After the beautiful (but not always glamorous) experience of having a baby, it is a common goal for many moms to shed off baby weight and get that ‘pre-baby body’ again. Womens’ bodies go through many changes during pregnancy, from fluctuating hormones to the stress of actually carrying another human, and it is completely normal for your body to have its ‘new norm’ post-delivery.
Here are 5 effective ways to help shed off baby weight and help you feel your best.
- Work out in the way that feels right for you.
Getting started and maintaining the routine of physical exercise is important to shed off body weight and for one’s physical health overall. For example, you can try walking to get your body used to movement and work your way up to lightly jogging. You can walk and lightly jog around your neighborhood, local park, or head to a running trail that also gets you out in nature. If you want to bump up the intensity of your workout, a HITT workout is a great option. You can use fitness apps such as 30 Day Fitness Challenge to track your progress and follow guided workouts with exercise how-to’s, just remember to start with the basic/beginner level and work your way up.
- Cut back on junk food and resist temptations
Junk food is easy to get into the habit eating, but cutting it back and ideally cutting it nearly out (if not completely) can make a significant difference in your health. To help resist temptations, keep your pantry and fridge stocked with healthy food options, and avoid bringing junk food into the house. Having junk food there is a temptation just not worth having!
- Eat healthy and super foods
When you think of food as fuel and nourishment, it can really help change what you choose to eat day to day. This doesn’t mean you can’t bond over food around the dining table, but having healthy options there will help you shed off baby weight and nourish your body. Healthy food can be delicious too, and it’s energizing!
- Set a realistic goal
Working towards something can help you stay motivated and pushing forward. So set a realistic goal for yourself and break it down. When you write down what the specific goal is, when you want to reach it, and how you’ll feel when you get there, you’ll be more likely to hold yourself accountable and motivated.
- Find a workout buddy
For some, working out is a lot more fun with a workout buddy. So call up a friend or loved one and get moving! There are many ‘yoga for moms’ classes and other workout classes that you can go to in order to meet other moms, and there just might be a group in your local area. After all, sometimes being able to talk to a friend while you workout gives you both social time and helps keep you motivated and having fun while you exercise.
The most important thing to remember is to take it slow and have patience.
Remember to speak with your doctor before beginning with any new exercise regime.
