While many women claim birth control pills lead to weight gain, MayoClinic.com indicates this is not the case. Birth control pills may cause you to retain water, however. This can lead to feeling like you have extra weight. Regardless of whether you are trying to lose weight from birth control pills or just trying to lose weight in general, there are no restrictions on diet and exercise while taking birth control pills.
Step 1
Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet. A healthy, well-balanced diet should contain vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and lean meats. Avoid foods that contain high amounts of sugar and fats.
Step 2
Eat five to six small meals per day. Eat frequently to prevent cravings and snacking on unhealthy foods. Pack yogurt, whole grain pretzels, fruits or vegetables with you to avoid temptations.
Step 3
Drink plenty of water through the day. Water can help flush waste from your body, replenish your muscles and help you to feel full between meals.
Step 4
Reduce your daily caloric intake by 500 calories per day. Try skipping dessert, avoiding fast food for lunch or eliminating soda from your diet.
Step 5
Ask your doctor about diuretics if you are concerned about water weight gain from birth control pills. Diuretics can come in the form of pills to help you shed water weight. You can also opt for natural diuretic foods -- such as watermelon or cranberries.
Step 6
Engage in 60 to 90 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per day -- five days per week, as recommended by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Consider aerobics, dancing, swimming, cycling, gardening, jump rope, sports, running or brisk walking. Cardiovascular exercise is any form of exercise that causes your heart rate to elevate and your body to break a sweat.
Step 7
Make changes to your everyday routine. Take the stairs opposed to the elevator. Walk to a friend's cubicle instead of calling or sending an e-mail. Take a walk during your lunch break.
References
- "National Academy of Sports Medicine: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"; Scott Lucett; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Counting Calories; Dec. 19, 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Birth Control Pill FAQ; May 21, 2011
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