How to Lose Weight after Pregnancy

The average weight gain during pregnancy is 25-35 pounds. Some of it is baby. Some is fluid and placenta. All of this is lost when you give birth, but most of the weight you gained will come off in the following months. Don't be discouraged when you get on the scale at home after delivery and you haven't lost as much as you expected to with the arrival of your baby. Normally much of the weight will come off in the weeks to come, but those last pounds can take 6 months to a year to lose.

Don't compare yourself to others. My best friend was back into her prepregnancy clothes in less than a month. I was not that fortunate. It took me closer to 6 months. Hollywood gives us a false reality. Don't expect to look like the stars that have a baby today and in a month look like they were never pregnant. They have dieticians, cooks, and personal trainers. Many of them make unhealthy choices in order to lose weight quickly. I don't encourage you following their examples. The best thing that you can do for yourself and your baby is to make healthy food choices, and lose weight the way you gained it, about a pound a week. It will pay off in the end.

If you are like many new mothers you may feel like a walking zombie. This is normal, and it will pass. In the meantime rest when your baby rests and eat foods that will give you more energy and less calories. These foods include fish, lean meat, chicken, milk, yogurt, and beans. Also try to avoid foods with saturated fat, prepackaged foods, and foods made with white flour. Whole grain foods are the better choice for breads and cereals.

Don't forget the water. Drinking water instead of soda, or other sugary drinks will reduce your caloric intake. Water also has other cleansing benefits.

What about exercise. There are a few exercises you can begin when you come home from the hospital. Consult your doctor for more information on what is safe before your postpartum visit. After you have given your body time to recover and have been to your postpartum checkup you may begin an exercise routine. Take it slow. You may be anxious to get back into your prepregnancy clothes, but too much too soon can do more damage than good. Let your body be your guide. Don't exercise to the point of fatigue, you need your energy for your baby. Start out with walking. Even a daily 10 minute walk with your baby can burn calories and help you feel better.

If you are patient, and persistant the weight will come off. If you find yourself needing some extra help check out Strip That Fat. It will help you choose the best foods and dietary plan to help you lose weight after pregnancy. There is nothing like it on the market.

To your success and happiness.
-Daneece