Mothers face various tests after delivery and keeping fit is one of those hurdles. Whether trying to lose weight, maintaining it or keeping fit, it can be overwhelming. Moms need a lot of support in adjusting to the new role while remaining in fine fettle. Even though it seems difficult, keeping fit after delivery is conceivable, and if you fix a few things, you can be sure of being healthy. But what are these ways that can aid mothers back to their strong bodies. Here are a few tips to consider.
Let it be gradual
After birth, the abdominal muscles are usually weak and there is need to take it slow. Don’t start immediately on vigorous exercises but take it step by step. Walking around should be the first and easiest way to help you keep fit. You may feel anxious to go back to the normal self, but it can be risky as the body is still recovering, take it slow for your safety. If the delivery was done through a caesarean section, it will take longer to recover. There is no need to rush, be patient and you will soon be there.
Take enough naps
Research has shown that sleep helps in avoiding weight gain and sometimes leads to loss of weight. Taking naps at intervals can help moms after delivery lose mass. Since the little one needs attention, take a nap whenever the baby sleeps so that you are not deprived of sleep. Proper relaxation also helps in the general welfare of the mother leaving her fit.
Stay active
Nine months is usually a very long journey for mothers and after delivery one may be tempted to stay inactive for some time. It is natural but staying active is very vital during this time. Have simple walks around the compound to ensure the body becomes firm. House chores that require little or no bending are encouraged since the mother may still be fragile.
Involve the baby
The easiest way to exercise is to involve the baby. Since vigorous activities are still not encouraged, take a walk with your baby on the stroller. Besides bonding it gives the mom a chance to exercise without going to the gym.
Just breastfeed
Breastfeeding has proved to be one way of burning calories. Even women who do not anticipate losing weight have slimmed down because of breastfeeding. So, ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the good of the young one and you as the mother.
Eat healthy
During pregnancy mothers have a tendency to avoid certain foods. Others, because they cannot handle while some do it for the good of the baby. After delivery, it is enticing to eat all sorts of food. However, it is important to have a balanced diet to avoid weight gain. Foods with too much calories need to be dodged or minimized.
Keep a positive image
Even if you may feel that the body has changed, avoid judgments that make you feel bad. It is easy to feel weird if someone in the public gives you that look (the suspicious one). Never mind they could be looking and not seeing you anyway, so hold your head up and be happy. Being healthy and fit depends on a number of subjects and each effort counts.
Drink enough
Have adequate to drink to warrant your body stays hydrated. The body needs a lot of fluids to avoid drying and feeling dizzy. Breast milk is 90% water so you need enough for milk production and to keep you hydrated. Research shows that drinking water helps you fill up and increase your metabolism. Water is that important.
Avoid dieting
Skipping meals is not advisable for a new mother. In most cases, this leads to weight gain in the long run. Have meals as usual. In fact, you can have simple healthy eats with you like bananas to consume from time to time.
Consult a nutritionist/dietician
If you realize that you are gaining weight, talk to a dietician for advice on the best foods to help in losing weight. The nutritionist may have better knowledge on what foods to avoid as a new mom. Remember what you take affects the baby, so you need a professional advice if required.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol of any amount into the body is not wise while breastfeeding. First, the drink has a way of ending up in the milk. If you are to consume alcohol, give time between drinking and the next feeding to reduce on the level that the infant consumes.
On the other hand, alcohol adds calories yet provides no nutritional values to the body. Whether having simple wine, or hard drinks, alcohol should be avoided.
Join a community
If you have a chance to meet a group that you share interests, join. It could be online or face to face. People who joined groups when losing weight tend to have faster results than individuals. The aspect of encouraging each other works well for most women.
Avoid processed foods
Processed foods have added sugar, fats and this may not work well in case you are trying to lose weight. The foods have less fiber and can be addictive. If you are trying to keep fit and have a healthy body, these foods need to be avoided.
Have realistic goals
Losing weight is possible but one needs to put in effort and some consistency to realize any results. Unlike other situations, new mothers have other challenges that may hinder them from losing weight. Whatever option you choose, let it be a realistic one. For example if you like processed foods and alcohol, it will be hard to have a healthy body. So, set viable goals and follow them religiously.
Keeping fit after delivery depends on a number of factors. What works for someone else may not help you. Most important is to try and practice these tips for better results. Discipline is important for any results to be achieved. Since “no dieting” is unadvisable, eating well and having plenty of drinks can lead to better results.
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