Like most moms, you’re probably having some problems losing that baby weight. I can relate as after I had my first child, I had close to 20 extra pounds left over and I was afraid that I was going to end up stuck, like some of my friends who had a kid and never got back to the size they were before having a baby. Fortunately, I found a way to get most of that weight off, and today I’ll give you some of my tips for those with baby weight issues.
Baby Comes First
First, if you plan to breastfeed your baby, wait at least two months before you attempt to start slimming down. You need to make sure your baby is getting optimum nutrition so that means you will have to wait a little bit to cut back.
Be Realistic
Once you do that, it is time to face a bit of reality. Not all of us are going to be able to get back to our pre-pregnancy weight. For some of us, having a child creates permanent changes that will prevent us from getting back to that size two. If you were 110 lbs before your first kid and went up to 135, a more realistic goal would be about 120. For me, I was about 120 and went to 155 before my child. My goal was 125.
Start Slow
Next, don’t go hard core on your diet. You will want to cut back your caloric intake, but not to the point where your are hurting yourself or the baby for those that are breastfeeding. If you are nursing, a bare minimum is 1,800 calories a day but realistically you should go 2,000 to 2,700. Otherwise, you are looking at the 1,500 to 2,000 calorie range to keep up your energy and prevent moodiness.
Find Ways to Get Moving
Finally, find ways to increase your activity. Obviously, the fact that you are a new mom will help you in the activity area as you will be constantly doing things for your child. However, find more ways to increase activity. One mom I know put here child’s changing station on the 2nd floor to increase activity. A friend of mine had a child who would go to sleep every time she went on a walk with them, so she scheduled a daily walk to establish a nap time for the child.
If you follow the above tips and modify them to work into your lifestyle, you will see weight loss in time. Keep in mind that this is going to be a long term process to get the pounds off and it will not happen overnight. I eventually got to my goal of 125 and actually did a bit better as I got to 122. Stick with your plan and you will see success as well.
Today’s post was written in collaboration with Shayne Harvell, a contributing fashion and fitness writer for Zenit Media Group.
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5 Days Left 
2013/06/08
2013/06/04
2013/06/11
Great tips. So important to set realistic expectations.
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Great tips! Plus, if you’re a blogger you can sign up to be an ambassador for Shaklee’s 180 program. 6 months of products in exchange for blogging about it. http://embracingbeauty.com/2013/01/23/shaklee-180-healthy-blogger-competition-application/
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Being realistic is absolutely correct. Some women want to get their pre-pregnancy shape back immediately. You have to remember that it took you nine months to gain that weight, you will require longer time to get rid of it too.
Hi
In my opinion every women have to control you diet.They should give more care about their good health by eating good nutrient food items and drink a lot of fruits.
Thanks.
Belmarra Health recent post: The Calcium Controversy Continues: Does calcium really do what you think it does?
Almost all women will really gain weight during pregnancy and those weight will somehow remain even after giving birth but we all know there are a lot of things we can consider in order to lose the “baby weight”. Diet is still very important, not only for losing weight but at the same time for the better of our body and health, of course the baby is dependent to his or her mother that’s why all mothers should stay healthy as they can.
many mothers want to have a very fast weight loss nut it is really hampers the body of them. this is not too much good at all. definitely need to have a slow start after a long break. to not think much about the extra fat. it will reduce gradually for sure. all others are really good. thanks for sharing.
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