Monday, May 12, 2014

Seven Steps To Getting Your Pre-Baby Body Back


Though motherhood is one of the greatest blessings, pregnancy takes a toll on the body. Many women gain weight during their pregnancy, which can be difficult to lose post- baby. With a little patience and effort, here are seven steps to help you get back pre-baby body back:

1. Wait 
Most women are anxious to get back on the exercise saddle, however, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and wait until you are cleared for exercise. Although it can be discouraging to see your body post-baby, which many women struggle with, having a baby is a big deal and your body needs time to heal.

2. Breastfeed 
Breastfeeding provides your baby with important health benefits and nutrients, including a boost to his or her immune system. However, breastfeeding is not just good for the baby—it’s good for you too. Breastfeeding helps to reduce the size of your belly, as well as causing the uterus to shrink back to its normal size faster than it would without breastfeeding.

3. Cardio Fun
One of the easiest ways to get rid of any extra baby weight is to burn calories through cardio exercise. By being creative with your exercise routine, such as taking a walk or jog with your stroller, finding exercise
TV Packages for you to do at home while the baby is napping, or letting Grandma watch the baby for an afternoon while you participate in a Zumba or kickbox cardio class, exercise is possible with a new child. Additionally, exercise can help women who are struggling with postpartum. Exercise helps to raise endorphins, which can help women feel like their old self again.

4. Strength Training 
Cardio certainly helps to get you back into shape as well as strengthening your endurance, but it is also important for you to perform a bit of strength training, especially in the core area. Yoga and pilates are two great exercise programs that easily strengthen the core in a relaxing setting.

5. Drink Water
An essential to health in general, drinking water and staying hydrated is also vital to post- baby health. Hydration helps to keep your energy levels high as well as speeding up your metabolism.

6. Eat Right
The last thing new moms should do is diet and cut calories. New moms need to eat plenty of nutritious food to help your body heal, keep your energy up, and provide nutrients to your child. You need to eat calories in order to maintain your health during this time, thus you should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats.

7. Sleep
One thing most new mommies have in common is the lack of sleep. Unfortunately, it is also one of the biggest components to getting your pre-baby body back. When you’re tired and lethargic, your energy levels down, your metabolism slows, and there is no motivation to exercise. Try to catch up on sleep by catnapping during the day and asking your husband for help and support at night or on the weekends.

With a bit of patience, motivation, and positivity, getting your pre-baby body back is possible.

 Image Source: www.havenob.com

4 comments:

  1. I agree so much with waiting, sleeping and drinking water. It just took time but I didn't rush it along. I'm sure it can be faster for many.

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  2. All great tips. Working out is really what did it for me. It was hard work, but worth it.

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  3. Great tips! I have done all of those things and am very proud of how I look today, even after having five children! Have a terrific day!

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  4. Wanted to come over and say “hi” from SITS. I definitely agree that time and breastfeeding are a huge help for getting rid of the baby weight. And sleep is so hard to get in those first few months…wish I had some advice to moms needing more. Thanks for a great list!

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