7 Tips For Losing Weight As A New Mom
Almost all women gain some weight during pregnancy. While some new moms learn to embrace their new body, others are less happy with the changes and are eager to get their pre-bump body back. But just how do you lose the baby weight? Getting slimmer isn’t easy as a new mom, but it can be done. Below are just a few tips on how to lose weight as a new mom.
Limit junk food
Many new moms don’t feel up to cooking elaborate meals. Junk food is fast and convenient, and therefore it can be tempting to live off it. But this will encourage you to pile on the pounds. While you’re allowed it as a treat here and there, try to limit junk food as much as you can.
Explore healthy quick meals
Fortunately, there are many easy to prepare meals that are also very healthy. This includes baked potatoes, stir fries and one pot rice dishes. Make an effort to eat more of these foods and you could help to prevent any further weight gain.
Avoid crash diets
Crash diets can help people lose weight fast - but as a new mom they may not be healthy. These diets put a lot of stress on the body at a time when you are already undergoing a lot of stress. You may also starve yourself of nutrients, which could be key to producing milk if you are breastfeeding. Therefore you should say no to crash diets.
Get out walking
Some exercises can be too strenuous as a new mom and may aggravate birth injuries. Walking is a great safe exercise that you can do from day 1 of motherhood. It’s a great way to burn calories and you can do it with your baby - either by pushing them in their pram or carrying them in a sling/infant carrier.
Exercise with your baby
As your baby gets more developed and your body starts to heal, you may be able to incorporate them into other exercises. This includes doing squats and crunches with your baby, or even lifting them above your head as a form of weightlifting. Your baby will see it as play time, and you’ll get a work out without having to visit a gym. Attending mom and baby exercise classes could even be something to try.
Prioritize sleep
Getting more sleep is easier said than done as a new mom. However, you should try as much as you can to sleep when your baby is sleeping. Not only will this help you to restore your energy levels, but it could also prevent extra weight gain - there are many links between weight gain and lack of sleep. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner or family members to look after your little one for a couple hours now and again while you get a nap. Eventually your little one will start sleeping longer through the night and you will get a more solid sleep, but until then you need to catch up on sleep when you can.
Consider surgery
Some people are totally against going under the knife, while others simply can’t afford it. But if you’re not intimidated by surgery and you have the funds, a mommy makeover could be an option. This is a customized cosmetic procedure that aims to reverse any unwanted body changes that have occured during pregnancy and breastfeeding - which could include liposuction, a tummy tuck or even a breast lift. Talk to a surgeon to see how much it is likely to cost, what the risks are, what the recovery time is like and whether you are a suitable candidate.
Conclusion
The key to losing weight as a new mom is simply to exercise and eat healthily. However, you need to adopt strategies that are gentle on your body - especially in the first few weeks of motherhood. Prioritizing sleep will also help, while cosmetic surgery is also an option for those who want rapid results.