Vanity may drive you to want to lose your baby weight quickly. Your health requires you to lose any excess weight as well, Debra Krummel, PhD, RD, endowed professor in the University of Cincinnati department of nutrition, told CBS News in November 2008, as lingering pregnancy weight can lead to obesity later in life. Despite the need to lose the weight, remember that it took nine months to pile on the pounds, it will likely take as long to lose it. Instead of embarking on a strict diet, incorporate lifestyle strategies into your postpartum weight-loss routine to encourage the pounds to come off.
Be Realistic
Do not embark on highly restrictive diets. You need food to keep your energy high to deal with a newborn. Instead, focus on eating reasonable portions of healthy foods. Pregnancy can also change the shape of your body permanently, notes BabyCenter.com. Aim for a healthy weight, not some unattainable ideal.
Wait
Before beginning a weight-loss program, give your body at least six weeks to heal. Obtain clearance from your doctor as well. Some weight will drop off naturally as your hormones reset and you lose water weight retained during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, give your body at least two months to establish a milk supply, advises certified lactation consultant Kelly Bonyata on KellyMom.
Breast Feed, If You Can
Breastfeeding burns between 200 and 500 extra calories a day says Bonyata. A study in "Public Health Nutrition" from June 2010 showed that women who breastfed for six months retained less pregnancy weight than those who formula-fed their newborns. If you cannot breastfeed, do not despair--but if you can, take advantage of this natural way to lose weight and nourish your child.
Stock Your Pantry
There are times when life with a newborn will make you overtired and frazzled--possibly causing you to reach for unhealthy foods, if they are available. Clear out the junk foods and processed products from your cupboards, fridge and freezer. Fill your kitchen with fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, whole-grain cereal and crackers and lean deli meats. Snack on small portions of these items every few hours to keep overwhelming hunger from spurring an all-out binge. Stock your pantry with canned beans, brown rice, diced tomatoes and low-sodium soups. You can always heat up a quick dinner that has fewer fat and calories than take-out when you have the right ingredients on hand.
Move
Do not use a new baby as an excuse to sit on the couch all day. Even if you are tired, try to go out for a short walk on your own, or with the stroller, to get fresh air and to burn calories. Trade babysitting time with another new mom so you can visit the gym. Exercise helps you burn calories so you can lose weight more quickly.
