Getting Back to Pre-Baby Weight is Not Easy

Being pregnant puts a major strain on your body. Even though it’s all worth it once your child is born, many moms can’t wait to ditch the maternity clothes and once again fit into their pre-baby wardrobe. While it would be nice for this transformation to occur instantaneously, it doesn’t. It also doesn’t fall off as quickly as it does for celebrities. Getting back to your pre-baby weight is not easy. In fact, it takes a great deal of hard work. If you can’t stop staring at your pre-baby clothes, here are a few tips to help you get back into shape. Set realistic goals. Before you go diving into an intense workout routine or starving yourself in order to fit into your pre-baby clothes in a matter of weeks, stop and make some realistic goals. You nurtured your baby for nine (almost 10) months inside your body. This took a larger toll than just eating a carton of ice cream in one sitting, which means that it’s going to take some time to work your body back into shape. Set a realistic goal for yourself. This way, not only will it be easier for you to achieve, but it will also help keep you motivated to continue working hard towards your goal. For example, give yourself a goal of losing five pounds within the first three months after your baby is born (with doctor’s approval, of course). Once you reach this goal, set another goal, and so on, until you’re satisfied. Start a healthy diet. As a new mom, you’re going to find yourself tired and busy. This doesn’t leave much time to think about your diet, as inhaling a Ding Dong for breakfast may be your saving grace after being up all night with a newborn. However, it’s important that you do think about your diet. Your post-pregnancy diet needs to consist of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins. By eating healthier, cutting calories, and maintaining portion control, you’ll find it easier to ditch the baby weight. If time and/or cooking are not on your side, you don’t have to worry about spending time in the kitchen whipping up a healthy meal or snack. Instead, get help with meal replacement shakes. Meal replacement shakes are quick to make and can provide you with the protein and calories you need to maintain a healthy diet. Plus, they’ve come so far over the past few years that meal replacement shakes actually taste good and not like bland diet food. Get creative with your exercise. It’s true that after having a baby, your mind, body, and schedule may not be ready for exercising, but if you want to lose the baby weight, this is essential. Nobody said that you have to spend hours in the gym every day doing an intense post-baby workout in order to get back into shape. Instead, doing a few exercises here and there will certainly help you reach your goals. For example, when your baby is doing tummy time, use this time to do some sit-ups. As you’re preparing formula or baby food, do a few jumping jacks or squats. You can also take your baby for a walk, or invest in a jogging stroller and take him or her for a run. Doing a little bit here and there throughout your day will help you lose the baby weight, so try and get creative.