How to lose weight after pregnancy?

What is the best way to lose weight? Is losing weight  after pregnancy healthy? What risks does a postpartum weight loss pose? These questions rattle around in the minds of most new mothers as they look forward to going back to their pre-pregnancy weight. At some point, the cute little baby bump becomes something of a concern. However, losing weight after delivery should be done gradually and carefully so that your post pregnancy fat reduction does not affect you or your child. Here are some tips for working toward that goal.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is believed to help burn a lot of calories, as the body uses up these calories to produce milk. A mom who exclusively breastfeeds burns about 300-500 extra calories per day to maintain a healthy milk supply for the baby. Therefore, feeding your baby is perhaps the healthiest and the best way to lose  weight!

Say no to alcohol

You have not had a drink throughout your pregnancy and would like to have a drink now that the baby is born. However, it is advisable that you continue to follow the practice a little longer as alcohol is passed on to the baby through breast milk. Alcohol also has the tendency to deposit fat around the body, mostly in the middle, resulting in belly fat. This works against your efforts to reduce weight.

Diet

Watch your diet! This is one of the most crucial steps you must take to reduce weight. Do not crash diet or stop eating completely. At the same time, do not use feeding as an excuse to eat too much. Eat healthily and include fruits and whole proteins in your diet; check your carbohydrate intake as well. Avoid stocking up on junk food and drink a lot of liquids including milk and fruit juices. However, be aware that fruit juices, especially packaged fruit juices, contain a lot of sugar, so it is healthier to eat fresh fruit whenever possible.

Exercise

After about a month and a half, when you feel you are back to normal, you can start exercising. Begin with mild exercises like walking, jogging, and stretching, and gradually increase to intense cardio workouts. This, along with a healthy diet, should prove effective for postpartum weight loss.

Just water it down

Water is the elixir of life, and it is no surprise that it is one of the fluids essential for weight loss. Drinking a lot of water replenishes your body’s fluid content after breastfeeding and often diminishes the urge to eat more food. Drinking water also boosts your metabolism and helps in faster weight loss.

Sleep it off

Looking after a baby can be exhausting and leaves you sleep deprived as your schedule revolves around feeding your baby a number of times a day, changing diapers, and calming your crying baby while dealing with your own routine at the same time. However, studies suggest that reduced sleep predisposes women to weight gain. Therefore, it is essential that you get enough sleep to assist in losing weight. You can ask your partner or family to chip in with some of the child duties so that you get adequate sleep.

Be active throughout the day

Use the stairs at home and work. Take your baby along with you on a brisk pram walk. Avoid taking a cab for small distances. Having short bursts of brisk activities throughout the day will help you lose weight faster.

Community groups

Nothing is better than the motivation to exercise. Join a community group where many new mothers arrive to exercise and lose weight. You can lose weight, have a great time with them, and your baby can be friends with theirs as an added bonus!

Healthy weight loss to you!

Also read: Weight Loss Tips After Pregnancy

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