The journey through pregnancy to delivery puts your body through transformations that you probably watched with mixed emotions. While it is thrilling to see the signs of new life kicking below the surface, at the same time you probably have been scheming all along on how you’ll eventually lose that extra weight. If you’re not sure how to begin, here are a few tips on things you can do to work back to your pre-pregnancy body (or even better).
1. Go For a Walk
Your body has been through a lot, it is very normal to stay away from serious exercise for up to 6 weeks or longer if you had a Cesarean section. Once you feel rested enough to begin an exercise program, begin simply by taking a walk around the block. You don’t have to go far, it is reported that pushing a stroller 1 to 2 miles actually burns about 150 calories.
2. Get strong, lift weights
As a new mother you know very well that you don’t have to go to the gym to lift weights. You’re doing it all the time every day! Use your new baby’s weight by holding the baby to your chest while you do lunges. You can also get a great workout by holding the baby above your chest and slowly pressing her toward the ceiling several times.
3. Increase lean muscle, take protein
One of the best ways to lose weight is to build lean muscle. When you create lean muscle, your body burns large amounts of calories. Calories are constantly burned to maintain that lean muscle as well. This is a great benefit because you can basically increase your metabolism simply by increasing the lean muscle in your body. Protein is the essential requirement in this process. Whey Protein in particular is an excellent source to help your body create lean muscle. It is actually a product of the process of making milk (something you should know about by now!) and is an all-natural way to boost your daily protein diet. It is safe, inexpensive, and very effective. The second most abundant component in whey protein is alpha-lactalbumin, which is one of the primary whey proteins in human breast milk.
4. Breastfeeding
Although breastfeeding requires that you add 500 calories to your diet, just by breastfeeding you actually burn 600 to 800 calories a day. So just by feeding your baby you can actually lose weight. Some lucky women will actually lose all of their baby fat by breastfeeding alone!
5. Watch calories, avoid fat
You will have to be disciplined and stay away from empty calories found in soda and chips. Healthy nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains will definitely help you to lose weight and feel great. Experts discourage dieting right after giving birth, you need to think about the repairing process that your body is experiencing at this stage. Eat small, frequent meals, don’t skip meals, and be sure to distribute calories throughout the day. This will ensure that you won’t overeat and will best metabolize the calories in your diet.
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