Weight Loss Tips and Information.

I was absolutely thrilled when I found out I was pregnant. I was also a bit worried about the impact that such a journey would have on my body. I actually felt a little guilty about worrying, given the miracle I had been blessed with but that didn’t stop the voice in my head from wondering and worrying.

During my pregnancy I was in pretty good shape and exercising regularly until about six months. At that point my balance was starting to tip and the weather was getting hot so I had to cut back. Cutting back amounted to stopping any kind of routine and enjoying the pregnancy by lying around under the A/C and sipping smoothies and shakes for the next few months. I did ease my general weight paranoia by watching exercise equipment infomercials and writing down the name of each piece that promised to “help you get back in shape after having kids and flatten that baby belly!” Of course, I didn’t buy anything but just doing this “research” made me feel better about my lack of activity.

After my son was born I did lose the weight and I lost it all, which was more than I hoped for. So, ladies, it can be done! The first key for me was nursing. Breast feeding burns a lot of calories and it’s a great way to give nutrition and bond with your baby. It also helps shrink your uterus quickly so if you are comfortable with it this is a great way to start losing weight.

Other than the nursing I didn’t do any special diet or exercise for the first couple of months after I gave birth. I did a ton of walking around the house trying to shush the crying baby and I also learned quickly that walking up and down the stairs was a great way burp and sooth him (just watch your step!). For the first few months most of my exercise came from doing work around the house and dancing which can be quite a workout. I took walks when I could but if anyone tells you to try to start scheduled walks on a regular basis forget it! It was a couple of months before I could even brush my hair on a regular schedule!

As the months went by I spent more time focusing on what I ate. I tried to keep the refrigerator packed with pre-washed and cut up veggies for snacks and I ate a lot of whole grain bread with a little peanut butter or hummus. It may be tempting but try to stay away from fast food. The fat and salt are killers and they’ll only make you feel tired and bloated. It’s also important to drink a ton of water at least the eight glasses a day but probably more. It helps give you energy and also helps you feel full.

At four months postpartum I did get back into an exercise program. I began doing low impact martial arts once a week at first and then twice a week as I got back into shape. My in-laws were oh-so-happy to watch the baby for an hour while I exercised and I felt great afterward. After about two months of exercise I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight and that tummy got flat (just like in the infomercials but without that annoying, overexcited host).

In general, I found that focusing on how much I ate was not as important as what I ate. Kicking the fast food habit made a huge difference and drinking only water all day and milk once or twice a day was all it took to give me the energy to want to do more. After the first few months try to begin working in some kind of structured exercise a class, DVD, dance lessons, baby and me exercise classes, whatever. I was still breastfeeding exclusively and I made it happen (without ever having to pump) so it can be done! The trick is to try not to do too much too soon. Guilt and stress will only set you back so remember to enjoy your baby and take your time.