How to Develop an Effective Postpartum Weight Loss Program

After pregnancy and childbirth, many women search for an effective postpartum weight loss program to eliminate the extra pounds and inches they have gained. Most women are simply in a hurry to get back into shape and feel good, and healthy along the way. However, there is an effective way to develop a successful postpartum weight loss program with realistic goals.

Do Not Start Too Soon

Starting a diet before your body has had a chance to recover from pregnancy, labor and delivery could be harmful. It is best to allow at least six weeks, until after your postpartum checkup before beginning any weight loss program. After that time, you can begin to watch your caloric intake in an effort to slim down. If breast-feeding, it is essential to wait at least two months before losing weight. Starting too soon after childbirth could cause a significant delay in your recovery and create a tired listless feeling. In addition, weight loss too soon can have a direct effect on the amount of milk you can supply your newborn.

Set Realistic Goals

It is essential to bear in mind that you will likely not return to your exact shape or weight that you were in before pregnancy. This is because many permanent changes take place during pregnancy and delivery including slightly wider hips, a softer belly, and sometimes a larger waistline. It is best to set realistic goals by readjusting the image you have of your ideal body shape.

Consider Exercise

Even though putting on weight for pregnancy is not the same as just gaining weight, there is no magic pill available to help you lose it. You will still be required to consume a healthy diet every day, and incorporate a routine exercise to shed away the unwanted pounds and inches. Once you start the process of an effective postpartum weight loss program, you will eat less every day, while becoming significantly more active. Consider taking more walks, such as pushing the baby around the block in his or her stroller.

Take the Weight off Slowly

It is important to avoid following a restrictive diet. You will need at least a minimum of 1200 calories every day to stay healthy for your newborn. In fact, many women need even more calories, up to 1500 to 2200 calories every day. This will help prevent mood swings and increase energy levels. If nursing, consider consuming 2000 calories to 2700 calories every day to provide enough nourishment for yourself and your newborn.

Eat Every Meal

Having a newborn usually creates a new hectic schedule that is often challenging to maintain. However, it is essential to never skip meals. Consuming three squares a day, and snacks in between will give you the energy levels you require for being a mom. It is best to change or thought that skipping a meal will help you lose weight faster. In fact, the opposite will happen. Your body will believe it is feeling famished, and increase your cravings to eat.

An effective postpartum weight loss program can help you lose weight quickly and safely. In the meantime, you can maintain a healthier lifestyle to begin the process of reshaping your body to the new you.