Just In
- 4 min ago Do You Know The Monthly Salary Of Mukesh Ambani's Workers? It Will Only Make You Jealous!
- 2 hrs ago 7 Gemstones That Will Attract Love Towards You, Know Which One Will Be Best For You
- 3 hrs ago What Is The Colour Of Your Pee? Know Which Urine Colour Is Normal Or Abnormal, When To See A Doctor
- 3 hrs ago How Each Zodiac Sign Can Manifest Their Desires And Get The Best Life They Have Always Wanted
Don't Miss
- Finance Vikas Ecotech Allots 38 Crore Equity Shares On Preferential Basis; Check Key Details Here
- News Russian President Putin's First Remark On Navalny's Death: 'It Happens... It's Life'
- Automobiles Kia Clavis Launch Ahead Of Festive Season – Powertrain, Features, ADAS & More
- Sports WPL 2024: From Early Struggles To Purple Cap - How Shreyanka Patil Turned It Around With Off-Spin
- Movies Anchakkallakokkan Box Office Collection Opening Weekend: Lukman & Chemban's Movie Rakes In Decent Earnings
- Technology Vivo T3 5G Surfaces on Google Play Console: MediaTek Dimensity 7200, 50MP Sony Sensor, & More
- Travel Khandoba Temple: Where Spirituality Meets India's Rich Traditions
- Education No Change in CUET UG Exam Dates, Says UGC Chairman
14 Simple And Effective Tips To Lose Weight After Pregnancy
Weight gain is common during pregnancy. The weight gained during pregnancy is linked to your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Gaining the right amount of weight during pregnancy is vital for the long-term health for you and your baby.
What Is Pregnancy Weight?
A woman's body changes during pregnancy to ensure that her unborn baby gets adequate food required for the development of the baby. Women usually gain more weight in the final months of pregnancy than the first few months. According to a research study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, pregnancy weight gain consists of the baby, amniotic fluid, placenta, blood, breast tissue, enlargement of the uterus and extra fat [1]. The extra fat is stored up as energy which is needed during birth and breastfeeding.
According to the recommended guidelines of The U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM), women who are of normal weight before pregnancy with a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 gain between 11.5 and 16 kg weight during pregnancy [2]. However, most women gain more than the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy and this causes the baby being born too large, which can lead to caesarean delivery and obesity during childhood and also it increases the risk of obesity among mothers [3].
Holding on to pregnancy weight after your pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of health problems like heart disease, diabetes and obesity [2].
So, it is important to lose weight after pregnancy to lower the risk of these health problems. We've listed down some effective tips to lose baby weight after pregnancy.
1. Breastfeeding
Some studies suggest that breastfeeding can help in losing postpartum weight. A 2019 study pointed out that breastfeeding can help in losing weight after pregnancy. However, during the first three months of breastfeeding the changes in your weight may not be noticeable due to increased calorie intake and decreased physical activity during lactation [4].
In addition, breastfeeding your baby is important during the first six months or much longer as breast milk provides nutrition, strengthens immunity and lowers the risk of diseases in newborn babies [5].
6 Different Breastfeeding Positions For Mothers
2. Drink plenty of water
Keeping your body hydrated after pregnancy is essential as it has been shown to increase breast milk production [6]. Also, several studies have pointed out that mothers should increase their water intake during and after pregnancy [7] [8].
As a general rule, studies have shown that drinking plenty of water increases feelings of fullness, which can help in weight loss [9]. However, studies are inconsistent about water consumption and postpartum weight loss.
3. Get adequate sleep
Not getting enough of sleep may negatively affect your weight. A review study showed that lack of sleep can increase more weight after pregnancy [10].
4. Eat healthy foods
A healthy diet combined with physical activity plays a major role in postpartum weight loss. Eating healthy and nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy will provide your body with the necessary amount of nutrients and also will aid in weight management [11] [12].
Did
You
Know
Eating
Papaya,
Aloe
Vera
And
Pineapple
Can
Cause
Miscarriage
in
Early
Pregnancy?
5. Avoid processed foods
Processed foods are loaded with unhealthy fats, salt, sugar and calories that are harmful to your health and also contribute to weight gain. So, it is recommended to decrease the intake of refined grains and sweetened beverages and increase the intake of fresh, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fat and legumes [13].
6. Avoid high-sugar foods
Foods which contain added sugar are sugar sweetened drinks, fruit juices, cakes, biscuits and pastries. These foods have been shown to increase weight as they are high in calories. Studies have shown that to prevent weight gain after pregnancy, avoid high-sugary foods such as sweetened beverages, soda and desserts [14].
