How to Lose Weight Fast After a Pregnancy
Immediately following the birth of your baby, your days were filled with sleeping, feeding and burping schedules. Once you settled your newborn into the family, however, you may have noticed a few extra pounds left over from the pregnancy. It can be discouraging to get out of your maternity clothes, only to discover that your pre-pregnancy outfits no longer fit. With some determination and effort, you can lose that post-pregnancy weight.
Step 1
Evaluate your eating habits. During your pregnancy, you may have indulged in more sweets or high glycemic carbohydrates than you normally eat. Now is the time to evaluate whether you have developed any bad eating habits. Writing down your total food intake and times that you eat for several days will help you establish your current eating patterns.
Step 2
Design a food regime that includes small portions, frequent small meals instead of three big ones and plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. According to the MayoClinic.com, eating foods that are packed with fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, will help you feel full for longer periods of time, which will reduce the desire to snack.
Step 3
Switch to low-fat dairy products. In most cases, using low-fat dairy products in your diet will provide the same nutritional value as their higher fat counterparts while reducing your overall calorie and fat intake. Look for ways to incorporate low-fat ingredients to your favorite recipes and snacks.
Step 4
Drink water. When you simply switch sugar-filled beverages out for water the majority of the time, you will reduce your calorie intake as well as help maintain a healthy hydration level.
Step 5
Get moving again. Exercise will increase your metabolism and help your body burn more calories. It will also help increase your brain’s endorphins which can combat post-partum blues, according to MayoClinic.com. After getting the green light from your health care provider, you can incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Light aerobics, water aerobics, stationary cycling or walking a track will all help get your metabolism going. As time goes on, add in more stringent cardio classes, dance aerobics and other activities to really start burning off those excess pounds.