Childbirth is a miraculous experience for many women. However, it’s also known to wreak havoc on the hormones and body image of many new mothers. Weight gain during pregnancy is to be expected, but effectively losing weight after a baby is entirely possible.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that those pregnancy pounds are cursed to stick around forever. Fat gained from being pregnant is no different than fat gained from poor eating and lack of activity.

Focus on the Fundamentals

mom-child-eating-healthyMany women feel frustrated about how to lose weight after childbirth, but a smart, natural weight loss strategy is the best place to start. Keep in mind that fad diets and extreme weight loss shortly after childbirth can be potentially dangerous to your body as well as the health of your baby.

Constructing a diet plan consisting of low calorie foods that are rich in nutrients should be the top priority. Choosing colorful produce that is filled with essential vitamins and antioxidants is one of the healthiest ways to boost metabolism and lose weight after childbirth. As for proteins, it’s important to focus on lean, unprocessed meats that aren’t loaded with oils and sauces or vegetarian proteins like pea, beans and nuts.

If you don’t have a lot of time for cooking you also can use protein shake powder which is quick to make in a delicious smoothies. Beware that not all protein or whey shake powders on the market are created equally and a lot of them are full of fillers and artificial additives. Look for protein powder that is third party tested and uses natural ingredients. I prefer to use the one from Isagenix, because it’s one of the best quality protein shake powder on the market, nutritionally dense and safe to give kids. You have an option of using whey or dairy-free and they all taste amazing, even though everyone in my family have their favorite! Check the whey (dairy) protein flavours here or dairy-free here (for those sensitive to dairy products).

Refined sugars, white flour, hydrogenated oils and trans fats should all be avoided. Scheduling small, healthy meals and snacks throughout the day will do more than just help control hunger and keep your blood sugar at proper level. These eating habits also serve to boost metabolism and prevent muscle loss from starvation.

Remember That Your Body Is Recovering

Intense exercisemom-with-baby-exercise shortly after childbirth is not advised. Pregnancy puts an immense amount of stress on the body, and jumping into an extreme exercise routine after labor can be hazardous to a woman’s health. Doctors suggest waiting at least six weeks before any strenuous physical activity. Light exercises such as Pilates and yoga are acceptable.

The safest bet is to focus on small, attainable goals. A new mother isn’t forced to stay idle, but common sense goes a long way in preventing negative health effects. The body should always be listened to and if some time of physical activity doesn’t feel good in the body, then don’t do it now. If a woman feels as if she is doing too much, she likely is.

Don’t Forget to Relax

Postpartum depression is a very real concern for many new mothers. While almost every woman is focused on losing weight after childbirth, the importance of taking time to relax cannot be overstated. Regular meditation has shown to be beneficial for helping women relax and reduce stress.

Guided relaxation recordings, natural sounds and harmony inducing music all do wonders for creating a sense of well-being. Having a healthy sleep cycle is also important for optimal weight loss after childbirth. Many studies have demonstrated the connection between sleep and metabolism. Receiving a quality eight hours of sleep is also needed for the body to efficiently recover from the physical demands of pregnancy.

While excess pounds are burdensome, it’s important not to push yourself too hard. Overdoing it typically leads to even more weight accumulating. Focus on sensible, natural approaches to losing weight after childbirth: your body will take care of the rest.

If you need help, reach out to me and book a free 30 min consultation over the phone. I’ve been helping my clients to lose weight for a number of years in a healthy way. I’m sure I can accommodate your schedule and your budget. Contact today as it’s the best time to start!