So you’ve just finished bringing your new family member into this world and are excited about all the times ahead. That said, you’re itching to get back into shape and get your pre-baby bod back. You worked hard at your fitness before getting pregnant and now want to get back into the groove of things.
How can you get your pre-baby body back? Let’s go over a few of the most important steps to take.
Table of Contents
Be Mindful Of Your Nutrition
The first step you need to take is to be as mindful about your nutrition as possible. Remember that at the end of the day, nutrition is the number one factor that will dictate which direction your weight moves.
This doesn’t mean going on some crash diet, however. Right now, more than ever, you need sustained energy to look after your little one. Your diet should focus on a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, as well as lean proteins , and check out these tips from WebMD on losing weight after pregnancy.
If you’re breastfeeding, be careful about taking your calories too low as well. This can sacrifice the quantity and quality of breast milk you produce. The good news, however, is that breastfeeding itself burns plenty of calories, so this will help you to start getting leaner.
Smart post-pregnancy foods to include are chicken breast, lean red meat, eggs and egg whites, low-fat dairy, whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa), sweet potatoes, beans and lentils, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, avocados, and oils.
Get Moving Every Chance You Get
Next, be sure to get moving. You may not be able to dive right back into your cardio training like you used to do, going for an hour straight as you’re now busier than ever, but that’s no excuse not to get active every chance you get. Check out this really helpful exhausted new moms workout, for ways to keep moving even when you just feel like sleeping!
Get out for a 20-minute walk with your baby or next time he or she is down for a nap, head out for a brisk walk around the block.
Every little bit of activity you do will add up, so start being more mindful of that.
Perform Mini Circuits
It’s also a great idea to begin getting back into strength training. Of all the types of exercise, this form will change your body the most, so it should be what you’re focusing on.
Mini circuits consisting of bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, walking lunges, knee highs, and if it’s been at least 6 weeks since you’ve given birth, front crunches are all great choices.
A circuit only takes 10 minutes to complete and can be done any time you have a few spare minutes. Then as you begin regaining your strength and balance back, you can move into some weighted dumbbell-based exercises to take things up a notch.
Practice Patience And Get Support
Finally, be sure to practice patience. You may not get down to your pre-baby body weight in a matter of a few weeks. For some women, it can take a few months, or even a year.
Remember this is your journey and you need to go at a speed that’s comfortable for you. What’s most important is that you stay healthy and energized so that you can take care of your baby, so be sure that is always your top priority.
Additionally, try and seek out support from others. Talk to other mom’s, see what’s working for them, and consider making active double dates with them and their babies. Socializing while you exercise is a great way to stay positive about it.
If you focus on doing that and keeping healthy, you’ll find everything else just falls into place.