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Reclaim Your Body after Pregnancy: Unlock Your Full Potential with These Simple Steps!

Written by Jillian Lai Mei Siew on Mon, 27 November 2023 — Fact checked by Dr. Kirilyuk Inna Anatolyivna

Key Highlights

  • Breastfeeding naturally burns calories and aids in weight loss post-pregnancy.
  • A varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, and increased hydration supports weight loss and breastfeeding needs.
  • Gradual, comfortable exercise, starting with walks, can effectively boost postpartum fitness.
  • Avoid crash and fad diets; they're unsustainable and may hinder long-term health and weight loss.
  • Balance is crucial – prioritize long-term, sustainable health changes over quick fixes.
  • Support from friends and family can alleviate stress and support your health goals.
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Feeling Insecure About Your Post Birth Body?

Taking care of your body after having a baby is incredibly important. Whether you're looking to lose weight, heal your body, or simply stay healthy and energized, there are plenty of steps you can take to feel your best after having a baby.

From eating healthy meals to incorporating exercise into your routine, it's all about finding a balance that works for you.

In this conversation, we'll explore some tips and advice for losing weight after having a baby, so you can feel confident as a new mom.

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Postpartum Weight Loss

Did you know that breastfeeding can help you lose weight? Yes, you heard that right. When you breastfeed, your body burns calories to fuel milk production and feed your baby. And the best part is, you don't even have to do anything extra to start losing weight – it happens naturally.

The Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Postpartum Weight Loss

  • During pregnancy, your body stores fat cells to prepare for breastfeeding.
  • So, when you start nursing, your body uses those fat cells in combination with the calories from your diet to produce milk.
  • This means you can lose weight even while eating an additional 300 to 500 calories a day (which is recommended by experts to keep your energy up and your milk production going strong.)

So, don't stress about losing weight after pregnancy – breastfeeding may just be the solution you need.

Healthy Eating Habits For Postpartum Weight Loss

Now, I know being a new mom can be hectic, and taking care of yourself can sometimes take a back seat. That’s particularly why when it comes to losing weight during breastfeeding, it's important to consciously make healthy choices. Here’s how good eating habits can help you loose weight after having a baby:

  • When you prioritize healthy eating, you not only help your body heal, but you also provide your baby with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
  • To make sure you're getting all the essential nutrients, it's important to include a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups.
  • Focus on incorporating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and proteins into your meals. And don't forget to stay hydrated!
  • Drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily is a good rule of thumb for most people. But if you're breastfeeding, you will need to aim for 12-14 glasses daily to ensure both you and your baby are staying hydrated.
  • It's not advisable to engage in a crash diet where you restrict food intake excessively or a fad diet that imposes strict limitations on certain foods or nutrients. These diets may result in initial weight loss, but the lost weight may merely be water weight and will soon return. Additionally, crash diets may cause muscle loss instead of fat loss, and any fat loss will likely be regained once you return to normal eating habits.

Healthy Eating Habits For Postpartum Weight Loss

Remember, your body is going through a lot of changes right now, and it's important to help it heal and thrive. So, fill up on healthy and nutritious foods and drink plenty of water to keep your body and your baby happy and healthy.

Role Of Exercise In Postpartum Weight Loss

A combination of healthy eating and exercise is key when it comes to losing weight after having a baby. Once your doctor gives you the green light to start exercising, it's important to find an exercise that works for you. You should start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Let us see how you can start exercising:

  • Even just a quick walk around the block with your baby in the stroller for 20 minutes can be a great way to start adding exercise to your daily routine.
  • As you progress, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workouts with moderate exercises like brisk walking or bike riding on a level surface.
  • Just remember to listen to your body and stop exercising if you experience any pain or discomfort. Overdoing it can lead to injury, which is the last thing you need as a new mom.
  • Don’t forget to drink plenty of water before, during, and after each workout – your body will thank you for it!

Role Of Exercise In Postpartum Weight Loss

Thus, by following the suggestions above, you may easily lose weight after having a baby. However, before making any changes in your routine, always speak with your doctor.

Don’t Stress Too Much

Being a new parent can be a daunting role and a lot of work. Sleep deprivation and stress can be overwhelming, and 1 in 9 new mothers also experience postpartum depression. While achieving a healthy weight after pregnancy is important, it shouldn’t add undue stress and anxiety. Making small changes that you can maintain for the long haul is key. Ask friends and family for help around the house, preparing meals, or taking care of the baby for a few hours to allow you to rest or get some exercise.

Conclusion

Reclaiming your body after pregnancy is a journey of balance and self-care. By leveraging the natural weight loss benefits of breastfeeding, committing to a nutritious diet, and incorporating gentle exercise, you can achieve your fitness goals.

Remember to avoid quick fixes, listen to your body, and seek support when needed. With patience and the right approach, you can unlock your full potential and feel great in your post-birth body.

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Jillian Lai Mei Siew

As the Product Consultant Manager of Mega BiO-LiFE, Jillian Lai Mei Siew, has the role of providing a productive team spirit among all Product Consultants to equip them with the right health nutritional information. Jillian is a BSc in Nutrition and Community Health, and a MSc in Nutritional Sciences an from Universiti Putra Malaysia. Affiliated to the Professional Affiliation Languages & Dialects Nutrition Society of Malaysia, NSM, Jillian can speak English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien and Malay.

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