After pregnancy and delivery, you’re most likely eager to return to your pre-pregnancy weight, which is why you probably searched online for articles similar to this. Most women are determined to lose most of the weight they gained during pregnancy after giving birth. While we wish the weight loss would magically happen overnight, it takes time to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle as a busy new mom. One of the best feelings is fitting back into your favorite pair of jeans.
It is essential to be easy on yourself. During the first six weeks after delivery, many women experience vaginal bleeding, uterine contractions, night sweats, perineal pain, and breast changes. It tends to make you ready to want to reclaim some normalcy.
Postpartum weight loss takes time and patience. Remember, it took nine months to grow and carry your baby, and it often takes nine months or more to lose the weight. Below, we will share eight effective tips to lose weight healthily and safely.
No Crash Diet
One of our first effective tips to lose weight is to avoid crash diets. What is a crash diet? GoodRx states, “Crash diets are restrictive eating plans that are intended to help you lose weight very fast. These diets often involve excluding many types of foods, and therefore, come with some health risks. The risks of crash diets include poor nutrition, hormonal changes, and gallstones.” Although you may notice a temporary weight loss, it is not a permanent change. Instead of crash diets, choose healthy, nutritious foods.
Nutritious and Balanced Food
Aforementioned, swap the crash diet for healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. Effective postpartum weight loss should be approached with patience and care. After giving birth, your body requires proper nutrition. Healthline states, “During the postpartum period, focus on filling up on healthy sources of protein, fruit, vegetables, fiber-rich carbs, and fats like avocado, nuts, and seeds. Also, carbohydrates are necessary for new moms, not just for breast milk production, but also for mental health, hormone regulation, and more. “
Nurse Your Baby
Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for your baby, but it can also help many women lose inches from their waistline more quickly. According to WebMD, Breastfeeding burns several hundred calories a day.
Hydrate
Water is already essential to a healthy lifestyle, but it is especially crucial for postpartum mothers. Drinking enough water is vital for anyone trying to lose weight. While we mentioned nutrition is important for weight loss, proper hydration is a critical component for postpartum wellness.
LPI mentions, “Hydration not only helps with weight loss, but also supports breast milk production, aids in physical recovery, regulates mood and energy levels, supports digestive health.” To spice and spruce up your water flavor, add some fresh-cut fruit, such as cucumber, lemon, strawberries, and blueberries. You can also add mint, which helps de-bloat the belly.
Stretch and Exercise
While most new moms will not be able to have time to go to the gym, you do not need to! After childbirth, most doctors clear you to go for a stroller walk with your little one immediately after vaginal delivery. Â Take a brisk walk in the fresh air and enjoy the scenery. Please wait to do cardio and weight training workouts until after your six-week postpartum doctor’s appointment.
Healthline states, “Moving your body has tons of benefits in general, but can especially supercharge weight loss. Cardio, such as walking, jogging, running, cycling, and interval training, helps you burn calories and has numerous health benefits.” If you prefer yoga, you could do postnatal yoga with your little one on the floor next to you on a blanket or in a swing.
Avoid Alcohol
Not only for postpartum mothers, but in general, alcohol provides extra calories with no nutrition. Swap alcohol for unsweetened sparkling water.
Stay Positive
It is important to focus on what you have accomplished so far and the weight you have already lost. Many women try to stay positive by repeating postpartum body affirmations! It will keep you feeling encouraged and beautiful.
Rest
I know it’s cliche to say, but try to sleep when the baby is sleeping. Rest is so important to your weight loss journey and overall health.  Proper sleep is essential for recovery after childbirth and for post-pregnancy weight loss. Try your hardest to get at least 7 hours of sleep every day. Not getting enough rest can cause weight gain. Healthline mentioned, “A lack of sleep can negatively affect your weight. One study showed that a lack of sleep is related to retaining more weight after pregnancy.” Do not be afraid to ask family and friends for help to ensure you’re getting adequate sleep.
This article is very helpful for my wife,I witness her try multiple things and nothing works,but after trying just a few of these tips she began to see results immediately,Thank you Dana miller.
Excellent tips! Great encouragement for all new Mommies. Yes, Stay positive! You all can do it. And those mocktails look so delicious and refreshing.