After you have delivered your baby, losing the extra weight that you packed on during pregnancy may be on your mind. On average, women are recommended to gain between 25 and 35 lbs. while pregnant. Although some of this weight disappears during delivery, you are still going to have some left to lose. Through diet and exercise, you should be able to return to your pre-pregnancy weight in a few months.
Step 1
Receive approval from your doctor at your six-week checkup visit. Your doctor is likely to tell you to wait six to eight weeks after delivery to start dieting and exercising. This time frame may be longer if you underwent a C-section.
Step 2
Breastfeed your baby. According to the CBS News website, women that breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy shapes quicker than women that bottle feed their children.
Step 3
Cut 500 calories per day from your diet. By reducing your caloric intake by 500 calories each day, you'll lose an average of 1 to 2 lbs. per week. To track the amount of calories you eat, keep a food journal. Steer clear of foods high in fat and sugar, like fast food, sweets, chips, fried meals and soda. Most of your calories should come from vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
Step 4
Sleep enough at night. If you are getting less than five hours a sleep per night, it is going to be difficult to lose the postpartum weight. Get extra rest by napping while your baby sleeps.
Step 5
Get moving. Exercise can be difficult with a newborn baby, but you should aim to workout at least 30 minutes per day. If you can't exercise in one 30-minute block, you can separate it into two 15 minutes intervals. You can also exercise along with your baby. Take walks with the baby in the stroller or sign up for a mommy and baby exercise class.
Member Comments