You can fit back into your old jeans after giving birth, but you must understand that it will take you some time to get there. It took nine months to put on your pregnancy weight, so it will not simply fall off overnight. A bit of work and discipline can get you back to your pre-pregnancy weight.
Weight Loss at Birth
Weight loss right after delivery will occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, an average of about 10 lbs. will be lost after delivering the baby. This weight includes the baby, placenta, amniotic fluid and blood volume. A week after the birth, you will also be losing retained fluids. However, fat storage in the hips, thighs and glutes will not be lost at this time.
Eating Right
Eating healthy will help take off the baby weight fast. Choosing foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, such as low fat dairy, chicken and lentils, will help promote weight loss. These foods are low-calorie, whole foods that will keep you full longer, reducing the likelihood of snacking on foods you may have craved during your pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your baby will also help you reach your pre-pregnancy weight. The production of milk places a caloric demand on the body. According to the Fisher Price website, breastfeeding burns an average of about 500 calories a day. This calorie expenditure alone will help you lose 1 lb. a week.
Exercise
Exercising will help melt fat and burn calories. The Mayo Clinic says that exercising just days after delivery is fine as long as you did not have any complications during delivery and did not have a Caesarean section. Cardio activities will help shed fat quickly. Interval training on a bike, walking or even swimming will help promote weight loss. Switching between two minutes of moderate activity and intense 30-second efforts will help you reclaim your body.
Considerations
A healthy diet can be started right after delivery and will help you drop your weight. When exercising, start slowly and listen to your body. Ease up if you feel pain. Set realistic weight-loss goals. A healthy weight loss is 1 to 2 lbs. per week.
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