Before you look at the mirror and worry about all those extra pounds that you gained during pregnancy, give yourself a pat on the back first. It was no easy feat, but you managed to bring a living, breathing human out into the world—all thanks to your beautiful body. Whether you've put on a little or a lot of weight, it's important to recognize that you did a great job, and you will continue to do so.
Now that you've probably gone through your first six weeks as a new mom, you can safely focus a little on yourself and how to stay healthy. Reclaiming your body may start off rocky, but with patience and support from your partner, plus these tips, you'll bounce back to your pre-baby waistline in no time.
1. Move.
The only way to shake off that excess pregnancy weight is to shake your fanny. After consulting with your doctor on which exercises you can do, start off slow. There's no need to rush, as according to WebMD, there's no quick way to get back to your size 26 denim pants. Just go with the flow.
2. Breastfeed.
Breastfeeding is definitely a win-win deal. Aside from providing your baby with much-needed minerals for faster growth and development, it has also been known to help moms lose weight even years after children have outgrown it.
3. Watch what you eat, but don't starve yourself.
It's important for moms, especially those who breastfeed, to have a good and balanced diet while keeping a daily calorie count of 1,800. Consult your doctor regarding the kinds of food you can snack on that would be beneficial for you and your child.
4. Drink a lot of fluids.
Drinking water flushes out toxins while keeping you hydrated and feeling full. Just make sure not to substitute water with real food satiety because you really need those vitamins and minerals!
5. Sleep.
We know that we don't need to say this, but do get enough sleep. Although it may seem impossible at first, your baby will soon fall into a routine (usually after six weeks post-birth). As they say, "sleep when the baby sleeps." When you're rested, your body is less likely to release stress hormones which push you to binge.
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