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Loosing The Baby Bulge

Now, that you’ve had your baby and all the worries of impending motherhood are behind you comes the next step for most moms.  How to loose the baby bulge?

The first thing you should do is not try to rush it too much.  The Hollywood Baby Race to see who looses the baby weight first is really not safe.  You’re a new mom and you need to look after yourself, which means eating a properly balanced diet to ensure you receive all the essential nutrients new mothers need.  If you’re breast feeding this applies even more so. 

Medical doctors advise all nursing mothers add an extra 300 to 500 calories to their diets daily.  If you’re breast feeding you should ensure these extra calories consist of healthy foods and snacks. 

Here are a few tips to help you loose the baby bulge

Do Breastfeed – You just can’t beat all the benefits, it’s great for your baby and you.  Breastfeeding moms tend to loose their baby weight faster and more efficiently than non nursing moms.

Do Hydrate – We often mistake thirst for hunger.  Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help energize and hydrate you. 

Don’t Do Strenuous Exercise - Exercise is also not advisable until after your post pregnancy check up, usually 6 weeks after the birth of your baby.  Provided you’re healthy, you can, however, go out for walks.  This is a great way for you to get some fresh air and a little physical activity.

Don’t Diet – This isn’t really a good time to diet.  You’re tired and perhaps even moody or even a little down.  Dieting is just another added pressure you don’t need right now.  Instead, make a pact to not eat any junk food or empty calories.  These include potato chips, cakes, cookies, pastries and processed foods in general. 

By simply cutting out the sugar and junk food and sticking to a diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains the weight will naturally come off.  And Don’t be too rigid, allow yourself a nice piece of chocolate or cookie every once in a while.

Don’t Set Unrealistic Goals – It took you 9 months to gain this weight, you should allow yourself at least another 9 months to get back into shape.  Instead concentrate on your baby and all the upcoming precious times you will share together.  Be easy on yourself and don’t get too wrapped up in the weight issue.  As long as you’re taking the right steps to ensure you’re eating properly you will see a difference.

By the same token, you should be careful not to fall into the trap of overeating due to stress and tiredness.  A lot of moms do just that and 6 months or a year later are shocked by how much weight they’ve actually gained.  You’ll be so busy that it could really sneak up on you.  If you plan on having another baby soon after, this weight will be even more difficult to shift.

The best way by far to loose weight is to have three balanced meals a day and a couple of healthy snacks (especially if you’re nursing).  Once your doctor gives you the all clear you should also do some type of exercise activity 3 to 5 times a week. 

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