Most new mums can’t wait to bounce back to their pre-pregnancy weight. For a few mums, bouncing back comes pretty easy, depending on some factors such as the woman’s fitness health, age, and hereditary. For most mums, losing the baby fat comes with a price. It’s a small and healthy price to pay considering you’ll be back in shape, looking and feeling good. Well, it’s now time for you to stop wishing the baby fat away and start doing something about it. Take decisive steps toward regaining your post-pregnancy body.
Step 1: Set a goal
Set a realistic weight loss goal and keep to it. How many pounds or kilos are there to lose altogether? On a weekly basis, how many kilos do you hope to lose? Is one or two kilos a week realistic for you?
Step 2: Get a Scale and Measuring Tape
Apart from showing your accurate weight, a digital scale could give you an insight into how much you lose or gain each day, putting you in check. Don’t expect drastic changes from day to day as failure to see can be depressing. Measure your midriff once a week and write it down. Although using these items can be depressing when there’s no noticeable difference, they keep your eyes on the goal, as they inspire and motivate you to work harder to achieve your weight loss goals.
Step 3: Be Active
As it is a tradition in this part of the world, there are probably too many people eager to care for you and your baby that there’s next to nothing for you to do. So, when you’re not breastfeeding your baby, you settle for ceaseless naps, lying down or sitting to watch TV. You’re probably being fed with a great portion of all kinds of delicacies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The aim is to spoil and let you rest, but all that may soon leave you with more fat to worry about. While I encourage new mums to rest because their bodies need it, try not to get lazy. As your body recovers, gradually increase your activity. Being active will increase your metabolism, thereby burning off fat. Include other activities like walking and climbing up and down a flight of stairs into your daily routine.
Step 4: Breastfeed Exclusively
Exclusive breastfeeding helps you burn 600-800 calories per day. If you are not eating ‘for two,’ exclusive breastfeeding affords you a quite convenient means to shed a reasonable part of the unwanted baby fat and get back to your pre-pregnancy weight in no time. Just ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids.
However, it’s been reported that breast milk tastes sour after a work-out, if this is the case with you, ensure you breastfeed or express some milk before exercising.
Sample ‘Fit Day’ Schedule
5am: Wake up, drink a glass of warm water with lemon
6am: Breakfast: get to studio/on set and have two boiled eggs
8am: Snack: banana
10am: Snack: dried fruit.
“I substitute cranberries when I’m craving crisps and sweets. So I love snacking on them.”
1pm: Lunch: grilled fish/chicken with salad or veggie stir-fry
2pm: Snack: homemade popcorn or cranberries
4pm: Snack: a handful of macadamias.
“Nuts are great for curbing cravings.”
6pm: Exercise: one-hour Pilates class.
“If, like me, you hate the treadmill, take a class. Spinning and Pilates are great for toning muscles.”
7pm: Exercise: one-hour personal trainer
8pm: Supper: veggie stir-fry with couscous.
“I love basmati rice, but too much of it isn’t good for me. Couscous is a better starch.”
10pm: Bedtime