How to Get Fit and Lose Weight after Pregnancy

There is a lot of pressure on new mums to get their old bodies back, with much discussion in magazines and newspapers on losing weight after pregnancy and starting a post natal exercise regime.

Those first few years of your child’s life are a precious time for you both, so while it is important to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise post pregnancy, it is also important to avoid unrealistic expectations and enjoy this special period of your life.

Be kind to yourself

Raising an infant or small child involves many pressures and demands just with the daily efforts of feeding, washing, clothing and caring for your child. While you should aim to be physically healthy, new mums should also consider their emotional health and not place unrealistic expectations on themselves. In addition to making time to eat well and exercise, be sure to also make time to rest and relax.

Plan a healthy diet

With lack of sleep and constant feeding demands, a new mum can crave sugar and caffeine to keep them going. But it is important to avoid eating too many unhealthy foods by planning healthy snacks and balanced meals.

Here are some handy tips for planning a healthy diet:

• Take the time to have a proper breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Eat starchy foods for energy, such as bread, rice and pasta
• Eat fibre-rich foods for bowel health, such as grains, oats, beans
• Plan healthy snacks for between meals
• Avoid too many sugary or fatty snacks and drinks
• Keep yourself hydrated with water, particularly when breastfeeding.

If you are breastfeeding, you will burn slightly more kilojoules than if you are bottle feeding. However, breastfeeding should not be relied on for losing weight after pregnancy.

Find time for post pregnancy exercise

Gentle and regular exercise is important to help reduce weight and improve general health and fitness. Post natal exercise can also have a positive impact on your emotional well being.

Consult your doctor for specific advice on when you can start exercising and set yourself up for success by identifying a post pregnancy exercise regime that is realistic. Choose an activity you enjoy and schedule the activity for days/times you can commit to on a regular basis over the long term.

Generally speaking, you should avoid high impact exercise for the first three months, suitable activities include walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates and aqua or low-impact aerobics. You should also include stomach and pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises in your regime to assist these areas of the body to recover more quickly.

Try incorporating fitness into your daily routine with one of our multi-functional BOB range strollers..