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Monday, January 31, 2011

Lose Weight after Pregnancy




At the risk of sounding too cautious let me inform you that it isn't feasible by people who have no nanny, chef, housekeeper, hair & make up staff and personal trainer to lose weight gained during pregnancy in just 3 weeks post delivery as claimed courtesy our celebs in 90210 zip code. However it is unwise to immediately hop on to the weight loss band wagon because Heidi Klum has done it thrice by now. Understand that your body has gone through well realistically almost a day long trauma in labor and if not then surgery in C section give it a breather for once. Here are some must knows every girl should keep in mind while entering this phase and yes the husband is going to do whatever it takes to stop you from losing weight asap post pregnancy so never tell him about it and yet get your hot body scientifically healthy way.

#1. The Natural Weight loss is Breast feeding - If you haven't already read my post on lactation diet I had mentioned how breast feeding is nature's way of shedding the excess weight gained. While producing milk the body utilizes its fat stores and carbohydrates to form the composite of breast milk mobilizing excess body fat. Do not over eat during lactation you only need 500 Kcals in excess to your non pregnancy dietary recommendation as compared to the 300 Kcals during pregnancy. The rest will be taken care by your body's hyper metabolism during the first 3-4 months of lactation. 

#2. What really gets you fat post pregnancy - Apart from the hormonal changes that occur so as to allow your body some breather from the physical exhaustion that can affect metabolism too. It is sheer tiredness while keeping the baby safe and sound not to mention the overnights. Your metabolism will sloppy down once it gets too comfy with the tiredness causing you to sleep whenever you can and have no energy to workout later on. Agreed that the baby really gets the biological clock topsy turvy and plus the noise, the clothes, the baby food, the diapers list goes on, but take a moment to keep your goal intact. You must give your body high fiber food and more hydration with fruits and veggies along with fluids to keep the metabolism kicked up during this phase. Sleep deprivation can be accustomed within 3 months of back up time that you have immediately after delivery. You must get your back up with food, fluids, sleep and energy on the ready by the first 3 months after delivery. Use the next 3 months to get your body stablized with enough energy, nutrition, metabolic regulation. You are totally ready after 6 months to lose that fat that no longer is required by you nor your baby, get started with a healthy yet leaner custom made diet plan that keeps in mind you and your baby's nutrition & of course the fitness regime that will obviously start out slow and go on to a steady moderate until your ready for an intense workout. 

#3. Maintain a good diet - I am going to come clean with this fact you have only the first year to lose tat baby weight and anything more than that is more excess baggage than you can handle. If you are a C section mom or a natural birth mom give your body a good protein rich, essential fat, moderate carb high fiber diet. Fiber will regulate the gastrointestinal system allowing slower gastric emptying therefore regulating insulin secretion and fat absorption as well as metabolism. Considering the body has a lot of damage control to do since the birth be it abdominally, internal tissues, muscle strength, blood volume, immune system precursors, bone strength a diet that will provide enough essential amino acids as well as antioxidants inherently in the protein food is a deal maker. Similarly to kick the metabolism a diet rich in good fats, and protein with antioxidant rich complex carbs makes sure you are prepared to lose that weight in the healthiest way possible. If you can keep up with the nutrient richness in your diet along with not gorging on excess fat "for the baby" food you and your baby will be well taken care of. Breast milk will surely depend on your diet but nobody said your diet is going to harm its nutrient content because you can provide rich breast milk and keep your fat and sugar intake in check simultaneously. We are not in the 1950's anymore so be fully aware of what works and what doesn't and trust me loading your diet with fat for the sake of breast milk is not either of the solution. 

#4. Fitness Or Fun - You have so much on your plate after a child is born you travel time for all intensive purposes. Your body and mind however cannot live up to it for long and they both need a time out. When you start out to lose the weight after pregnancy take it easy especially if you have had a C section delivery its always best to take it easy and then gear up. One needs a good stretching, lighter cardio and functional training to work the exercise into the body's functioning. Its also important you opt for more fun activities that benefit you in exercise as much like a sport or biking, exotic dancing, lighter pilates, power yoga, ice skating, roller skating, swimming, aqua sports, aqua resistance training. Stress is the first thing that needs to leave your body and mind if you intend to be a happy mother and a sexy woman again. 

#5. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise - Do not and I repeat this do not let anybody's opinion of you and your body get to you. There will be many who will ridicule you, tell you that you cannot look great post delivery or that its natural for women to look out of shape after child birth and that you're crazy for trying to lose the excess baggage after 6 months of your child's birth. You deserve to feel and look exactly the way YOU and only you desire. So if your desire is to be desire and envied by everyone including your partner you must get on the plan after the first 6 months of postpartum. Every women of any age has the capability, passion, and the right to look as beautiful and sexy as she wants to don't let anyone tell you any different. All you need is a moment of decision to go for the kill (read kill excess fat). Once that decision is made dive right in and come out a dazzling and gorgeous woman you were born to be. 


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