Weight Loss During Pregnancy
It is natural for women to gain weight during pregnancy. We all know this, and yet many women still get stressed out when they carry around extra weight after delivery. Go easy on yourself. You have achieved an incredible thing, and weight gain is a by-product that comes with this miraculous event. With a little determination, you can get yourself back to your old shape in no time.
When is it a good idea to start losing weight?
Your body has gone through a massive amount of trauma, so give yourself some time to heal before you jump into an exercise routine. Having said that, it is never too early to go for gentle, easy walks to keep yourself moving.
If you are breastfeeding you have to ingest 500 more calories than you would normally. This doesn’t do a lot for weight loss, but it has a huge impact on the health of your baby. You can still be careful about what you eat, as long as you are getting all the vitamins and nutrients needed to pass on to your baby through your breast milk.
When should I start to exercise?
It can be easy to get depressed when you see how your body has changed, but the best thing about taking control of your post-baby weight and exercising is that it has a profound effect on your mental well-being, as well as your physical health. It can be difficult in the first few months to find time to exercise, but it is not impossible.
Going for daily walks or runs with your baby in the stroller is a perfect solution. You both get fresh air, and you get a brand new body! Make sure you have a supportive bra that restricts breast movement if you decide to run. By the time your child is a toddler, you will be chasing them all over the place, so think of getting your body back in shape as training for this.
Including your child in your exercise routine is a great idea, and you will find that many gyms have childcare facilities. With a good diet and regular exercise you can get back to your pre-baby weight, but think if it as a long term goal. You have just achieved one of the most incredible feats a human being can, so listen to your body and be gentle with it to begin with.