Research-backed
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Have you come across images of numerous high-profile celebrity mothers who are losing their weight in no time post the delivery? At times, it is hard not to wonder whether these celebs jump right from their hospital beds to the gym. For instance, look at Malaika Arora, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Angelina Jolie, and Victoria Beckham, among others. And, with all these pictures of svelte celeb moms plastered across the social media, it is pretty natural to feel a little disheartened. But, do you think it is realistic to lose all that baby-fat in a lightning speed like this? Of course, it is not. So, here we bring you some ways in which you can lose weight both gradually and normally:
1. Get Moving
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Soon after giving birth to your little one, you might find yourself sleep-deprived more often than not. And, the emotional roller coaster can be pretty overwhelming too. So, it might be difficult for you to even imagine exercising. In fact, most women are not even physically ready until a few weeks after pregnancy to exercise. However, once you do feel up to the task, start with some light post-baby workout routine.
2. Watch The Calories Intake
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When you are breastfeeding, you might be expected to consume relatively more calories to sustain your energy levels. But, don’t go overboard with your munching spree. Try and avoid empty-calorie foods such as chips and aerated drinks. Also, don’t go for any fad diets that might eliminate certain food groups since it is essential for you to be meeting your nutritional requirements. You can go for foods such as fresh fruits, whole grains, and veggies.
3. Go For The Healthy Munchies
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The sugar levels in your blood can go on a roller-coaster ride if you eat something too sweet. But, as soon as the sugar level drops, you might be tempted to eat anything that first comes to your hand. So, to avoid this sinful temptation, you can keep some nutritious and healthy munchies with you at all times. You can keep snacks like carrots, yogurt, chicken or egg salad, and fruit smoothies. You can also have whole-grain cereal but with non-fat milk. So, if you gorge on these munchies instead, you will stay healthy and fit.
4. Hang Out With Other New Mommies
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Most moms usually feel that they don’t have the time and bandwidth to take up any form of exercise, including a simple walk. But, if you find fellow new moms who are struggling with the same things, you can do things together. Perhaps, you can form a walking group and head out early morning together. It might be tough in the beginning but you will have friends to motivate you. And, soon, you might be able to lose all the extra weight too.
5. Indulge In Naps
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Getting a lot of sleep has often been associated with weight loss. Perhaps, it is because you don’t feel as tempted to binge on excessively sweet, high-calorie foods to maintain your energy levels. At times, the peculiar sleep cycles that come with the arrival of the newborn can affect your metabolism, delaying the post-childbirth weight loss. So, don’t get discouraged if it is taking too much time. Just keep putting in efforts and you will achieve your goal in the end.
6. Breastfeeding
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You can lose some calories while breastfeeding. Thus, it is said that breastfeeding might help promote the post-delivery weight loss (1). In fact, many women can even afford to increase their appetite a bit and still manage to lose the excessive weight. But, as soon as you stop breastfeeding, your calorie needs might get affected. So, to maintain your weight, you will have to reduce your intake of junk food and enhance your workout routine.
Have you recently gone through a similar phase? Do you have any tips that you would like to share with all the fellow moms out there? If yes, please do share in the comments section below. Good luck!
