Being a new mom is exhausting, isnt it? With all the new responsibilities youve got, the idea of getting back to your pre-baby body goes on the backburner. You hardly have any time to yourself anymore, anyway, let alone time to work out at the gym.
While youre adjusting to a new schedule and a new life as a mom, there are some tips and tricks to help you lose those last few baby pounds without taking much time out of your day. Here are eight things you can do to lose weight:
1. Breastfeed
Along with all the other benefits of breastfeeding, nurse and author Jennifer Ritchie points out that making breast milk costs your body about 850 calories. However, she also mentions that breastfeeding makes moms hungrier, so don't make up these calories by eating lots more, or eating junk food if you want to lose weight.
2. Take a nap
I get it, you want to be the perfect mom. The idea of napping while your baby naps seems absurd there are chores to be done, pictures to be taken and meals to be prepared.
But your body just went through something incredible, and you wont be able to heal as quickly if youre always exhausted. Not only that, but a lack of sleep can drastically slow down your metabolism. Try and rest up as much as possible to help keep your metabolism working smoothly (and quickly to burn those calories).
3. Lift weights
Weight training can go a long way to help your metabolism. But instead of worrying about investing in a gym membership or dumbbells, use what youve already got. Do lunges while holding your baby and lift full milk cartons while your babe hangs out in the crib.
4. Wear your baby
Babycarrying has been around for centuries but has recently started to become trendy again. Its a lot like carrying a medicine ball around, so it builds up a lot of lower body strength. You can even do lunges and squats with your baby along for the ride to help increase that strength. Your baby will love the gentle up-and-down movement, too.
5. Drink more water
Drinking more water will help cleanse your body of any unwanted toxins (we all know how prone the female body is to infections after giving birth) as well as help prevent any cravings you might be having. Dehydration can slow down your metabolism, so keep your metabolism in check by carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go.
6. Take a stroll
Put that super trendy baby stroller to use. Take your baby out to get some fresh air and get some exercise yourself. Fill up your stroller with some extra weight to push around and take a walk around the neighborhood. Your baby will love the motion and the sounds around her as you lose those last few pounds.
7. Avoid extreme dieting
The most important thing you can do after giving birth is to stay healthy. Dont try any drastic diets especially if youre breastfeeding. Your baby needs a variety of nutrients, but she wont receive them all if you decide to try out an intense juice cleanse right after birth. Take care of your body as you let yourself heal, and your body will take care of you.
8. Learn to love your mommy body
Lets face it. You just gave birth to a human life, and your body will never be the same again. That doesnt mean its worse, just that your body is different. Learn to love your pregnancy stretch marks and extra skin its a reminder of the miracle you created its the mark of a true warrior! As long as you stay healthy for your baby, she doesnt care about a few extra pounds around your tummy. She loves you for being her mommy.
While youre adjusting to a new schedule and a new life as a mom, there are some tips and tricks to help you lose those last few baby pounds without taking much time out of your day. Here are eight things you can do to lose weight:
1. Breastfeed
Along with all the other benefits of breastfeeding, nurse and author Jennifer Ritchie points out that making breast milk costs your body about 850 calories. However, she also mentions that breastfeeding makes moms hungrier, so don't make up these calories by eating lots more, or eating junk food if you want to lose weight.
2. Take a nap
I get it, you want to be the perfect mom. The idea of napping while your baby naps seems absurd there are chores to be done, pictures to be taken and meals to be prepared.
But your body just went through something incredible, and you wont be able to heal as quickly if youre always exhausted. Not only that, but a lack of sleep can drastically slow down your metabolism. Try and rest up as much as possible to help keep your metabolism working smoothly (and quickly to burn those calories).
3. Lift weights
Weight training can go a long way to help your metabolism. But instead of worrying about investing in a gym membership or dumbbells, use what youve already got. Do lunges while holding your baby and lift full milk cartons while your babe hangs out in the crib.
4. Wear your baby
Babycarrying has been around for centuries but has recently started to become trendy again. Its a lot like carrying a medicine ball around, so it builds up a lot of lower body strength. You can even do lunges and squats with your baby along for the ride to help increase that strength. Your baby will love the gentle up-and-down movement, too.
5. Drink more water
Drinking more water will help cleanse your body of any unwanted toxins (we all know how prone the female body is to infections after giving birth) as well as help prevent any cravings you might be having. Dehydration can slow down your metabolism, so keep your metabolism in check by carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go.
6. Take a stroll
Put that super trendy baby stroller to use. Take your baby out to get some fresh air and get some exercise yourself. Fill up your stroller with some extra weight to push around and take a walk around the neighborhood. Your baby will love the motion and the sounds around her as you lose those last few pounds.
7. Avoid extreme dieting
The most important thing you can do after giving birth is to stay healthy. Dont try any drastic diets especially if youre breastfeeding. Your baby needs a variety of nutrients, but she wont receive them all if you decide to try out an intense juice cleanse right after birth. Take care of your body as you let yourself heal, and your body will take care of you.
8. Learn to love your mommy body
Lets face it. You just gave birth to a human life, and your body will never be the same again. That doesnt mean its worse, just that your body is different. Learn to love your pregnancy stretch marks and extra skin its a reminder of the miracle you created its the mark of a true warrior! As long as you stay healthy for your baby, she doesnt care about a few extra pounds around your tummy. She loves you for being her mommy.
