Achieving a healthy post-baby weight can be a real struggle. Adjusting to a new routine of caring for a newborn and recovering from childbirth is stressful. However, returning to a healthy weight after delivery is essential to avoid any health complications that arise from being overweight.
Consequences of keeping on some extra weight after pregnancy
. Increased risk of being overweight
. Heightened risk of Diabetes and heart disease
. Greater risk of complications during pregnancy
. Higher health risks for women with gestational Diabetes
What to do to lose the weight
1. Avoid Crash Diet
Crash diets are very low-calorie diets that aim to make you lose a large amount of weight in the shortest amount of time possible after delivering a baby. Crash diets are not recommended as they derive the body the calories and good nutrition needed.
2. Breastfeed if possible
Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and child; it may make weight loss more difficult in the first three months postpartum, but it may help you lose weight later.
3. Monitor your calorie intake
Low-calorie diets are not recommended, particularly for breastfeeding mothers; however, decreasing your intake by about 500 calories per day is generally safe and will help you lose about 1 pound (0.5kg) per week.
4. Eat foods high in fiber
Soluble fiber may help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and regulating appetite hormones.
5. Stock up on healthy proteins
Protein supports weight loss by boosting your metabolism, increasing feelings of fullness, and regulating appetite hormones.
6. Eating Healthy Snacks
Keep healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt at home and easily accessible store unhealthy food out of sight or don’t keep them in the house.
7. Avoid alcohol
Avoid alcohol if you want to lose weight because it provides extra empty calories.
8. Get moving
Aerobic exercise has many significant health benefits exercise at any level of intensity combined with a healthy eating plan makes for an effective weight loss method.
9. Drink Enough Water
Drinking water boosts your metabolism and aids weight loss; staying hydrated during breastfeeding and taking at least eight glasses of water a day is essential.
10. Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleep can negatively impact your weight loss efforts; although it is difficult with a newborn, try to get as much sleep as possible and ask for help when needed.
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Wanjiku Gachoka is a seasoned nutritionist with over ten years of experience. Her passion for educating communities on matters related to diet and nutrition has been the driving force behind her work.
Her main goal is to promote health and wellness while advocating for zero hunger.
Her approach to nutrition is grounded in making informed decisions, and she believes knowledge is power.