Chic Mummy: Guest Post: Eating Right and Working Out are the Best Defense Against Post-Baby Flab

At the beginning of my pregnancy I’d regularly check to see if I my baby bump was finally making an appearance. The idea of looking as pregnant as I felt was often exciting to me. Coupled with the excitement of looking fully pregnant, I knew I was the type of women who wanted to have my pre-baby body back as soon as I gave birth. If it were that simple though, women wouldn’t have to worry about finding time to exercise and eat right with a new baby in the house and definite sleep deprivation. Here are some tips that worked to help me get back to my pre-baby body. Maybe they’ll work for you too!

Eating Right

Although a woman can exercise a few weeks after giving birth, seeing results likely won’t happen until she learns to eat right and exercise in tandem. One of the best ways I ensured eating a healthy diet, which not only helped me to lose weight, but also helped to boost my immune system and energy levels, was to stick to my pregnancy nutrition plan. When I became pregnant my doctor provided me with a list of foods I should be eating; these are the same foods I recommend continuing to eat after your little one arrives.

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and good fats are what make a good, healthy diet effective. Portion control is also important. Women, remember you don’t have to give up their favorite treats; you just have to consume them in moderation to lead the healthiest lifestyle possible.

Exercise

A healthy diet is good. A healthy diet in combination with moderate exercise is better. Medical professionals recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, trust them! When your doctor informed you of labor and delivery choices like pain management, circumcision, or even cord blood banking, they were giving you the best information possible for your situation so you could make choices. Same goes with post-partum choices; your doctor can provide you with postpartum exercise advice tailored around your own individual experience.

Unfortunately, exercise was a task that was sometimes difficult for me as a new mom. Sleep deprivation zaps energy levels and I felt like I needed a few weeks to recover from birth before I could take on a full work out. Added to that, the fact is that new moms simply don’t have enough time to spend in the gym getting their pre-baby body back and most moms are left wondering what to do.

For me, it was a slow re-introduction and I started by walking. It worked my muscles, increased my heart rate and helped to boost my metabolism. The best part of walking is that it is a physical activity that I could enjoy with my baby. Moms can put their baby in the stroller and walk out the front door for a stroll around the neighborhood or with other moms who need to exercise.

Exercise DVDs were another great idea I used. They don’t require leaving the house and I could work out while my little one napped or rocked quietly in the swing. Additionally, I suggest doing things around the house that will work muscles, such as dancing and getting active with older kids. Gardening is another great form of exercise moms can do while their little ones are sleeping.

Being busy is simply a fact of life for new moms, and it’s important to not let busy get in the way of taking care of you. Being healthy both emotionally and physically will allow you to make the most of everyday, and combining a healthy diet and moderate exercise is the best way to achieve that!

Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.