If you are like millions of new moms, you are probably asking yourself, "How do I lose weight after pregnancy?" Although regaining your pre-baby figure is obtainable - with many women doing so within 6 to 12 months of giving birth - it is advisable to give your body time to recover from the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth before attempting to lose unwanted pounds.
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't begin a diet or exercise regimen until after your 6-week postpartum check up.
Putting Weight Gain During Pregnancy into Perspective On average, women gain approximately 25 to 35 pounds while pregnant.
However, this is considered the average for women of normal weight.
Women who are underweight before becoming pregnant are advised to gain between 28 to 40 pounds and women who are overweight are encouraged to gain between 15 to 25 lbs.
If you look at average weight gain at the end of pregnancy (between 25 to 35 pounds), this weight consists of the baby (6 to 8 lbs.
), placenta (2 to 3 lbs.
), amniotic fluid (2 to 3 lbs.
), increased blood supply (4 lbs.
), breast tissue (2 to 3 lbs.
), fat stores (5 to 9 lbs.
), and increased uterus size (2 to 5 lbs.
).
After delivery women automatically lose over 10 pounds from the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid.
However, it will take time for blood volume, breast tissue, and uterus size to return to normal.
On average, it takes the uterus 6 weeks to return to its pre-pregnancy size.
This may account for women still looking around 4 months pregnant immediately after giving birth.
Mother Nature is miraculously effective in transforming women's bodies back to their pre-pregnancy glory.
However, your assistance may be required to shed unwanted fat stores gained during your pregnancy.
Losing Unwanted Pregnancy Fat Stores Although the answer to the question, "How do I lose weight after pregnancy?" is simple (diet and exercise), putting these principles into action may not be.
Caring for a baby is time consuming and if you have other children as well, watching your diet and finding time to exercise may appear impossible.
However, to lose unwanted weight and keep it off, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
It really isn't difficult, but it does take determination and perseverance.
The word "diet" has many negative connotations.
"Diet" conjures up thoughts of counting calories and following a strict food regimen.
However, following a healthy diet doesn't need to be cumbersome.
All that is required is making wise food choices.
For good health, it is important to consume between 1,800 to 2,200 calories per day.
You can lose a pound a week by cutting 500 calories from your diet daily.
This can be done by eating less or increasing your level of activity.
It has also been shown that choosing whole grain breads and cereals, drinking milk, and eating breakfast can also help you lose weight after pregnancy.
Making low-fat food selections (skim milk, low fat cheeses, yogurt, etc.
) will also assist in decreasing your caloric intake.
Finally, curb your desire for sugary drinks.
You would be surprised at the number of calories they contain.
It is important to drink around 8 cups of fluids daily.
To assist in losing weight, stick to water and diluted fruit juices.
To lose unwanted pregnancy fat stores, you must take the time to exercise.
You don't need to have a gym membership to get yourself into shape.
Begin by taking short walks with your little one or other light aerobic activities.
As you build up your stamina and endurance, you can increase your physical activity to include moderate exercises.
"How do I lose weight after pregnancy?" The answer to this question simply involves adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a sensible diet.