Post Pregnancy Weight Loss Is About Being Sensible


by Tangtin Pualsmi


Besides the physiological changes you are dealing with after having a baby, you are faced with the more obvious matter of post pregnancy weight loss. It is not a good idea to rush it though, as sensible dieting and exercise are far more likely to be successful.

Research has shown that breastfeeding helps mothers lose weight after pregnancy, but that may be a long, slow process. No matter how much weight you picked up during your pregnancy, you probably want to lose at least some of it as quickly as possible.

Your body does need a balanced diet after pregnancy, so fad diets that cut out whole food groups are not advisable at all. A good weight loss program that includes a healthy balance from all the different food groups is not only better for you, it will help you maintain your weight later on as well. If you are breastfeeding, a good diet is very important.

Before you start a diet or exercise program post pregnancy, you should consult your doctor or health care consultant. They will be able to tell you how much and what type of exercise you can do, and what types of diets you should follow. If you have a particular program in mind, discuss it with them before you start it.

Rigorous exercise is not a good idea straight after pregnancy, and again, your doctor should be consulted before you start training for a marathon. Your body has not only been through a lot, but certain muscles and other areas of the body may have been depleted during pregnancy, so you should proceed with caution. Only the celebrities with full time trainers and nutritionists get back into shape in three months - the rest of us have to be patient.

If you have had a C-section, you will have to wait until after the recovery period to start exercising, and you will have to proceed carefully with any exercise that involves the stomach muscles for a while thereafter. There are lots of gentle exercises you can do while you wait for a full recovery, many with your baby for a fun workout.

If you are overly concerned about post pregnancy weight loss, your stress will be transferred to your baby, making it even more difficult to find the time to exercise and diet. Any parent of toddlers will tell you that running around after a two year old helps get rid of those last few pounds quickly, so perhaps patience is all you need after all.




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