Yes, it is! There are several tricks you can use to lose
weight after pregnancy without collapsing from exhaustion.
Make Time for You
Every mom knows that this is easier said than done, but you have to take care of yourself if you want to take care of your loved ones. That includes taking time to get in shape. It can be difficult to find an hour a day, or even a half hour, for exercise. Try to get your spouse or a friend or relative to watch the baby while you work out. Some fitness centers have Kids’ Clubs that offer infant care. If that’s not an option, time your home workouts to coincide with the baby’s naps.
It doesn’t matter if you have an hour-long session or four
15-minute workouts each day. The total time spent working out is what’s
important.
In order to lose weight after pregnancy, you’re going to
need to make sure you eat an adequate number of calories each day. If you are
breastfeeding, you’ll need even more.
If you don’t eat enough calories, your metabolism will slow
down. It can become 20 – 30% slower than normal. Also, if you fill up on junk
foods, you and your baby won’t get the best possible nourishment, and your
energy level will take a nose-dive.
Eat smaller portions of food several times a day. Never go
longer than 2-3 hours without eating something nutritious. Get plenty of
calcium from dark green vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Calcium will kick
your fat-burning metabolism into high gear. Round out your food selections with
fresh fruits, lean protein, and whole grain products.
Exercise With the Baby
Weight loss doesn’t have to be a solo act. You can lose
weight after pregnancy – and have lots of fun - by bringing your baby along!
Join an online weight loss community to connect with other new moms in your
area who might want to join you for stroller walks and swimming with the little
ones. You might be able to find baby-and-me exercise classes at your local
recreation center.
If you prefer to spend some one-on-one time with your baby,
go for long walks while you push them in their stroller. Try to vary the
locations of your walks by strolling at the zoo, the mall, a local park, or
just around your neighborhood. When your baby starts walking on their own, take
them to a playground and run and play like they do.
Look for Support
Support networks are so important for new moms. Many women
who try to lose weight after pregnancy find that it’s just too hard to do it
alone. Whether they provide babysitting service or a morale boost, friends and
family can play a vital role in your success.
It’s also important to connect with other new moms who are
facing the same struggles as you. Find a good community of new moms who are
trying to lose weight. Read about their obstacles and how they have learned to
overcome them. Then share your own tips for success. You’ll be surprised by how
good it feels to know you’re not alone.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
This is another one of those tips that’s not easy for new
moms to follow, but it’s important to try. Insufficient sleep can cause all
sorts of physical and emotional problems. Worse, studies have shown that most
people don’t get enough sleep. That’s especially true for new parents with
babies who don’t yet sleep through the night.
Pregnancy is hard on the body, and the added stress that a
newborn brings can leave you feeling exhausted fast. At least 3 times per week,
get your spouse or a friend or relative to respond to the baby’s cries while
you get 8 – 10 hours of sleep. Use ear plugs if you need to. The high-quality
sleep will help you in many ways.
Breastfeeding moms might have to wait a little longer before
adequate sleep becomes a regular part of life. Just catch naps when you can,
and remember that, someday soon, your baby (and you) will be sleeping through
the night.
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