Carrying a baby through pregnancy is no easy feat. After your body has spent months accommodating a growing little person, it needs some time to recuperate. If after recovering, you still fantasize about fitting into pre-pregnancy clothes, your surest bet is to adopt lifelong diet and exercise habits that will help you lose the pregnancy fat and keep it off. You may never look exactly as you did before you had a baby, but your new healthy lifestyle may cause you to feel better than ever before.
Step 1
Move around but start out slowly to begin. Walk around the block with your baby strapped into the stroller if you feel up to it, suggests pediatric health website DrSpock.com. If that feels good, go a little farther the following day and build up your stamina until your doctor clears you for more vigorous exercise at your six-week checkup, says the online site FitPregnancy.
Step 2
Walk briskly, swim, run or engage in other cardiovascular activities once you get the thumbs up. For optimal health, work out 30 to 60 minutes three or more times per week, suggests DrSpock.com. If you have trouble finding the time or freedom to go to the gym, rent or buy an exercise DVD or invest in a home treadmill.
Step 3
Lift weights to develop your muscles and to speed up your metabolism. Even better, use your baby as a weight and you will be able to bond with him while you exercise. Hold your baby close to your chest as you do lunges or bench press him multiple times while you lie on your back, suggests postpartum fitness expert Renee Jeffreys on the FitPregnancy site.
Step 4
Avoid the unnecessary calories of sodas, chips and other junk foods and fad diets that rob your body of essential nutrients. Focus on eating a well-balanced diet that includes lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy to lose weight without compromising your health.
Step 5
Eat frequently throughout the day to maintain your blood sugar levels and prevent you from eating large portions at mealtimes. Reduce your chances of eating unhealthy snacks by keeping only healthy food in your pantry and refrigerator, says FitPregnancy Magazine. Keep on hand low-fat yogurt, celery sticks and carrots with hummus, a banana or a handful of almonds.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy snacks and meals
- Home treadmill or work-out DVD
- Walking or jogging stroller
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