An Article on How To Lose The Baby Weight

Hey moms! Got this from Yahoo.com (by Maui V. Reyes) as I was browsing the net and it's so informative that it deserves to be shared to you.

Take time to read on and like what I tell my other mommy friends, don't be discouraged if you don't get into your desired shape or if you don't get back to that pre-pregnancy figure you had right away. It took you 7 to 9 months to gain all the weight, give yourselves time to loose it in a healthy way too. ;D


So here's the article and some of my thoughts:

Here are five ways to help shed those post-baby pounds to get you in shape as you walk down the road of mommyhood:

1. Start moving. To call the first few days of motherhood exhausting is an understatement, as your baby demands your attention 24/7. But that doesn't mean you should lock yourself in the nursery 'til your little one learns to walk out the door.

While doctors recommend you don't do any strenuous exercise 'til six weeks post-partum (and even longer if you had a C-section), doesn't mean you can't squeeze in a light workout. Simply pushing the stroller around the neighborhood can help burn a few calories, as is going up and down the stairs. As long as you feel fine and aren't bleeding or getting light-headed, then you can keep up this simple exercise routine until your six-week check-up.

(For me, it's more on mind over matter. If you take your doctor's advice literally then it'll make you more paranoid and maybe immobile because you are scared that something wrong might happen to your body - and even add those old beliefs and superstitions. I'm not saying that you go back to your old fast moving self, but I myself can attest that a little stretching, bending, and standing at times will do no harm, but rather, it would make you feel a little better.)


2. Breastfeed. Breastfeeding exclusively can help you shed your pregnancy weight—and then some! Breastfeeding uses up to 600 calories a day, which is equivalent to running a 5k race—and you don't have to get off the couch. The best part? Not only will you be able to bond with your baby, but breastmilk helps boost your baby's immunity and brain development. Try to feed on demand and nix infant formula unless really needed.

(As they say, breastfeeding is still best not only for the baby but to mommies as well. It can really take away the weight!)


3. Don't scrimp on food. While it may be tempting to start on that new diet fad, now's not a good idea to do so. Your baby needs you in tip-top shape, and that means taking in around 1,500 calories a day (add an addition 300 if you're breastfeeding). Eat a healthy, well-balanced meal composed of super foods that are heavy in nutrients, but light on fat.

Stock up on fish like salmon and tuna, which are rich in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps in brain development. Load up on calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt, and don't shy away from lean chicken and turkey, as these give you protein. It's also a good idea to throw away the potato chips and replace them with fruits for snacking—the water and fiber content of fruits can help keep your bowel movement regular.

(As your baby demands for breastmilk, you also feel hungry but make sure you pick the right food for you and your baby 'cause it'll benefit you both.)


4. Hydrate. A super tired new mom can't afford to be dehydrated. Make sure to drink at least 10 glasses of water a day, and even more if you're breastfeeding. Don't make the mistake of "forgetting" to drink water—your body is still going through changes (many of them hormonal), and the last thing you want is to feel light-headed, or have another case of hemorrhoids.

(Eating watery fruits will hydrate your body and make your skin look healthier too!)


5. Sleep. Sleep deprivation can make anyone stressed out—which then causes the body to release stress hormones like cortisol, that has been known to promote weight gain. Not getting enough snooze time also affects your metabolism: a study done in the US found that women who slept less than five hours a day had a harder time shedding the pregnancy weight compared to those who got seven or more.

Catch up on sleep whenever your baby takes a nap. And don't ever sacrifice sleep for a workout! You won't have the energy to exercise efficiently, and you'll only wear yourself out. Same goes for household chores: the dishes can wait. Your baby needs you now.

(During my first pregnancy, this too is what I missed the most. But I got used to it and thank God I was able to adjust and somehow know when I could get enough rest. Good thing my baby wasn't too much to handle. Hoping my second baby will be just like her sister too.)