Having a baby can take its toll on your body, from rapid stretching of the skin to weight gain for nourishing your unborn child. After the birth of your baby, one main concern is how to regain your pre-pregnancy shape. There is no quick fix to do this. However, with some determination and discipline, you can be back into your pre-pregnancy jeans in no time.
Step 1
Eat a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, low-fat dairy and lean meats. Calorie intake is important to keep up your energy when caring for your new baby, so don't limit your calories to fewer than 1,200 per day, according to BabyCenter's Medical Advisory Board. Eating sensibly will keep up your energy and help you shed pounds quicker, especially when breastfeeding, which requires proper nutrition for you and your baby.
Step 2
Exercise daily. Even a short stroll around the block with your bundle of joy goes a long way toward physical fitness. Work your muscle groups through exercises, such as walking, aerobics, Pilates and yoga, to tighten tummy muscles that were stretched during pregnancy. Try holding your baby on your ankles while lying on your back with your knees to your chest. Slowly lift your legs upward, bringing your baby toward you and saying " Peek-a-boo." This will not only work your leg and abdominal muscles but will also entertain your baby.
Step 3
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Water flushes out toxins and helps remove excess fat cells in the body. This will also give the added benefit of keeping you well hydrated during exercise.
Step 4
Control your portions during meals. Eat smaller portions more slowly so that your brain can receive the signal that you are satisfied. Nerve impulses from the stomach to the brain are delayed, and when eating fast, it is easy to overeat before your body has time to tell your brain that you have had enough. Smaller bites chewed slowly will give you the time needed to properly digest and prevent overeating. Eating smaller meals several times a day will also help. Eat small meals at the same time you feed your baby. This will keep your hunger satisfied throughout the day and give you special bonding time with your baby.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid crash dieting. This could do more harm than good, and the weight lost through crash diets is easier to regain than weight lost through sensible diet and exercise.
- Wait until after your postpartum checkup to begin any diet or exercise program. This will ensure that you are properly healed and at little risk of injury.
