amazing workout ever, so be kind to it. Your life has been turned upside down by the addition of a demanding little person who forgot to bring the users manual, so give yourself a break!
Getting back some muscle tone in your abdominals is a great first step; they have been stretched beyond recognition and need some help. Start with those pelvic floor exercises you've been shown. These muscles can be contracted at any time when you are sitting, standing or lying. Try to think about doing five slow contractions several times through your day. Gently work your abdominals: sit in a chair and slowly straighten your knees and raise your feet off the floor and hold for three. Repeat.
You are probably feeling tired most of the day, but don't let this stop you getting some exercise. Exercise will strengthen muscles, burn calories, give you renewed energy and improve your mood. Many people have some type of exercise machine at home; if you do, aim for two five minute sessions a day. Baby can lie on the floor and watch! Start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration as you feel able to.
If you don't have machine there are other gentle workouts you can do. Go for a walk for 15 to 20 minutes a day; take baby with you or get someone to baby-sit for you. Other short workouts you can do are step-ups, jump rope, dancing, running on the spot and squats. Exercise briskly enough to increase your breathing and heart rate.
Watching your diet will help with losing weight after pregnancy. You might find eating 6 smaller meals or snacks beneficial. Include some protein with every meal; add fruit and vegetables and some wholegrain food. Have healthy snacks handy to avoid reaching for snacks loaded with sugar and fat; nuts or yogurt make a great snack to grab on the run.