The Benefits of a Post Pregnancy Weight Loss Program

Once your new baby arrives, as a new mom you have lots to think about. This includes what to feed your baby, what to do when the baby cries, and of course how to get rid of all the unwanted weight you gained during pregnancy, through a post pregnancy weight loss program.

If you were at a normal weight when you got pregnant, and gained the average of 30 to 35 pounds recommended by your doctor, it will likely take more than a few months to get back in shape. Removing the extra weight slowly is a sure way to keep it off, through proper diet and exercise.

Alternatively, if you were overweight when you got pregnant, or you put on significantly more weight than what was advised by your doctor, losing the weight could take significantly longer – maybe even a year or more. Even so, it is beneficial to slowly remove any additional “baby weight” that would otherwise not go away on its own.

It is essential to follow a post pregnancy weight loss program to get your extra weight off. This is because you could easily end up being overweight or obese later in life. To do this effectively requires patience. In addition, you will need to understand that your body likely changed shape during pregnancy. This means that your tummy might not shrink back to its original size, and your hips are probably slightly wider because of the expansion of your pelvic bones during pregnancy and delivery.

A Gradual Approach

Many doctors and dietitians recommend that a post pregnancy weight loss plan be founded on a gradual approach for losing weight. It is important to recognize that it took nine months to gain the weight, and will likely take that length of time or longer to get back into shape.

It is essential to avoid “dieting” to reach a post pregnancy weight loss goal. This is because dieting tends to make the body feel deprived. Already being stressed out in your new daily role as a mom could in fact create the situation to gain weight instead of lose it. Alternatively, healthy eating and exercising usually allows the extra weight to burn off naturally.

A Well-Balanced Meal Plan

As an alternative the dieting, dietitians often recommend consuming a well-balanced meal plan based on a variety of foods. Whenever feeling hungry, during the day, consider eating carrot sticks, apple slices, and wheat crackers. The diet should also include lean protein, whole grains, and organic fruits and vegetables, along with nonfat dairy products.

No matter what goal weight you choose to achieve through your post pregnancy weight loss program, it is essential not to drop below consuming 1800 calories each day. This is especially true when breast-feeding. This is because the body requires maximum nutrition when nursing. Be sure and select the types of foods that are heavy in nutrients and low in fat and calories.

It is essential to drink enough water every day to speed up the body’s metabolism and prevent it from becoming dehydrated. Most dietitians recommend consuming eight glasses of quality drinking water, or slightly more, if you are breast-feeding.