Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Maternity and Dieting, How to Lose Baby Weight

By Ricardo d Argence

It is common for pregnant women to be concerned about loosing pregnancy weight. It's especially hard when you're trying to care for a brand new baby. You really can't expect weight to melt away in 9 days when it took 9 whole months to gain it in the first place.

But, our society tells us otherwise. Celebrities are shown in magazines with a very slim figure just a month after giving birth to a child. The give them very positive feedback like it is something everyone wants to do. However, healthy weight loss takes time. If you lose weight too quickly, your body may not be healthy and you main gain the weight back.

The best way to lose pounds is to breastfeed. Your body retains additional calories to nourish you baby after his birth, which is why you gain extra weight during pregnancy. Breastfeeding burns 200-500 extra calories a day. That is how mamma nature helps you to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy. As all mothers are not lucky enough to breastfeed their babies, there are other methods which could help you to get back in to great shape.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important; but eating right is especially crucial when you are breastfeeding. Your baby should be provided with the best meal with all possible nutrients in it. While breast feeding, you should eat properly or else you will lose all the vitamins from your body as it would go to the breast milk. To give your metabolism a boost and to keep from feeling hungry, eat 4 or 5 small meals in a day instead of 3 big meals.

It is very important to keep yourself well hydrated, especially when breastfeeding. Drink 8-10 glasses a day. It will take away toxins in you body that come as a result of being pregnant. Drinking water gives a feeling of being full, making you consume less.

It is very important to engage in activities to improve your physical fitness right after giving birth. To begin with, it doesn't interact badly with breastfeeding, like dieting can. Secondly, exercise promotes endorphins that will help assist in preventing postpartum depression, and it heightens your mood as well.

Even mothers who lose the baby weight usually find that their body shape is not quite what it used to be. The muscles in your belly and thighs may appear flabby and your skin will sag from where it got stretched incredibly over the past months. Exercise will help tone these muscles and give you a firm and fit body.

Always start your exercise regimen slowly only. Your body need time to heal and rest and this time can be used to create a healthy bond with your baby. When starting a workout regimen, its best to begin with short 10 minute workouts and as you get stronger gradually work your way to longer workouts.

Pregnancy has a powerful impact on your body. The most important thing right now is bonding with your baby; not losing tons of weight. Your child will only be a baby once, you have forever to loose the weight. - 15784

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