There’s really no big weight loss plans designed for losing weight after pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic and CBS News. Eating frequent, small and healthy meals is a vital key toward dropping that weight you gained during your pregnancy. Fortunately, most moms can quickly drop those extra pounds and then spend even more time focusing on their families.
Warning
You should not eat fewer than 1,600 calories a day, nor try to lose more than 1 lb. per week, according to the Mayo Clinic and CBS News. Also, keep in mind that pregnancy and delivery were stressful on your body; your abdomen is probably not going to be as flat and sleek as it might have been before you delivered your little bundle of joy.
Time Frame
How long it will take to lose that post-pregnancy weight depends upon how much you weighed before conception, according to CBS News. If you were already overweight before pregnancy, it might take as long as a year to drop that extra weight. However, most moms should be able to lose their pregnancy weight gain in a few months with proper diet and exercise.
Considerations
Breastfeeding moms still need about 300 extra calories each day, according to CBS News. However, some medical experts claim that most nursing moms can still drop weight after pregnancy. The key is not to use breastfeeding as an excuse for eating lots of junk food.
Recommended Types of Food
Eat plenty of fish after delivery, especially if you want to lose weight, advises CBS News. Low-fat dairy products, like milk and yogurt, are also healthy choices that give you much-needed nutrition while reducing your weight post-pregnancy. Fruits, vegetables and whole-grain carbohydrates are other great foods to include in your weight loss plan after pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Limit your intake of red meat. Be sure to focus on eating skinless poultry if you want some chicken or turkey.
Function of Exercise and Water
Exercise and drinking plenty of water, along with staying away from fad diets, are essential to successful weight loss after pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic and CBS News. You might need to drink more than eight glasses of water each day if your urine is a dark color. If you urinate every three or four hours, you’re likely drinking enough water to promote optimal weight loss and health. You should work out at least 150 minutes total each week; if your schedule or energy level prohibits 20-to-30 minute exercise routines, then exercise in 10-minute intervals.
Photo Credit
- kiwi image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
