If you’ve recently had a baby, then you’re probably wondering (along with the rest of the new moms) how to shed that excess baby weight. It can be a challenging journey, but one that many women embark on after giving birth. Some ladies are lucky and hardly put on anything at all during pregnancy, effortlessly bouncing back to their pre-baby bodies. Others, however, experience a different path where they may gain more weight during pregnancy and find it a bit more challenging to lose it afterward. It’s important to remember that everyone’s postpartum weight loss journey is unique, and it’s perfectly okay to have different experiences along the way. The most important thing is to listen to your body, be patient with yourself, and focus on what makes you feel happy, healthy, and confident as a new mom!

Why is Losing Baby Weight So Hard?

Many new parents have the same question: why is losing baby weight so hard? The answer is multi-faceted. During pregnancy, our bodies are designed to store extra fat in order to provide the unborn baby with energy and nutrients through pregnancy and postpartum. On top of this, many people also experience changes in their metabolism due to pregnancy hormones, which can make it difficult for the body to break down fat as efficiently. Additionally, women who breastfeed can often find themselves struggling with further pregnancy weight gain as breastfeeding provides protection against tissue damage during pregnancy and triggers the release of certain hormones that stimulate appetite increase and metabolism decrease – both of which can have both positive and negative impacts on weight loss after giving birth. Nevertheless, with dedication and perseverance, regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help new mothers reach their desired post-pregnancy weight.

Here are some fail-safe ways you can shed whatever excess weight you have, even if you do have a crying baby to look after:

Stop Making Excuses

The first step is to stop making excuses for your bad lifestyle choices. Many mums make excuses every single day and it’s not clear who they’re trying to convince themselves or others. Whether their baby has been poorly, or they’ve been poorly, or something else altogether, something always seems to ‘get in the way’. The truth is, you just wanted any excuse to fall off the wagon. Avoid making excuses like this and be honest with yourself. Keep an eye on any triggers you have that make you want to eat rubbish. Write a food diary and promise yourself you’ll take a picture of everything you put in your mouth!

Change Your Lifestyle

Once you’ve made the decision to stop making excuses and embrace this new lifestyle (not just a ‘diet’), you can gradually make changes that will have a lasting impact. Start by reducing the amount of unhealthy food you consume until it’s no longer a daily occurrence. Trying to completely eliminate it right away often leads to failure, as you may feel deprived. It’s common for people to cut out all junk food and push themselves to exercise aggressively for a short period, only to become disheartened when they don’t achieve immediate results and end up indulging in unhealthy eating again. Remember, this journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and consistency is key. Stay committed, no matter how long it takes, and you will ultimately reach your goals and go far!

Get Into a Routine

It’s often hard for mums to get into a routine, what with having to feed their baby and put its needs before theirs. Try your hardest to get into a routine where you have breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon, and dinner in the evening with a few healthy snacks in between, like nuts, fruit, and Greek yogurt. Make a conscious effort to do this for 3 weeks and it should be second nature by then.

Fit in Some Exercise When You Can

Depending on how old your child is, when it’s sleeping or playing happily by itself you may want to fit in a little exercise. You don’t need much time for this, provided you’re willing to put your all into the workout! While they’re watching Peppa Pig you could easily do a circuit of squats, planks, pushups, crunches, lunges, and so on in around 10-30 minutes. Even a small amount of exercise is beneficial provided you’re consistent and trying your hardest.

Get Help

In certain instances, you may experience a sense of being somewhat out of control with your eating habits, leading you to consider seeking assistance. One avenue to explore is confiding in someone you trust, perhaps a close friend or family member, who can provide emotional support and lend an empathetic ear. Alternatively, you might consider consulting with a healthcare professional who can guide you through various options, such as the possibility of a gastric band procedure, which can help facilitate portion control and manage your eating patterns effectively. Remember, it’s important to reach out and explore the available resources to address any concerns you may have regarding your eating habits.

Find People Who Inspire You

Many people have experienced incredible transformations, achieving the best shape of their lives after welcoming a baby into the world. It’s a journey that requires determination, dedication, and belief in oneself. With the right mindset and a commitment to wellness, you too can embark on this empowering path and discover the amazing strength that resides within you.