For many women all over the world, getting back to a healthy weight after giving birth to a baby can be a tough task. It can be stressful taking care of another human as well as yourself whilst having to adjust to a new routine and recovering from childbirth. However, it is important to return to a healthy weight after delivery, especially if you plan to become pregnant again in the future.
If you need some top tips on how to shed the extra pounds you have gained over childbirth, the read on for some tips:
Super foods
When you’ve just had a brand new baby, your body is going to need as much nutrition as it can possibly get, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Make sure that you are eating foods that are heavy in the nutrients you need and light in calories and fat as well as getting healthy shakes and low fat snacks to fill you up and prevent you from binge-eating.
Fish is considered a superfood because it’s packed with DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that helps your new-born develop a healthy brain and nervous system. The best types of fish for getting all the DHA that you need are cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna. Milk and yogurt are also superfoods because they have lots of calcium that you need to keep your bones strong. Also make sure to eat as much protein as you can. Lean meat, chicken, and beans are low in fat and high in protein and fibre. They’re good for you, and they’ll keep you feeling full for a longer period of time.
Walk
Once you are completely over the pregnancy and can walk down the street without looking a tad weird or uncomfortable, then it’s about the right time to get some physical exercise started, no matter how small. It’s probably best to start taking daily walks with your baby, cleaning the house while your baby is asleep, or doing some simple exercises. Even walking up and down the stairs will help you shed those pounds to start off with. Every little helps. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day of any type of physical activity. Before you know it, your favourite dress will fit you once again.
Sleep
When the baby arrives, you’re sleeping patter is going to change dramatically. Make sure you are prepared sleepless nights and sleepy mornings. Lack of sleep can upset your metabolism and is a deterrent to losing weight. Try to take a nap whenever you get the chance, especially when your baby sleeps as this will help you catch up on your sleep without creating a huge backlog. Sleep deprivation causes many people to start snacking and binge-eating so get your head down whenever the opportunity presents itself. This way your energy levels will be high and you will be up for the challenge of raising a baby. Give priority to sleep over exercise in the early days after delivery as less sleep will result in a tired mind and body, resulting in forced exercise sessions.
