Tips to lose weight during pregnancy
Losing weight after pregnancy and getting back to your old figure can often seem like one of the most daunting tasks facing a new mother. With all the time and attention required to properly care for a newborn, losing weight is often far from a real priority. But by following these simple pregnancy weight loss tips, she can start feeling better about herself in a matter of days and be on her way to a healthier lifestyle.
Start Setting an Example Now – Now is the perfect time to start setting an example for your child that will allow them to live a healthy life and view food as it should be, as a source of sustenance, rather than pure enjoyment, as is so often seen as. Good eating habits are best learned at a young age, as this is certainly a case where what you don’t know won’t really hurt you. It’s much easier for the whole family to start eating healthier now than years later when your child struggles with being overweight.
Eat Smart: In addition to eating the right things, knowing how and when you should eat them will also have a big impact on whether or not you’ll be able to successfully keep the pounds off. Eating certain foods at the right time will help make your metabolism as effective as possible. Never go long periods of time without eating, especially when you’re breastfeeding, as you’ll not only be too hungry to make smart decisions, but you’ll also slow down your metabolism in the process.
Walk: Be sure to walk, indoors or out, at least 20 minutes a day. We know how busy being a new mom can be, but 20 minutes really isn’t a lot of time to spend on the health of the mother of your child, is it? Brush your hair, brush your teeth, moisturize your face, read, watch TV, talk to your spouse, talk on the phone, listen to music, or just walk into a zone while walking on the treadmill. If you have the luxury of walking outside every day, do so and take your baby with you when possible to provide the fresh air and stimulation all babies need.
Water Works – We’ve all heard of the many benefits of water and how it’s essential for literally every organ in the body to function properly, but have you really realized how much it speeds up the weight loss process? In addition to being an appetite suppressant and making us feel fuller faster, water also boosts metabolism, and the colder it is, the better.
The benefits of breastfeeding: For many women, breastfeeding helps burn calories and prevents postpartum weight gain. Of course, while you’re nursing your baby, you’ll need to make sure she’s eating not only the right kind, but the right amount of calories to give your growing baby the nutrients she needs to thrive. Despite the increased calories, breastfeeding mothers generally find it much easier to lose the extra pounds than those who choose to bottle-feed.