Sunday, October 12, 2008

Losing Pregnancy Weight - Doing it Right

By Teresa Brown

It's no surprise that there is no silver bullet in losing pregnancy weight simply because we are all wired differently. But before you can begin to lose the pregnancy weight, you have to be ready mentally to be your own pep squad and coach. Thankfully, you can give your body a helping hand.

The joy of having a baby and being a new mom can be quickly overshadowed by, amongst other things, losing the pregnancy weight. And it doesn't help your self-esteem either to compare yourself to the Celebrity mom, sister or B.F.F. who quickly returned into their pre-baby body within a few months.

So, what is the fastest way to losing pregnancy weight without the advantage of having your own Momtourage like the Celebs? What may work for your friend or sister may not work for you. The trick is to find and use what works for you.

1. Exercise During and After Your Pregnancy

If your pregnancy is not a high-risk one and you have consulted with your physician, then consider enrolling in an exercise program designed for pregnant women such as yoga. Or you can do any non-strenuous exercise such as swimming, or weight training using lightweights to prepare your body to losing the pregnancy weight after the baby. Regular exercise should enable you to lose the majority of the pregnancy weight within 6 weeks or longer depending on the individual.

2. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding helps some but not all women in losing pregnancy weight. Weight loss aside, breastfeeding ensures that you will maintain a well balanced diet for your baby's health. Breastfeeding takes about 500 calories per day to feed your newborn and this will cause you to burn the excess baby fat to maintain the amount of energy you will require and use. But whichever way you choose to feed your baby, make sure you eat healthy foods and drink lots of water.

3. Montior your Pregnancy Weight

Logic tells us that if you consume more calories than you burn, you will indeed gain weight. Logic also tells us that when you are pregnant you will gain weight because a baby is growing in your womb. Common sense tell us that pregnancy is not the time for no-holds-barred eating. Losing pregnancy weight in the postpartum months will be made easier if you maintain a healthy pregnancy weight by eating the best quality of foods possible.

4. Continuing a Healthy Way of Life

If you can eat and exercise for your unborn baby, then you can choose to do so in losing the pregnancy weight for yourself. Just continue what you started and you will be the better of emotionally and physically for it. Remember to check with your doctor before starting back into an exercise regime. Unlike the Celeb moms who have their career image as motivation, you have only you. You are worth the time and the effort.

Take advantage of your pregnancy and postpartum period by eating sensibly and keeping in shape. You'll reap the benefits by having a healthy pregnancy, baby and being able to bounce back into your pre-baby shape by losing pregnancy weight within a 6 month time frame. Pregnancies come and go but a healthy lifestyle will keep the weight off and your sex appeal on. - 15266

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