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Let's face it, adding on the pounds while you're pregnant is normal, expected and necessary to make sure you and your baby remain healthy during the pregnancy. But once that baby is in your arms it can feel a little overwhelming to look down at your belly and see what has still remained. Add to that a lack of energy and constant sleep deprivation and getting around to trimming down might seem like a daunting task. But trust that it can be done! Below, five tips you can put to use to trim down and get your body in shape post pregnancy.
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- Start slow. There's no need to take off running on your first day back on the track. If you commit to walking in just 10 minutes increments and then increasing the time or pace day by the day, it'll seem much more manageable and encouraging. Just give your body six weeks to fully heal from the delivery before doing more strenuous activities. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests you work your way up to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activities each week along with two days of muscle training.
- Talk with your doctor, a dietitian, or find a weight loss plan that will lay everything out for you. That will take some of the thinking and worrying about what meals to make out of the equation, leaving you with less excuses to hold on to.
- Remember you're still eating for two if you're breastfeeding your baby and that what you eat will affect your child. Eat smart and healthy and the benefits will be twofold: a child that is more likely to grow up enjoying healthier foods and a caring mama who pays attention to the nutrients she consumes.
- Breastfeed if you can. You've probably already heard the numerous health benefits that breastfeeding provides for your baby, but did you know that it also helps new moms lose weight? You're burning loads of calories while you breastfeed and lowering your risk for postpartum depression, which could become another barrier in your journey to a happier, slimmer you.
- Watch your weight gain during pregnancy. If you're newly pregnant, here's a tip that will help you later on. Closely monitor the amount of weight you put on over the course of your pregnancy. The recommended amount depends on your weight before pregnancy, but the general rule is 25 to 35 pounds over the nine months. Aim for one to five pounds in the first trimester and then a pound a week for the rest of the pregnancy. If you were overweight before, your doctor might request you try to gain a little less and more for those moms who were previously underweight.
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