How To Lose Weight After Pregnancy

By Gen Mason

The day finally came. You’re happy, relieved, your husband is ecstatic. Another chapter in your life has begun, you are a mommy now.

You’re so happy you feel like you are going to burst. You look in the mirror and see something you don’t recognize; after baby weight.

It is depressing; you’re not the only one to think so. You remember the tiny little thing you were before you were pregnant, even when you were 4 months pregnant you didn’t look like this!

You think, “Ok, it doesn’t matter I’m a proud mommy now.” The truth is, in the back of your mind it does matter. Even though you’re a mommy now doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself. Part of being a good mom is taking care of you as well.

How can I go on a diet when I’m breastfeeding?

Studies show that even a woman who is starving can give her baby the nutrients through breast milk to keep the baby healthy. DO NOT go starve yourself, but watch your calorie intake. Keep it between 1500 and 1800 calories a day. Slowly, the weight will fall off. This is a very healthy way to shed those unwanted pounds. Also, studies show that women who breastfeed lose weight faster than women who bottle feed. So lose the weight just by breastfeeding!

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Just keep moving. If you can’t commit to a regular workout (kind of hard with a new baby, but if you can kudos). Just keep moving. I know it’s hard; you will be exhausted from all those sleepless nights. Try to find a low impact workout tape at first.

One study examined two women; one over weight and worked at a desk all day. The other was a thin housewife who did not workout, but was basically active. The study followed the women for 2 weeks and ultimately found out that the housewife stayed thin because she was more active. She was 2 hours more active than the overweight woman.

If you work at a desk, try to stand and work. Even just simply standing will burn more calories than sitting.

Other Ways to Stay Moving

Use stairs instead of a elevator (this will be hard if you’re totting baby along). When you mop, do it a little longer, same with vacuuming.

Buy one of those little trampolines and hop on it while watching TV. This is low impact and so easy.

If the weather is too cold to walk outside with a baby then bring your stroller to your local mall. Thousands of people across America do this every day. You can get your exercise and stay out of the weather, whether it is cold or hot or raining.

Go to Local Store and Search for a Workout Video

There are tons of workout videos on the market. You are sure to find something that you want to or are interested in doing. If you’d rather do more research on the video, search online. Most diet products and workout videos have reviews from other consumers online. They also tell you if the workout is low impact and give explanations on what kind of workouts are listed.

Remember that you should give your body enough time to heal after having the baby before trying to do anything strenuous. Ask your doctor if your body is ready to start a workout or any diet before starting one yourself.

Post baby weight is a lot harder to lose than pre-baby weight, but it can be done. With a little initiative you may be wearing the same jeans you did before you got pregnant!

About the Author: Gen Mason is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. To learn about losing weight during and after pregnancy go to Pregnancy Without Pounds