Six Simple Postpartum Weightloss Tips

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eight loss after pregnancy is a whole different thing then trying to loose weight for most other people. A new mom has some additional challenges, including erratic sleep patterns, skipping meals, complete lack of personal time, frequent interruptions, loose ligaments and changes in pelvic structure, the higher demands on energy reserves for breastfeeding, and hormone fluctuations to name a few. There are many specific challenges after pregnancy that need to be addressed to get the most out of any weight loss program.

By addressing some of these particular issues a new mom faces you’ll have more success with a weight loss plan.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1.Say Hello to Your Body Again

Reconnect to your body. It takes time to get reacquainted. Don’t expect yourself to be the same. Focus on supporting your new body and give it loving affirmations: “You are a beautiful powerful woman who brought a baby into the world. You rock!” instead of  “OMG my stomach is so big!” or “I’ll never get this baby weight off.” Write down your affirmations and put them somewhere you can remind yourself.

2.Focus on Sleep

If you aren’t getting sufficient sleep, your cortisol will rise and this will create cravings for sweets or carbs. Lack of sleep has a direct impact on appetite control. Make a commitment to do whatever works for you and your family to make sure you get the most sleep you can.

3.Check in With Yourself

If you are eating when not hungry, explore the emotional reasons why you may be eating. Are you anxious, fatigued, overwhelmed, bored, isolated? Parenting is stressful. Observe what’s going on when you want to eat. Be willing to be honest with yourself about the hard or boring parts of parenting.

4.Erratic Eating Creates Cravings

Make your eating needs as important as the baby’s. Many women focus so much on baby or are so overwhelmed that they neglect their own food needs. Focus on eating balanced meals with a diet that has adequate protein at every meal, is high in plant foods, and clear of refined and processed foods. Find ways to make this simple. After pregnancy, women need a lot of protein to rebuild tissue. Whether vegetarian or not, try to get protein into every meal.

5. Move In Lots and Lots of Ways

Getting into a new fitness routine can take some time, so while you’re learning, focus first on incorporating as much movement into your day as you can. There are new studies that show the little movements like standing instead of sitting, sweeping and gardenin add up to make a big impact on weight loss. Find little ways to move through out the day. Even short 5 minute bursts of activity throughout the day make a difference. Choose to move more in small ways.

6. Sugar or Carb Cravings Are a Signal

If you’re craving a lot of sugars, pasta, or breads, it’s often indicative of being low on serotonin the neurotransmitter associated with depression. Make sure you balance your blood sugar with protein at every meal, take B vitamins, and find out more about how to increase serotonin naturally.

In general, you should take your time to get back in shape. Be gentle and supportive of yourself, and be creative in how you get in more movement, rest and good nutrition!