Many new moms want to lose "baby fat," or the weight they gained during pregnancy. Women usually take nine months to gain their weight during pregnancy, but it can take nine months or even longer to lose the weight after pregnancy. This can be discouraging and stressful for new moms. Luckily, there are ways to speed the weight loss so mothers can lose their baby fat quickly.
Breastfeed
Breastfeeding a baby instead of giving the baby formula is healthier for the baby and also can speed up weight loss for the mom. According to the non-profit breastfeeding association La Leche League International, weight loss comes quicker for women who breastfeed their babies because it takes extra energy to make breast milk. La Leche League says that without additional dieting or exercising, women who breastfeed their babies lose 1.3 to 1.6 pounds per month during the first four to six months of their babies' lives. When combined with diet and exercise, breastfeeding can really speed up the loss of extra baby fat.
Exercise
Exercising is essential to lose baby fat. Although it is often difficult for new moms to find time for exercise, it can be rewarding physically and emotionally. Fit Pregnancy magazine explains that within the first six weeks after birth, most women can participate in moderate-intensity walking. Fit Pregnancy explains that six weeks after the birth, women usually can participate in cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging, aerobics, swimming, cycling or using an elliptical trainer three to five days per week. These activities burn calories, which accelerates the rate that a woman can lose her baby fat.
Diet
Fit Pregnancy magazine recommends that mothers who want to lose weight replace processed foods, such as chips and candy, with natural foods, such as chicken, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Eating these foods, along with low-fat dairy products, such as 1 percent milk instead of whole milk, will help a mom lose her baby fat. These natural foods promote a feeling of fullness so women can eat less, according to Fit Pregnancy. They also generally have fewer calories than their processed counterparts. Consuming fewer calories each day is a fast way for a woman to lose her belly fat.
Nap
Babies and children are very familiar with napping, but taking naps isn't familiar territory for most mothers. However, Fit Pregnancy states that one of the fastest ways for a woman to lose her baby fat after pregnancy is by taking naps. When women are sleep-deprived, they tend to crave, and choose, high-calorie and high-sugar foods, which promote weight gain. Not getting enough sleep also can hamper a woman's metabolism, according to Fit Pregnancy. Napping when necessary is another way to quickly lose baby fat.
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