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What Is the Best Way to Lose Weight After Pregnancy?

Hi Evelyn,

Losing weight after pregnancy and getting back in shape is not an easy task for many women. It involves a great deal of hard work, determination and self-control to succeed. That explains why so many new mothers are attracted to quick fixes – unproven diet pills, ridiculously low calorie fad diets, laxative herbal detox cleanses – to melt off pounds instantly.

Taislim might sound like a godsend to dieters looking to lose weight quickly, but keep in mind that you could regain the pounds you lost after you stop the weight control program or go back to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle choices.

How Can I Lose Weight After Having a Baby?

The best way to lose post pregnancy weight and shape and keep it off for good is with a regular exercise routine and a healthy eating plan.

If you had a normal vaginal delivery, and your physician has given you the OK, you can start with light exercise. If you had a caesarean section, it will probably need to be longer (about 6-8 weeks) to allow your body to heal. However, make sure to check with your doctor about when you can begin exercise.

Once you've got the go-ahead and your body is ready for exercise, always take things slowly and gently. Your body has gone through some major changes and it needs some time to bounce back to its pre-pregnancy condition. You may end up doing more harm than good, and set yourself up for injuries if you push yourself too far.

You can begin with some simple exercise such as gentle walking to prepare your body for more vigorous cardio exercise (swimming, running, cycling, or belly dancing) and get your pre-baby body back. Gradually build up speed and frequency after a couple of sessions. For example, aim for 10 minutes of gentle exercise, 2-3 times a week for the first few weeks of your exercise routine, working up to 30 minutes per session, 3-4 times a week.

To make exercise more fun, you can slow walk with your baby in a pram or stroller. Walks not only help you reduce post pregnancy belly fat but also make your baby feel relaxed and allow a wonderful bonding experience too.

Yoga or pilates is also great for losing pregnancy weight as well as reducing stress that comes with having a baby. I strongly suggest you enroll in a postpartum yoga class at your local gym or fitness club rather than doing yoga at home using instructional DVDs. Some yoga poses like inversions are not recommended but basic positions including pelvic tilts, supported bridge and warrior 1 should be fine.

Additionally, the atmosphere in a postnatal yoga class will motivate you to work a bit harder and also keeps distractions that can creep up on you at home to a minimum.

To get fast weight loss results, eating a well balanced healthy diet is important. You should consume a wide variety of fresh, unprocessed, nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables along with moderate amounts of high quality extra lean protein like skinless chicken, turkey, shrimp, and fish that are low in mercury such as salmon, pollock, catfish and canned light tuna (albacore tends to be high in mercury). Protein-rich foods provide you with many essential nutrients while helping you feel full longer so you are less likely to overeat or snack.

Take note that breastfeeding mothers should not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.

If you want a snack between meals, choose low fat, high fiber foods such as cherry tomatoes, air-popped popcorn, roasted edamame beans, and baked apple chips. Other healthy snack ideas include hard boiled eggs, low fat cottage cheese, and small sized baked potato.

Don't forget to drink a big glass of water 30 minutes before meals. Water works amazingly well as a natural appetite suppressant and helps flush excess sodium out of your body, giving you a sleek flat belly. Some research has also found that water may rev up your metabolism.

Above all, eat only when you are hungry in controlled potion sizes, keep food temptations out of sight, and get enough rest. When you are tired, your body releases cortisol and other stress hormones that can lead to weight gain.

Before I go, keep in mind that no matter how much you desperately want to lose weight, do not eat less than 1,800 calories a day, particularly if you are breastfeeding.

Good luck!

By Diane Hanson

how can i lose weight after having a baby

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