How to Lose The Baby Bulge

Just gave birth? Shocked at how you look! Take a deep breath. Believe or not it is natural and you need to understand not to rush things and take you time with regaining your weight. Your priority should be on your new baby and keeping healthy. But be reasonable and just be eating right you can lose the weight. Keep the faith and read on…

Now, that you’ve had your baby and all the worries of impending motherhood are behind you comes the next step for most moms. So I does one lose the baby bulge?

Medical doctors advise all nursing mothers to add an additional 300 to 500 calories to their daily diet. If you’re breast feeding you should ensure these extra calories consist of healthy foods and snacks. Your baby is what you eat :).

The first thing you should do is not try to rush it too much. The race to see who loses the baby weight first is really not safe at all. You are a brand new mom with a new baby and you need to look after yourself. This means you need to eat a properly balanced diet to ensure you receive all the essential nutrients new mothers need especially if you are breastfeeding.

Here are a few tips to help you lose the weigh sensibly:

• Do Not Diet – After giving birth is not really a good time to start a diet. You are moody and tired or even a little down. Dieting is just another added pressure that you do not need right now! It is better to make a promise to not eat any junk food or empty calories. These include potato chips, cakes, cookies, pastries and processed foods in general. It is not good for you or your baby.
• Breastfeed – The benefits are unbelievable and it is great for your baby and you. Breastfeeding moms tend to loose their baby weight faster and more efficiently than non nursing moms.
• Do Not Do Strenuous Exercise - Exercise is also not advisable until after your post pregnancy check up, usually 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. Provided you are healthy, you can, however, go out for walks. This is a great way for you to get some fresh air and a little physical activity.
• Stay Hydrated – We often mistake thirst for water. Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help energize and hydrate you.

By simply cutting out the sugar and junk food and sticking to a diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains the weight will naturally come off. And Do ot be too rigid with yourself, allow yourself a nice piece of chocolate or cookie every once in a while.

And do not set unrealistic goals! It took you 9 months to gain this weight, you should allow yourself at least another 9 to 12 months to get back into shape. You should instead concentrate on your baby and all the upcoming precious times you will share together. Be easy on yourself and don’t get too wrapped up in the weight issue. As long as you’re taking the right steps to ensure you’re eating properly you will see a difference.

By the same token, you should be careful not to fall into the trap of overeating due to stress and tiredness. A lot of moms do just that and 6 months or a year later are shocked by how much weight they’ve actually gained. You’ll be so busy that it could really sneak up on you. If you plan on having another baby soon after, this weight will be even more difficult to lose.

The best way by far to loose weight is to have three balanced meals a day and a couple of healthy snacks (especially if you’re nursing). Once your doctor gives you the all clear you should also do some type of exercise activity 3 to 5 times a week.

Really it pays to follow your common sense. Eat right and do not rush into dieting or excerise until the time is right. If you do some simple things, you will not have to worry about losing too much weight in 12 months time!

Good luck and stay healthy!