| It seems so unfair that some women, shortly | | | | water is also a great way to avoid the hunger |
| after giving birth, have absolutely no problem | | | | sensations and doesn't put on any weight. |
| losing pregnancy weight and easily return to a | | | | If breastfeeding, you will need to build up your |
| svelte, trim figure. | | | | protein (cheese, meat,poultry, fish or 2 large eggs |
| However many others are stuck with excess | | | | daily), calcium (milk, yoghurt,cheese), zinc (seafood |
| pounds and appear to have great difficulty in | | | | and lean red meat) and vitamin C (fruit every |
| getting rid of them. It seems like a most daunting | | | | day). |
| task whilst caring for the needs of the new baby | | | | Then we come to exercise: to begin losing |
| to also be trying to shed some surplus weight. | | | | pregnancy weight, it is most helpful to start some |
| It might take some time to get back to your | | | | form of regular exercise. This can be mild and |
| pre-pregnancy weight, but with a plan and some | | | | gentle -- such as walking every day -- or |
| effort, you can do it! | | | | swimming, or some mild resistance exercises at |
| What can be done to assist these women to lose | | | | home. |
| pregnancy weight? | | | | It is recommended that you begin with gentle |
| One basic thing is to breastfeed your baby. | | | | stretching exercises to get your muscles toned |
| Although some women avoid it for medical, | | | | up before beginning more adventurous exercise |
| personal or convenience reasons, it has major | | | | programs. |
| benefits for both baby and you. | | | | The best way to keep up your exercise plan is to |
| Doctors have calculated that by breast feeding, a | | | | have a 'buddy' to exercise with. Ideally this will be |
| women uses up 500 extra calories per day. This | | | | another new Mom. You will both then keep each |
| explains why breast feeding moms often lose the | | | | other up to the mark - as well as having |
| extra weight accumulated while pregnant, faster | | | | company and a common aim. The two of you |
| than those who bottle feed. The baby also | | | | can take your babies out for a brisk walk and |
| benefits substantially by getting the totally natural | | | | they will get an outing and you will get some |
| food source giving it protection from all kinds of | | | | much needed exercise which will be of great help |
| baby health problems. | | | | for losing that pregnancy weight. |
| However if you lose weight too quickly while | | | | Always check with your health provider to |
| breastfeeding, it is possible that your milk flow will | | | | determine if there are any problems with |
| reduce significantly. It is important to remember | | | | exercising. |
| that while breastfeeding, you need extra calories | | | | At the beginning of any weight loss program, it is |
| to maintain a healthy milk supply - especially in the | | | | highly recommended that you take a "before" |
| first few months before the baby goes onto | | | | photo to refer back to as your weight improves. |
| solids. | | | | Then take progressive (perhaps monthly) photos |
| Women who have gone through pregnancy and | | | | to document your progress. This is highly |
| given birth have had dramatic changes occur in | | | | motivational since you will be able to see yourself |
| their bodies. During the pregnancy they have been | | | | losing pregnancy weight. |
| eating for two and building up reserves of | | | | You need to figure out how much exercise you |
| nutrients in preparation for the coming birth. Apart | | | | will need to do in order to actually lose some |
| from the baby's weight there is the weight of | | | | weight. This can be calculated by various software |
| surrounding fluids and also the build up of fat and | | | | programs. |
| tissue to support the ongoing needs of the | | | | Important things to remember: |
| mother during pregnancy and when baby is born. | | | | - Your body needs time to heal before beginning |
| You can also evaluate how much you have been | | | | an exercise routine. |
| eating while pregnant and see if you can cut back | | | | - Your belly needs some exercise to get back to |
| on this after the birth. | | | | normal. |
| This is the time to avoid junk food and go for | | | | - Set realistic goals. Don't expect miracles |
| healthy meals and snacks. Fruit and some | | | | overnight. |
| vegetables make excellent snacks and help to | | | | For more post pregnancy weight loss tips go to: |
| give you a sense of being "full". Drinking plenty of | | | | lose that pregnancy weight. |