Your baby is finally here. Life couldn’t be better–except for that last 10 to 20 lbs. you want to lose. After taking care of the baby all day, you may feel like there is no energy left to work on getting your pre-pregnancy shape back. Setting daily goals and sticking to them will help you achieve your goal.
Considerations
The desire to lose weight after having a baby can be powerful. After spending nine months growing increasingly larger and more awkward, it has taken its toll. Now that the baby is here, you want to return quickly to your pre-pregnancy weight and shape. In your quest to lose that extra weight, however, it is important to maintain healthy eating habits so you can maintain your baby caring energy. In addition, if you are breastfeeding, your body needs nutrition to continue making breast milk.
Features
As you begin your post-pregnancy weight loss and exercise plan, keep in mind the importance of choosing healthy foods and safe routines. The Mayo Clinic recommends a daily diet filled with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Be sure to include low-fat dairy products and legumes as protein sources. An exercise routine should include light aerobic movement and light exercises, such as walking, swimming and bike riding. Checking with your doctor before beginning any routine is always a good idea.
Benefits
You will see several benefits to beginning a post-pregnancy diet and exercise routine. According to the LiveStrong website, it will provide energy and health benefits and, at the same time, help you get back into your pre-maternity clothing. Health benefits include a healthier heart, good circulation and toned muscles. In addition, healthy eating can help you have clearer skin and healthy, shiny hair.
Expert Insight
Breaking up your exercise routine and doing several short workouts a day instead of one long one will help you regain your pre-pregnancy stamina, according to the LiveStrong website. As you continue to exercise, you can increase the length of your workouts and step up the intensity. Including your baby in your daily workout routine will maintain the bond with her and will also allow you to exercise without worrying about finding a babysitter. Put the baby in a stroller and walk around the block. Stay hydrated by drinking water.
Warnings
The LiveStrong website cautions women to stop exercising and contact their doctor if they experience dizziness, severe pain or other health issues while working on their routine. According to LiveStrong, if your delivery was vaginal and pregnancy was normal, you should be able to begin your post-pregnancy diet and exercise routine within the first week after delivery. If, however, your delivery had complications, you had a C-section or your pregnancy was high-risk, you should get the go-ahead from your doctor before beginning.
Photo Credit
- bicep workout image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
