Many new mothers struggle to lose the baby weight. The first few pounds seem to fall off with very little effort, but after a couple of months, many moms hit a plateau. They would love to get back to their pre baby weight, but their busy new schedule and the inevitable changes in their bodies can make this seem impossible.
Know that you are not alone in your struggle to lose your baby weight. Millions of new moms have been there before you. Try out some of these ways to lose that stubborn baby weight and get back to looking and feeling your best.
Way to Lose Baby Weight #1: Avoid processed foods.
While every weight loss program call for changes in diet, this is even more important for new moms, particularly if you are breastfeeding. It is incredibly important that new moms maintain a well balanced, nutrient packed diet even if they are trying to cut calories.
One easy way to do this is to avoid prepackaged foods. New moms are typically short on time, making boxed dinners and frozen lunches more appealing than ever. However, you should learn to read the nutrition labels before purchasing any prepackaged foods. This is important for both you and your child. Many moms are hyper aware of what they are feeding their young children, but they tend to be less careful about what they themselves are eating. If you would not want your child to eat something, you should not eat that food either.
Many packaged foods are filled with sugars or hydrogenated oils. Avoid foods that list sugar as one of the primary ingredients. Commonly used sugars are dextrose, corn syrup, and honey. Consuming these foods will cause you to crave more of the same foods, leading to a downward spiral that can sabotage your weight loss efforts. Foods that are high in trans fats should also be avoided due to an increased risk of heart disease. In general, it is a good idea to eat more whole foods and less processed foods.
Way to Lose Baby Weight #2: Choose smart snacks.
Many moms of young children do not have time to cook three meals each day. If this describes you, do not despair. It is entirely possible to maintain a good diet while snacking throughout the day. However, this means that your choice of snack foods is more important than ever. Choose whole foods instead of eating chips, cookies, or meal replacement bars. For example, a good snack would be a handful of almonds, an apple with peanut butter, or Greek yogurt with berries. Each of these snacks takes only a minute to prepare and will give you the boost of energy and nutrients that your body needs.
Way to Lose Baby Weight #3: Eat good fats.
Many people see the word “fat” and immediately think that they need to avoid any foods with a high fat content. However, this is not the case. Some fats, such as trans fats, should be avoided whenever possible. Other fats, such as those found in nuts and avocados, provide nutritional benefits and can help to keep you feeling full for longer. This full feeling will help you limit unnecessary snacking, making it easier to lose your baby weight and keep it off.
Way to Lose Baby Weight #4: Do not avoid dairy.
Unless you have a severe dairy allergy, eating foods that contain milk, yogurt, or cheese can help to give your body the boost it needs. Dairy products are packed full of calcium and potassium, both of which play a key role in weight management. For those sensitive to lactose, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt can be a good alternative. They are processed in such a way that there are only traces of lactose left behind. If possible, try to consume at least 3 servings of dairy each day while you are trying to lose your baby weight.
Way to Lose Baby Weight #5: Eat plenty of vegetables.
You might be tired of being told to eat your fruits and vegetables, but there is a reason that this piece of advice pops up so often when discussing weight loss. Try to fit in a few servings of vegetables early in the day. Many moms get tired in the afternoon and evening, making it more difficult to find the motivation to prepare vegetables. Starting your day off right is a great way to ensure that you meet your weight loss goals.
For more weight loss tips, browse our website and read some of our other informational blog posts.
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