7. Eat healthy snacks
Hunger cravings can come at any time and that doesn't mean that you reach out for a box of cookies or biscuits. These foods are high in calories and added sugar which will help in further weight gain. To lose baby weight effectively after pregnancy, reach out for healthy snacks to curb your hunger cravings, which include mixed nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables with hummus, Greek yogurt with homemade granola [15].
8. Do not follow any diet
After delivering your baby, your body requires a good amount of nutrition to provide you energy and help you recover. Following any diet will limit you from eating certain foods that are a good source of nutrients. Eat fresh and healthy foods as they are rich in fibre, protein and other essential nutrients that will help you lose weight [16].
9. Practice mindful eating
Mindful eating is the awareness of food in the moment while you are eating your meal. It helps you enjoy your food by allowing you to experience every taste and flavour of the food. Chewing your food slowly has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and aid in weight management [17].
10. Exercise
Physical
activity
is
important
after
pregnancy
as
it
lowers
the
risk
of
obesity
and
aids
in
weight
loss.
Many
studies
have
shown
the
association
between
physical
exercise
and
postpartum
weight
loss
[18]
[19].
However,
make
sure
that
you
do
not
perform
any
strenuous
physical
activities.
Try
doing
simple
exercises
like
walking,
cycling
or
jogging.
Note: Ask your doctor what kind of exercises you can safely do.
11. Check portion sizes
Keeping a track of your portion sizes is important when it comes to losing weight as it helps you know how much you are eating and if you are facing any problems in your eating plan. You can keep a check on the intake of your food by maintaining a food diary.
12. Avoid drinking alcohol
Alcohol consumption has been linked to weight gain and obesity. Studies have shown that drinking alcohol leads to postpartum weight gain [20]. In addition, the CDC recommends breastfeeding mothers to avoid drinking alcohol as it can disrupt the growth and development of the infant [21].
13. Do not stress
Stress and depression are common during the postpartum period. Several studies have shown that stress and depression increase the likelihood of postpartum weight gain. To lose weight effectively, identify what is stressing you out and find ways to cope with it. If you are finding trouble to cope with it, don't feel afraid to reach out for help [22][23].
14. Set your goals straight
If you are determined to lose weight after pregnancy, follow a realistic goal that will help you achieve good results. Maintain a good eating plan and physical activity as it will help you achieve your weight loss goal.
What Is The Right Time To Lose Weight After Pregnancy?
Your body requires time to heal and recover from childbirth. If you start losing weight soon after your childbirth, your body will take a longer time to recover. If you are breastfeeding, wait until your baby has turned two months old and your breast milk supply has normalised.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, you should plan to return to your normal weight by 6 to 12 months after delivery.
Common FAQs
Q. How long does it take to lose baby weight postpartum?
A. Most women lose half of their baby weight by six weeks after giving birth and the rest of the weight is shed off over the next several months.
Q.
What
diet
is
best
after
pregnancy?
A. A diet rich in healthy foods such as lean protein, fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and dairy is best after pregnancy.
Q. How long does it take a woman's body to fully recover from pregnancy?
A. Recovering fully from pregnancy can take some time. Many women recover by six to eight weeks, while others may take longer than this.
- wellness5 Reasons Why You Might Want To Think Twice Before Embracing A Juice Cleanse
- healthLazy But Effective Weight Loss: 5 Winter Hacks To Shed Fat Without Breaking A Sweat
- healthDo You Have Hidden Belly Fat? How To Know?
- healthCricket World Cup: Shubman Gill’s Favourite Food Combo; 3 Ways To Make It Weight Loss-Friendly
- healthHerbs That Reduce Burn Belly Fat In Two Weeks!
- healthWeight Loss: 5 Ways Psyllium Husk Can Boost Fat Loss; Side Effects
- wellness5 Benefits Of Eating Okra/Lady Finger On A Weight Loss Diet
- healthWeight Loss: How Long Should You Wait After Dinner To Sleep To Promote Fat Burning
- healthWeight Loss: Can Drinking Warm Water On Empty Stomach Help To Loose Weight?
- healthWeight Loss Tips: Morning Snacks To Avoid To Lose Weight And Burn Fat Easily
- healthDo Not Eat These 5 Ultra Processed Foods If You Want To Lose Weight, According to Experts
- healthWeight Loss Diet Plan To Help Lose 5Kgs In A Week