So 9 months (maybe more, maybe less) of sheer H-E double hockey sticks and sheer agony, you’re a proud new mommy. It’s a great thing and a time to celebrate, but once the hype dies down and you look at yourself…you wonder how the heck you are going to get rid of that belly?
There are a few simple things post-pregnancy women can do, and it’s all common sense! You’ve probably heard all these from your doctor, but I’ll restate them anyway!
1. Walk your baby!
Pretty simple, really. Your baby loves to see the world, get fresh air, or to just snooze on a walk. Throw them in a stroller and take a walk twice a day, it gets you out of the house and is great exercise! (Don’t really throw them in, place them down gently.)
2. Eat Right!
Eating correctly couldn’t be more important anytime in your life, especially for new mothers breast feeding. Now is not the time to start the Atkins diet! You and your baby, need carbs and fats, so eat healthy and so will your baby! If you haven’t kicked the chips, pop, and candy habit now would be a good time to try!
3. Midnight Snack…
Hormonal women have a tendency to want some very strange things. I’ve witnessed this myself, especially being awoken at 3:00 AM sharp, to find my wife locked onto me with a death-ray stare. Followed by a trip to the store for Key-Lime Pie and Fire Red Dorito’s (a trigger food of mine, by the way). Try to keep these cravings at bay! Food at night is barely used, you’re not actively burning calories. So, it gets stored as fat!
4. Baby Weight!
Most women take for granted, during pregnancy, how much blood, sweat, and tears is involved with an infant. Running here, running there, baby’s crying. Some are lucky enough to have a 2-story house, with the baby’s room upstairs. Think of this as exercise! You can make up to 50 trips up and down the stairs every day, that’s a lot of cardio! Or just walking around the house after your toddler. Don’t just plop down on the coach and waist away for hours on end.
5. Set Goals!
Setting goals for yourself to overcome both acts is a good way to record your progress, but also gives you something to “shoot for” week by week. Knowing a challenge and trying to overcome it can bring out the best in people, so set yourself a list of goals to overcome and start crossing them off one-by-one! Things like weight goals, fitting into your favorite pair of pants, cutting a few inches off your waist are a start. Be specific and stay on top of your book keeping!
With these simple steps most women can be back to themselves in no time at all! Be careful and always talk to your doctor before starting any new weight loss program, and think about safety. If you’ve still got stitches healing, you probably shouldn’t try upside down hanging sit-ups!
Currently Pregnant or Expecting?
For those moms-to-be out there, I didn’t forget about you, it’s probably wise of you to start eating healthier and exercising now. It will make your pregnancy and recovery a whole lot easier! Simply walking everyday or doing some pregnancy-safe yoga is better than nothing.
Any more tips from moms out there, such as breast feeding? Please share them!
*Photo Courtesy of Dr sick Love
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