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Having a baby doesn’t
mean you will never fit into a slinky dress
again. It may take awhile, of course; you
did take 9 months to put the weight on,
so give your body some time to take it off.
Here are some ways to weight
loss after pregnancy in a healthy way!
• Healthy
eating
If you are breast
feeding, you require a few additional
calories to maintain production and quality
of breast milk. Experts recommend about
1800 calories a day. Of course, this may
vary depending on your body weight and level
of daily activity. The best course of action
is to talk to a doctor or a nutritionist.
Your body has been through
tremendous ordeal and it needs time to heal
and return to normal working order. So,
don’t embark on fad or extreme diets
– even though you will lose weight
quickly, it will harm your system in the
long run. To make up your calorie-intake,
rely on fresh fruit and vegetables, grains,
and foods low in fat, and high in protein
and fiber. Avoid junk food and alcohol.
Teach yourself to eat smaller portions.
Don’t skip meals or starve yourself
because that will only lead to eating more
than you need at your next meal.
• Exercise
If you had a normal pregnancy
without complications, experts recommend
waiting six weeks before starting to exercise.
If you had a c-section or other complications,
it’s best to check with your doctor.
Always check with your doctor before embarking
on any exercise program.
It takes anywhere from
three to six months for your body to completely
heal from a pregnancy. So during the initial
months, it is best to stick to exercises
that are not too strenuous such as walking,
stationary cycling, swimming, or yoga. Start
exercising for short periods, even if it’s
as little as five minutes. Gradually increase
the length of your workout. Even low-impact
exercise
can help you shed the fat, tone muscles,
and prevent post-partum depression. As your
stamina increases, increase the intensity
of your workouts and introduce aerobics
or weight training in your program. If you
feel pain, or experience dizziness, stop
immediately.
Set realistic goals.
If you lose 1 – 2 pounds a month,
you are doing very well. Just maintain a
healthy diet and a regular exercise program
and your body will do the rest.
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ON WEIGHT LOSS FOR WOMEN
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