How To Lose Weight After Pregnancy
Poor eating habits, fatigue, lack of time for exercise and lack of sleep are all issues faced by new moms after their babies are born. It is tempting for a young woman to say, "I've put on a few (or twenty or thirty) pounds, but that's ok because I've just had a baby." A regimen of healthy eating and working out doesn't have to be overly aggressive to be effective and unless your doctor says no, you should be able to return to your pre-baby weight within 6 months. The other fallacy that a new mom tells herself is that there isn't time to work out. She spends her time and energy on the baby and takes care of her own needs afterward, if at all. In this article, I will show you some quick tips to easily shed some of those pregnancy pounds.
Boost Your Metabolism By Breastfeeding
Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is a measure of how easily your body burns calories at rest. The more you increase your BMR, the greater your daily need for calories - with an increased BMR, you can shed pounds by eating the same number of calories you eat now. Increasing your lean muscle mass will beef up your BMR, as does breast feeding. If you breastfeed your infant, your body will convert more of its energy stores into baby food causing you to lose more weight. You can lose an additional 5 pounds during the first 3 months of breastfeeding.
Increase Your Protein Intake
Recent studies in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that you can lose weight and build muscle by adding protein to your diet. 100-120 grams of protein per day for a 150 pound person is a good target. Fantastic sources of protein include liquid egg substitute (just as high in protein as eggs without the added fat), lowfat cottage cheese, chicken or turkey breast and yogurt. The American Medical Association and the FDA both say that aspartame, the sweetener found in Equal or Splenda, is safe for both pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. Drink two glasses of water before each meal; think about adding a soluble fiber like Benefiber to one of the glasses. This way, you will fill up faster and stay full longer. Instead of eating 3 large meals at 700 calories each, try eating 5 or 6 meals of 300-400 calories each; you will be less hungry in between meals, and you'll be less tempted to overindulge.
Cultivate a Healthy Self-Image
Failing to take care of your self-image can lead to over indulging and can contribute to the depression that keeps you from working out. Self esteem is important. Get plenty of rest and take a multivitamin with a B complex to help keep up your strength for your exercise routine. Shop for new jewelry, add a fancy diaper bag and some accessories. Take some time to go out with friends. Get help from your partner - make sure he carries the diaper bag now and then.
Schedule Time For Exercise
Get permission from your GYN before you start any kind of exercise program. Yoga can be one of the safest and easiest methods to practice anywhere, and is effective in building lean muscle and increasing flexibility. Many yoga positions are available which can be done while holding baby, and yoga is a great way to strengthen your core. Walking or jogging is also nice to do with baby and an effective way to burn fat. Get a good jogging stroller. Running strollers have bigger wheels and are more stable than regular prams. Double joggers are available for multiple babies. Invest in a good pair of running shoes, and get your doctor's permission.
Kennedy Goetz edits a site aboutfashionable diaper bags - take a look at her review of the best double jogging stroller
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