10 Ideas to Lose the Baby Weight for New Mums

Welcoming a baby into the world is the most magical experience that any mother can experience, but the extra weight around the thighs and stomach can leave you feeling a little self-conscious.

​While you should be happy to celebrate your post-pregnancy image, we appreciate that getting back to your old self will be high on the agenda. Here are 10 simple tricks to help you achieve it.

1| Accept That It Takes Time

Your body spent nine months carrying your baby, so you cannot expect to see wholesale changes overnight. The right mindset is one of the most important ingredients in the recipe for success. Remove the pressure for immediate results by learning to enjoy the journey ahead, and you won’t go far wrong.

2| Reintroduce Exercise

The last few weeks of pregnancy and the first few days of motherhood are likely to be spent in a fairly sedentary state (although the labour won’t exactly feel feel like it), which is why it’s important to reintroduce light exercise when you can. A light walk is probably the best solution, although swimming can be useful too.

3| Don’t Forget to Eat, Frequently​

Motherhood is tough on your body and can be challenging from a time management perspective too. However, you cannot afford to start skipping meals (consciously or otherwise) as it’ll play havoc with your metabolism. Eat small meals on a regular basis to maintain your energy levels and avoid overeating.

4| Snack on Fruit

Snacking on sugary snacks to satisfy your sweet cravings can seriously harm your hopes of regaining your pre-pregnancy body. Fruit and chopped vegetables can be your greatest friend in the bid to keep ticking your body over. Nuts can provide healthy fats as a tasty and satisfying alternative.​

5| Breastfeed

Breastfeeding doesn’t suit every mother. However, if you can get to grips with it, breastfeeding isn’t only great news for your baby. It can help you burn an extra 500 calories per day, which can equate to a pound of weight loss per week. When added to the financial savings, this is a very good move indeed.

6| Choose Fibre

If you wish to stay fuller for longer, it’s important to stock up on fibre-rich foods. Fruit and veg are great options while you can kickstart the day in style with oats. When eating bread, rice, or pasta, opt for whole grains.

7| Eat Lean Protein

When choosing meats, it’s always better to select lean proteins like turkey, fish, and chicken. Vegetarian and vegan mums can find plenty of protein-rich alternatives. Like fibre, protein is great for your appetite and health.

8| Stay Hydrated

Wasted calories are your worst enemy, which is why drinking more water is essential. Aside from preventing the threat of confusing thirst with hunger, it stops you from consuming extra calories through juices and fizzy drinks. The benefits for your skin and teeth are very noteworthy too.

9| Prepare

Good organisational skills will put you on a far smoother road to success, not least when trying to manage parenthood with your weight loss goals. Cooking meals for the next few days may take a couple of hours but will save time and money in the long run. Crucially, it’ll put you in the right frame of mind.

10| Seek Support

While the road back to your pre-pregnancy weight is a personal journey, you do not have to face it alone. Friends and family can provide valuable support while a personal trainer that actively takes accountability can be the greatest weapon in your arsenal. When you gain this extra source of motivation, greatness awaits.​