Mom Exercising With Baby

3 Ways to Lose the Baby Weight

Choosing Healthy Food Options

When trying to lose weight, it is important to choose healthy options when you are choosing foods to eat.  You can lose weight effectively by watching what you eat.  I don’t like using the term dieting; instead, you want to incorporate healthy eating into your daily lifestyle so that it becomes a habit.  I personally have found that counting calories, using MyFitnessPal, is a great way to hold myself accountable and track the food that I am consuming.  In order to successfully lose 1 pound a week, you must decrease your caloric intake by 3500 calories.  Many people believe that a low fat diet is the way to go but in reality your body needs some fat in your diet.  MyFitnessPal will give you target information so that you know how much fat that you can have in a day to eat.  Focus on eating more foods such as nuts, avocados, and foods that contain more of the healthy fats.   Making small changes really makes a difference.

Exercise

I realize that most new mom’s are exhausted after taking care of their newborn around the clock, especially, during those first few weeks.  Once, your baby is a bit older you can slowly begin adding exercise or movement into your daily routine so that you are burning more calories.  If you have a stroller you can easily take your baby with you on a walk.  Just make sure that your baby is shielded from the sun and is dressed in cool light clothing to avoid overheating.

Some mom also use their baby to develop an exercise routine.  You can dance with your baby, do squats, sit ups, and arm lifts.  Lifting your baby helps build muscle and improves your strength.  Playing with your baby is a great way to get exercise while entertaining your baby.

There are also DVD programs that are great for working out in the convenience of your own home so that you don’t have to leave your baby; in fact, some of the DVD’s only take 15 to 25 minutes a day.  If you prefer working out at a gym, find a gym that is kid friendly or one that offers free childcare with your membership so that you can work out without having to worry about the kids.

Don’t Get Frustrated and Keep Focused on Your Long Term Weight Loss Goals

You can use a combination of these three tips to help you lose the baby weight.  If you find yourself frustrated or find yourself not losing the baby weight, talk to your doctor to rule out any post-partum medical conditions that could be causing you to hold on to the weight.

Most people don’t realize how much they are consuming, I know that I am personally guilty of this, and I hate seeing food go to waste so I will eat whatever my toddler doesn’t eat.  All of those extra calories add up and make it harder to lose the weight.  Like I mentioned before, MyFitNessPal is a great application that is free for both iPhone, Android, and Online.  It can help you track the amount of calories that you are actually consuming and you may quickly realize that you aren’t burning what you are consuming on a daily basis.

How did you lose the baby weight?

Comments

10 responses to “3 Ways to Lose the Baby Weight”

  1. Corinne Avatar

    ahh the baby weight. It’s been my enemy since my son was born…2 yrs ago. I am definitely one of those women who hold on to some weight while nursing. I’m working on weaning right now and I’m hoping the rest comes off.

    1. Christy Avatar

      I hope that it comes off easily Corinne. I lost my baby weight and put it back on. 🙁

  2. Courtney~Mommy LaDy Club Avatar

    I’m glad to see breastfeeding right away:) My sister did a Paleo diet while breastfeeding, and got so skinny it scared us. I would not advise that.

    1. Christy Avatar

      I don’t recommend dieting while breastfeeding. If you really need to diet while breastfeeding either counting calories or using weight watchers is your best route so that you make sure that you are eating enough of the right foods.

      1. Courtney~Mommy LaDy Club Avatar

        The Paleo believers really think it’s a way of life, and not a diet. You know what I mean?

        1. Christy Avatar

          Yes, I am glad that you posted this comment because nursing mother’s need to know that this isn’t a good diet while pregnant or while breastfeeding. 🙂

  3. Pamela R Avatar

    my baby is 7 and I still have most of it =O

    I guess I should follow some of these tips =}

    1. Christy Avatar

      I hear you Pam, I never lost the baby weight after I had my daughter 16 years ago.

  4. Patricia Figurski Avatar

    These are some great tips. For me personally- breastfeeding did the whole work. Even now- I am wishing for a new baby so I can breastfeed and return to my ideal number LOL

  5. Karen Avatar

    This is great advice, I am currently nursing and my daughter is 1 month old and I am already feeling the ‘must lose weight’ urge, however I had HG while pregnant so ended up weighing less on delivery than pre-pregnancy so I am holding to that and not trying to lose more for a little while