Losing The Baby Bulge
Now that you’ve had your baby and all the worries of impending motherhood are behind you, you’ve got a new task on your hands. It’s one that faces most new moms: how to lose the baby bulge?
It’s important not try to rush it too much. The Hollywood-inspired “baby race” to see who loses the baby weight first really is not safe. As a new mom, you need to look after yourself, which means eating a properly balanced diet to ensure you receive all the essential nutrients new mothers need. If you’re breast feeding, this applies even more so, because your body is making nutrients for your baby as well.
Medical doctors advise all nursing mothers add an extra 300 to 500 calories to their diets daily. If you’re breast feeding you should ensure these extra calories consist of healthy foods and snacks.
Here are a few tips to help you lose the baby bulge:
Do Breastfeed – You just can’t beat all the benefits; it’s great for your baby and you. Breastfeeding moms tend to lose their baby weight faster and more efficiently than non-nursing moms.
Do Hydrate – We often mistake thirst for hunger. Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help energize and hydrate you.
Don’t Perform Strenuous Exercise - Strenuous exercise is not advisable until after your post-pregnancy check up, usually 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. Provided you’re healthy, you can, however, go out for walks. This is a great way for you to get some fresh air and a little physical activity.
Don’t Diet – This isn’t really a good time to diet. You’re tired and perhaps even moody or a little down. Dieting is just another added pressure you don’t need right now. Instead, make a promise to yourself to avoid all junk food and empty calories. This includes potato chips, cakes, cookies, pastries, carbonated soft drinks, and processed foods in general.
By simply cutting out the sugar and junk food and sticking to a diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains the weight will come off naturally. Don’t be too rigid; allow yourself a nice piece of chocolate or cookie every once in a while.
Don’t Set Unrealistic Goals – Since it took you 9 months to gain this weight, you should allow yourself at least another 9 months to get back into shape. Instead, concentrate on your baby and all the upcoming precious times you will share together. Be easy on yourself and don’t get too wrapped up in the weight issue. As long as you’re taking the right steps to ensure you’re eating properly you will see a difference.
By the same token, you should be careful not to fall into the trap of overeating due to stress and tiredness. A lot of moms do just that, and 6 months or a year later are shocked by how much weight they’ve actually gained. You’ll be so busy that the weight could really sneak up on you. If you plan on having another baby soon after, this weight will be even more difficult to shift.
The best way by far to lose weight is to eat three balanced meals a day and a couple of healthy snacks (especially if you’re nursing). Once your doctor gives you the all clear, you should also do some type of exercise activity 3 to 5 times a week.
