By Anonymous January 5, 2018 - 5:56pm

There are women who are lucky enough not to gain excess weight during and after pregnancy. Sure gaining weight during pregnancy is normal. But for many ‘not so lucky’ moms, gaining weight can lead to depression and low self-esteem.

However, many experts are warning every mom that crash dieting and a strict exercise program is not advisable especially if you’ve had a C-section delivery or are breastfeeding.

So if you are wondering how to lose weight, here are 8 easy ways on how to get fit, stay in shape (safely and healthily) after a baby.

1. Timing is everything
After giving birth, your body will return to its pre-pregnancy hormone levels, blood volume and water levels. Give yourself some time as this may take up to 12 weeks to show some results. Starting a diet too soon may delay your recovery.

2. Maintaining caloric intake
After having a baby, you need calories for your body to heal and deal with postpartum changes. Maintaining your calorie intake to a minimum of 1500 will help you lose weight.

3. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding moms need at least 400 extra calories a day to help her produce the milk needed to feed the baby. Decreasing your caloric intake will lower your milk supply. However, experts advise waiting for at least 2 months for nursing moms to try and lose some weight.

4. Exercise
6 weeks after giving birth, you may start to exercise. However, you should start at a pre-pregnancy level. Meaning, you are only allowed to do an exercise that you did before your baby was born. A tough exercise program may cause more harm to your body. So, it is best to get a personal trainer to do a
private personal training session at home. She can create the best fitness plan for you.

5. Having a good night’s rest
Research linked having a good night’s rest can help decrease depression and increase energy level. A mom who feels better can deal with weight loss better.

6. Eating multiple times a day
Just like any other weight loss program, eating multiple times a day can help increase your metabolism. Just remember to eat whenever you’re hungry and eat only a small portion. It is best to eat fruits and vegetables in between meals. It helps you decreases the feeling of hunger without consuming too many calories.

7. Eating the right food
Food such as fruits, vegetables, lean meat (fish and beef), low fat or skim milk and whole grains are considered the right food if you want to lose baby weight.

Getting back into shape after having a baby
can be hard. These tips will help you shed these baby weights in no time. However, you shouldn’t rush on trying to get in shape. Your body did an amazing job carrying your baby for 9 months and brings her into this world. So give yourself some time to recover.