Updated Sep 07, 2021 | 17:04 IS
While doctors recommend waiting six to twelve months after giving birth to shed weight after pregnancy, there are some simple ways that can promote weight loss.
While getting enough sleep with a newborn by your side may sound difficult, a mother needs enough sleep to lose weight after pregnancy Photo credit: Pixabay
Key highlights
- Crash diets that force you to give up any food group can backfire on your health
- Loss of up to a pound and a half per week is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers
- Instead of doing heart rate-increasing workouts like aerobics, we recommend taking your baby for a walk
New Delhi: Pregnancy is one of the most difficult phases in a woman’s life – both physically and emotionally. From gaining weight to preparing for the pain of childbirth, it takes courage and strength to walk the path of motherhood. And when the baby comes, challenges like staying up all night to cope with the weight gain and get back on your feet, it’s a Herculean task. The main concern, however, is weight loss after pregnancy.
While doctors recommend waiting six to twelve months after giving birth to shed weight after pregnancy, there are some simple ways that can promote weight loss. Continue reading.
- Breastfeeding: While experts share split views about breastfeeding weight loss, some studies show that it can help women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster. When a mother breastfeeds her baby, the body uses stored fat cells along with the calories ingested during pregnancy to stimulate milk production. And the rest of the fats will be burned off while feeding the baby. However, breastfeeding mothers need to increase their caloric intake. Losing up to a pound and a half a week is considered safe for nursing mothers; more than that can negatively affect the body.
- Get enough sleep: While getting enough sleep with a newborn by your side may sound difficult, a mother needs enough sleep to lose weight after pregnancy. Sleep deprivation can cause irritation and feelings of hunger due to the high levels of cortisol in the body, which then forces you to eat unhealthy foods that can also affect lactation.
- Take your baby for a walk: Exercise is also a must before, during, and after pregnancy in order to maintain your body’s fitness quotient. It’s a way to make sure your body doesn’t go without exercise at any point. However, getting back on your feet after pregnancy is a challenging task that requires strength. Instead of doing heart rate-increasing workouts like aerobics, we therefore recommend that you take your baby for a walk in the stroller to get some fresh air, keep your body moving and also reduce stress.
- Avoid All Crash Diets: Crash diets that force you to give up any food group can harm your health. Instead of processed foods high in sugar, fruits, eggs, and other protein, high fiber foods are recommended to help maintain your level of essential nutrients, stay fuller for a long time, reduce caloric intake, and promote weight loss.
Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in this article are for general information only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting any fitness program or changing your diet.
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