Get your body back the healthy way!
We’ve all seen news about celebrities and fashion models who look better than ever just months after having a baby. It’s possible to lose baby weight and get a lean, toned body back. It can be difficult to figure out how to do this in a healthy fashion. Below are some tips and tricks to help you spring toward recovery. Remember to consult your doctor before starting a postnatal fitness routine. Read on and learn how to get your body back after a baby!
1. Focus on nutrition.
Babies seem to take up all your time and energy. It’s easy to resort to ready-made meals or junk food. This is the time when you should watch what you eat. Your nutrition is key in powering your recovery and is vital to the baby’s health while lactating.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Consume lean protein from low-fat chicken breast, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives. Avoid foods with added sugar or processed carbs. Choose baked instead of fried. Stay away from artificial sweeteners, since their effect on young children is still unknown. Whenever possible, buy fresh ingredients instead of canned varieties. For more tips and tricks on what to eat, check out our posts on meal planning. With a baby consuming most of your energy and focus, you might find yourself pressed for time- especially when it comes to thinking about meals. Luckily, these 31 Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes will help you keep your health in check, and can be whipped up in a jiffy!
Meanwhile, munching on healthy snacks in between meals will keep your blood sugar stable and metabolism revved up. Stock up on these 10 Fruits to Help You Lose Weight Quickly to reach for when you feel your tummy grumbling!
2. Begin working toward your previous body at your own pace.
During the last months of pregnancy, you may lose some conditioning from being unable to engage in challenging workouts. This is okay. If you’re watching what you eat and keeping active, you can easily build up your conditioning again. Before you know it, you’ll be back at your previous fitness level.
It’s important to listen to your body and doctor. In order to get your body back, you should challenge yourself without putting your health at risk. A doctor can tell you whether you’re ready to begin working out during follow-up appointments. While you should aim to stay active, you shouldn’t do anything too strenuous too soon. Begin with at-home workouts and walking, progressing as you see fit. You can try postnatal yoga or fun living room workouts. Wait until you’re fully recovered to try heavy lifting or strenuous cardio.
Yoga makes a perfect go-to workout for new moms. The right routines wont put stress on your body, and will actually stretch your muscles out while and adding tranquility to your state of mind. Give this Yoga Workout for Weight Loss a go, or end your day with some therapeutic Evening Yoga for Relaxation. Your body will thank you!
3. Do what you find fun.
Fitness should be fun. While many of us work out because it’s good for our bodies and minds, exercising is great entertainment. Whether it’s yoga, zumba, running, or lifting, there’s a workout routine for everyone. Finding exercises you think are fun will help you get your body back. They’ll help relieve stress and won’t feel like a chore. Nobody wants additional responsibility while taking care of a newborn, but finding time for activities you enjoy can make you a better mother in the long run.
Need ideas? Check out these 4 Exercises to Beat Post Baby Weight Gain.
4. Don’t rush.
News articles everywhere discuss celebrities getting their bodies back within a few short weeks. This can put pressure on anyone to lose baby weight and regain muscle. Rushing to get fit before you’re ready can be detrimental to you and the baby. Don’t do anything that might result in injury. Most importantly, remember that you have plenty of time to get your body back. Your baby will only be a baby for so long. While you shouldn’t use this as an excuse to stop working out, you should progress at your own pace. Make sure you get the green light from your doctor before starting any workout regimen.
Read more about steps you can take to get your body back! This article Moms, You CAN Get in the Best Shape of Your Life is chockfull of handy tips and inspiration that’ll boost your fitness and have you loving your body in no time.
How do you stay fit post-baby? Let the SkinnyMs. community know! Leave a comment in the section below.
