If you’re like most moms, you put on some weight during your pregnancy and are now anxious to take it off. It may be frustrating to find that with your new little responsibility, you have less time than ever to focus on a diet and exercise regimen. And if you’re breastfeeding, you have even less options due to the necessity to increase your calorie consumption.
However, it is possible to get down to a weight that you can be happy with. The key is to focus on losing weight slowly and gradually. It’s important to remember that it took your body nine months to change into what you see in the mirror now, and you can expect that it will take approximately the same amount of time–or longer–to change back.
Eating
If you are nursing, you actually need to be consuming about 500 extra calories a day. The good news is that you will burn around the same amount of calories while you breastfeed. To make sure that you are giving your baby everything he needs through your milk, you should still be taking your prenatal vitamins. Ask your obstetrician about the best vitamin intake for your situation.
There are also multiple free tools on the internet that provide recipes and customized fitness and meal plans for pregnant and breastfeeding moms, as well as women who are not nursing. The key to eating healthy while nursing is to consume things that will give you the nutrients needed for your baby while helping your metabolism. Try to eat small and healthy meals throughout the day, and fill your kitchen with whole grains and fibers. Not only are these good for you, but they will help you feel full for longer.
Exercise
Making daily trips to the gym is likely a distant dream now that you have a baby, especially if you are a working mom. If you are working outside the home, consider taking a brisk walk around the office on your lunch break. And whether you are at home with your baby or not, purchase a pedometer. This little clip-on device will keep track of the steps you are taking daily, as well as the distance you have walked. A good goal to work toward is 10,000 steps per day. See how many steps you take on the average day and then work to increase the number by 500 steps daily.
You can also take your baby out for a ride in the stroller. Go in the morning or wait until your partner is home and go out as a family. While baby is napping or playing on the floor, do ten quick sit-ups.
It’s not easy to get back to a pre-pregnancy weight, and you will find that it takes time, effort, and dedication. However, it is possible to fit into those regular clothes again.
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