Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. And, it is not easy to get yourself back in shape after childbirth. Your body needs enough time to recover from birth, and hence, it is not recommended to go on a strict diet immediately after that. This is also because you will be breastfeeding.
A crash diet is not a good idea but eating healthy is the right thing to do. Baby weight is the extra weight that is gained during pregnancy and the one which remains with you even after childbirth. This weight can be daunting, but you need to give it time. You can start basic and start with gentle exercises after a few weeks of childbirth. Post-natal check-up generally happens between 6-8 weeks after childbirth. This would be the best time to understand if there are any issues and you can ask your doctor about weight loss. While you could do that, we also list down a few ways to help you shed those extra kilos.
Ways to lose weight:
Your baby is still dependent for nutrition on your breastmilk. Hence, make sure to eat healthy to intake all the essential nutrients.
Never miss your breakfast. Make sure you eat a healthy and heavy breakfast early in the morning. Milk and yogurt are your best friends because of the calcium content in them. They help you keep your bones strong and recover from birth.
Also include fibrous foods like fruits, beans, lentils, and grains in your diet. In addition to this, have enough proteins like sprouts, egg and lean meat.
Avoid packed foods and harmful fats. For example, replace bread with whole grain chapati, rice with oats and fried foods with baked ones. It is best to avoid all kinds of packed foods and food items with high-level sugar. In case you have a sweet tooth, try having jaggery instead of sugar. Stock your kitchen with healthy snacks.
Exercise is a great inclusion in your weight loss plan post pregnancy. You maypractice aerobics and strength training exercises after pregnancy to keep your muscles and bones strong. If you’re uncomfortable doing the above-mentioned exercises, then brisk walking and staying active are some other ways to naturally lose weight and at the same not straining your body too much.
Know what your baby needs, talk to your doctor about the kind of diet that is required for both of you and take steps accordingly to plan your weight loss regime.
