Finally, the day has come and you have delivered. You may be going through a wide range of emotions at this stage but if you're anything like the majority of post natal women, you have noticed some not so flattering changes to your figure. Losing pregnancy weight may be high on your list of priorities but here are some considerations and suggestions before you begin.
Give Yourself 6-8 Weeks
Your body has just undergone a very stressful undertaking. It needs some time to heal. Continue to eat healthy and don't cut your calories the first 2-3 weeks. After 2-3 weeks, you can reduce your calories if you are eating nutrient rich foods. Keep your protein up. Eat small and often to keep your blood sugar on track. Never eat less than 1600-1800 minimum during the following 4-6 weeks. Light stretching and walking should be the only exercising you do the first 4-6 weeks.
Join the Gym
With your Doctor's go ahead, after 8 weeks this is where you want to be. This is the magic pill. Nothing can help your body like weightlifting. There is no longer a "boys only" stigma attached with this activity and it will firm and tone your body like nothing else. The healthiest way of losing pregnancy weight is not by restricting your calories alone. You have to burn them. Find a trainer or friend so you won't drop out; and start slowly, 3-4 times a week, with whole body weight resistance exercises. Aerobics will burn calories, but it won't be nearly as effective at toning your muscles.
Do Your Aerobics and Stay Hydrated
This is what I refer to as the Triple Crown; eating correctly, weight resistance exercises, and aerobic activity. If you combine these three elements and continue at them with regularity, you will soon be getting into the best shape of your life. I have personally seen this over and over. The aerobic activity will not only help you continue to burn more calories, but improve your conditioning as well. The perfect compliment to your weight training exercises. Do a minimum of 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a week. Also, I can't stress enough the importance of staying hydrated. Get in the habit of carrying around a bottle of water with you at all times.
Losing pregnancy weight by restricting your calories is one thing. But if you want to feel confident in a bathing suite and look good year round, you need to learn how to eat correctly and employ that into your lifestyle. Now couple this with 3-4 days a week of whole body resistance weight training and aerobics, and you will be turning heads.
