Being a mother is one of the most rewarding things in the life of a woman. Even though nothing can compare to the feeling in your chest when you look in your baby’s eyes and hug your child, you must admit that being a mom is more challenging than you thought it would be. It’s only natural that your main focus is on your baby – making sure it’s clean, warm, and fed, but that doesn’t mean that you should forget about yourself. If you’d like to get back in shape and lose those pregnancy pounds asap, we offer you a few useful tips.
No crash dieting
Many young mothers are tempted to take up a crash diet in hopes that they will go back to their pre-pregnancy body faster, but it’s a wrong decision. Crash diets are bad for you and unsafe even if you haven’t given birth, but they are even riskier if you’re a mom. If you want to lose weight opt for a diet that’s slow and steady, that won’t be a problem for you to follow with all these new obligations you have in life. You and your body will be under a lot of stress as is, you don’t need the pressure of hunger and cravings too, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is imperative for everyone as fluids keep us healthy and strong, and if you’re breastfeeding, then it’s even more important to stay hydrated. What you drink is equally important, as you should always pick the healthiest options: freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and good old water. Alcohol, sodas, and store-bought fruit juices packed with sugar and additives are not a good choice as these are high in calories and will leave you even thirstier afterward. Drinking more water will help speed up your metabolism, which means you’ll be losing weight much faster; and if you want a treat, you can always make your own flavored water.
Use supplements
Instead of crash dieting, you should take time to prepare balanced meals packed with proteins, vitamins, and nutrients your body desperately needs after childbirth. Protein should be the core of your new diet, but you should also eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, carbs, and a bit of good fat. Sadly, it’s virtually impossible to get everything your body and your baby need from diet alone so it’s a good idea to reach for supplements. You can start with simple multivitamins, but if you’re working out you could also try convenient BCAA powder as well as different protein powders. Combined with healthy, balanced diet and gentle exercise, the right supplements will help you reach your goals faster.
Exercise with your baby
Of course, it’s practically impossible to get your pre-pregnancy body back without exercising, but being a new mom means not actually being able to sweat in the gym like you could before. Worry not, there are many great exercises you can do with your baby in the comfort of your home, and when you combine that with long walks, you’ll get results sooner than expected. Strengthen your pelvic floor by trying out modified planks (keep your knees on the floor) or go for a jog with your baby in the stroller.
Exercise doesn’t usually need to restricted to a gym or pilates studio. You can also implement an exercise routine that you can follow together with your baby. Like doing some fun activities outside, such as long walks in the woods, hiking, speed walking. Travel systems make it easier to get outdoor exercise for moms.
Adjust your goals
When you change your habits, diet, and daily routine in order to get in shape, you naturally want to see results as soon as possible. If you’ve set your goals too high, you’re in for a disappointment because your body and metabolism will take time to go back to the pre-pregnancy state. Try to be gentle and patient with yourself, acknowledge and celebrate small changes and milestones because they are introducing bigger changes which take more time.
Be kind and gentle to yourself and don’t be mad at yourself if you haven’t met your goals at the time you thought you would. It’s important to understand that your priorities have changed and that your own and your baby’s health should be at the very top of the list. With patience, hard work, and determination, you will be able to get your dream body and be a fit and healthy new mom.
