You may have sported a cute bump during pregnancy, but the extra flab left behind after pregnancy may hold little appeal. MSNBC states that it is not necessary to have a tummy tuck in order to lose your post-pregnancy belly. Instead, focus on eating a healthy diet and working more exercise into your day-to-day routine. Before you change your diet and exercise plan to tighten your tummy, make sure to receive the go-ahead from your doctor. It is typically required that you wait six to eight weeks after delivery before working out.
Step 1
Breastfeed your baby. You are more likely to slim down and lose the excess weight after pregnancy if you breastfeed your child, according to the Babycenter website. Breastfeeding not only burns calories, but causes the uterus to contract after having the baby.
Step 2
Follow a reduced-calorie diet. Monitor your calorie intake by keeping a food diary. Your diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins, recommends MSNBC.
Step 3
Spend at least 30 minutes daily participating in a form of aerobic exercise. Choose activities that work the abdominals to tone the area. Some examples are rowing, tennis and kickboxing.
Step 4
Exercise with the baby. If you are unable to workout on your own, include your new baby in your workout routine to lose the post-pregnancy bulge. Try taking the baby for walks or jogs in the stroller or taking a mother and baby yoga class.
Step 5
Add abdominal exercises to your workout routine. Working the abs builds muscle in the area to reduce the appearance of excess belly fat. To perform crunches to work the abs, lie flat on your back. Put your hands behind your head. Lift up the head while tightening the abdominals. Release and return to the starting position. Perform a minimum of two to three sets of 10 to 20 reps.
Things You'll Need
- Food diary
