How to lose weight after pregnancy?
Baby weight refers to the extra weight a woman gains during pregnancy and after giving birth. Undoubtedly, the body undergoes various changes to accommodate and sustain the baby growing inside of you. Weight gain during this time comes from the stretching and expanding of various organs . This includes the abdomen and breasts, for instance.
The body also tends to retain fluids during pregnancy, which can make you add a few extra pounds. During pregnancy, expectant mothers also tend to eat more, as some tend to feel hungrier and others try to satisfy their various cravings. All these factors lead to eating habits change and weight gain.
However, the body eventually bounces back to its original size after giving birth. Although, it takes time. In some cases, instead of waiting around for nature to take its course, you can speed up the process and lose the baby weight sooner than you think.
Keep reading this article to figure out if it is possible to lose weight after pregnancy very fast? How much weight can you lose after pregnancy? And how long will it take?
How much weight can you lose immediately after giving birth?
The amount of weight you can expect to lose right after delivering a baby varies from 5 to 12 pounds. It usually depends on the size of a new born baby and also placenta and amniotic fluid.
How long does it take to lose pregnancy weight?
How long does it take for your stomach to go back to normal after giving birth? Of course, it takes time for your body to recover from pregnancy, especially for your belly.
It makes it even harder to lose weight right after pregnancy, because you cannot really diet for at least eight weeks after giving birth. Many women feel very tired throughout the day, have lack of sleep, and consequently less energy to prepare healthy food.
For a female body this period may be very stressful. After giving a birth, women have constant period-like vaginal secretions for first several weeks, which makes it harder to start exercising.
Therefore, loosing the baby weight will take time, usually 6 to 12 months after the labor. The same amount of time required for stretch marks and dark pigmentation to become less visible. Furthermore, it takes about 6-8 weeks for your uterus to bounce back to a normal size. Thus, do not stress out, be patient and give your body some time to recover.
The following tips can help you to lose weight after having a baby:
1. Proper Diet
Make sure to always have a balanced meal especially for lactating mothers. Avoid sugar and processed foods.
Focus more on nutritious foods with fewer calories. This will not only help to replenish energy lost while giving a birth, but it will also help you stay healthy and lose weight in the process.
In order to lose about a pound per week, you will have to cut out 500 calories a day. You can achieve that by lowering your food intake or by exercising more.
Losing more than a pound per week is not recommended. Because it can affect your mood and also make you feel tired all the time.
Most importantly, do not go on a severe diet. Your diet affects your breastfeeding abilities and the milk you produce. It is better for your baby if your diet if full of vitamins and nutrients.
Eat smaller regular potions as opposed to fewer larger meals. This will give your body enough time to digest food fully.
2. Start Exercising
Working out can also help you to lose weigh after pregnancy. However, before you start exercising, make sure your body is ready for it.
It is always good to first consult with your doctor to find out how soon you can start exercising after giving birth.
If you have a personal trainer, on the other hand, they will guide you on what types of exercises to start with. It is advisable to start with simple exercises such as walking, aerobics, swimming and dancing.
Start small, and observe how your body reacts to the intensity and level of workouts.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is the new ‘it’ when it comes to weight loss. Drink a minimum of eight glasses per day. Water helps to flush out toxins and sugars that can make you add weight.
Drinking water, also, makes you feel more full so you end up eating less food. This helps you lose weight as water has no calories. You can add lemons or cucumbers to help make the water tastier for you.
4. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is nature’s way of helping women shed the baby weight naturally.
Furthermore, with continuous breastfeeding, you can be assured that with time, the extra weight will disappear. The baby will literally suck the extra pounds away.
The other surprising fact is that, breastfeeding triggers contractions which help the uterus to shrink. It also feels good and healthy for your newborn baby.
Combine after pregnancy weight loss tips, and loosing weight after giving birth won’t seem too stressful.
Most women are motivated to go back to the size they were before being pregnant. With proper discipline, you will look leaner and healthier and thus you will be a happier mom.
Remember, weight loss after giving birth does not happen overnight. It took your body 9 months to go through various changes. Give it time. But you can also help your body bounce back using the tips above.
