How To Lose Weight Fast After Childbirth

The additional weight gained during pregnancy could be a concern to some. However, a few natural home remedies for weight loss after delivery could relieve it. Women retain about 6.6lb weight a year after delivery. Sometimes, this weight may get carried forward to the next pregnancy. Also, a report by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that nearly 65% of women of reproductive age are either overweight or obese. It puts them at risk of developing chronic obesity during pregnancy or postpartum weight retention (1) (2). Read on to know more about the importance of losing weight after pregnancy, the ideal time to start weight loss procedures, and a few tips to lose weight.

In a study utilizing data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), it was found that a considerable number of Canadian women, constituting to 32% of the surveyed population (n=1, 335, 615), experienced excessive weight gain during their pregnancies. Losing weight after pregnancy is essential due to the following reasons (3) (4) (5).

The US National Institutes of Health suggests new mothers to wait until the baby is at least two months old and breast milk supply is normalized, before cutting down calories for weight loss (7). It is okay to take a year or even more to return to your pre-pregnancy weight. Therefore, there is no need to rush with the weight loss process.

A Guide To Losing Weight After Pregnancy

Most postpartum women naturally lose 50% of their pregnancy weight by six weeks after delivery. If you want to add to the weight loss with your efforts, then consult a doctor before beginning any exercise or diet regimen. Weight loss can be unique to each woman and depends on factors like the health of the mother and the baby.

Rapid weight loss after pregnancy isn’t healthy and may affect breast milk production. Aim to lose about a pound and a half a week for a healthy and safe weight loss (7).

Weight loss postpartum is a sum of healthy eating, an active lifestyle, and continued breastfeeding (if you are a breastfeeding mother) (7). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggests that weight loss should be gradual and steady rather than quick (8). It means, it is okay to take time to lose weight slowly rather than focussing on rapid weight loss.

Tips On How To Lose Weight After Pregnancy

Nutritional adequacy can be achieved during breastfeeding by including calorie-rich food choices in the diet, such as, whole grains, fruits, protein and vegetables. This healthy variety helps attain nourishment along with weight loss (9) (10).

To prepare a well-balanced meal, fill half the plate with fruits and non-starchy veggies, a quarter with whole grains, another quarter with lean protein, and a serving of healthy fat, such as avocado, chia seeds, or olive oil (27).

Two food items may be the same in terms of calorific value but vastly have a different set of nutrients. Focussing on one food group to lose weight could cause you to miss out nutrients you need from other food groups (11). So, do not obsess about calories alone, instead, choose healthy foods (9).

Fast Ways Of Losing Weight After Pregnancy

Studies suggest that spreading energy intake into four to five small meals a day could have a favorable effect on health (12). Therefore, you may consider having healthy snacks such as unsalted nuts, fresh fruit, yogurt, hummus, or a protein bar.

Regulate the portion sizes. You can start maintaining a food diary or a food journal app to track your portion sizes. It will help you keep a check on the intake of food in a day (13).

Whenever you crave high-calorie foods, such as chocolate or ice cream, look for their healthy alternatives. For example, you may have dark chocolate with less quantity of sugar than standard milk chocolate. You may pick naturally sweet fruits and vegetables like banana or sweet potato, which can be healthier alternatives.

Postpartum Weight Loss: How To Lose Baby Weight Fast After Pregnancy

Mindful eating is often referred to as the art of presence while you eat. This approach makes an individual focus all the senses on the food while eating and thus chew the food slow and well (14).  Chewing the food well could potentially reduce the total calorie intake, thus supporting weight loss (15).

Skipping meals or following a fad diet should not be a way for weight loss. It can cause changes in the way your body processes calories, and thus might slow down the weight loss process (16). This is even more important for a breastfeeding mother, as skipping meals might lead to less energy and affect the overall postpartum recovery (9).

Eat five to six small meals a day with healthy snacks in between instead of three large meals to help you lose weight safely (7).

A Mom's Secrets On How To Lose Baby Weight In 2 Weeks

Hydration is essential during lactation and is directly associated with breast milk production (17). Adequate hydration can help in breast milk production, which helps in burning calories.

Avoid sweetened juices, sugary drinks, and high-fat processed foods. Various studies have observed that too much sugar, fat, and sodium can contribute to weight gain, sabotaging your efforts to lose pregnancy weight (18).

A study has concluded that regardless of the type of alcohol consumed, alcohol intake of ≥ 30g/day might contribute directly to weight gain and obesity (19). Since you are likely to breastfeed the baby, it is good to quit alcohol for the benefit of the baby as well.

My Postpartum Weight Loss Story

Homemade food is hygienic and also made from good-quality ingredients. You can also customize the food as per your preference. Eating homemade food could help provide optimum nutrition while also making it easy to eat on time.

Some studies show that frequent eating out could lead to possible weight gain (20). It does not mean you should not eat at a restaurant. Instead, follow the same precautions that you would follow at home. Check for the ingredients in a particular dish and avoid foods that are fried, have high sugar or salt, and contain processed ingredients like refined flour. Instead, opt for fresh soups without cornstarch, fresh salads, grilled, baked, and roasted food items.

An active lifestyle is important for sustainable weight loss. It is often confused with exercise; however, both are different. Staying active does not mean exercising, but it means reducing the overall time that you spend sitting or lying.

Fit Body After Baby

Physical activity accounts for 15-30% of energy expenditure a day (21) Thus, a moderate-intensity exercise session of 30-40 minutes a day for at least five days a week helps you stay healthy. Exercise does not always have to be rigorous and complex. Something as simple as a brisk walk or jogging may suffice (22). You may consider weight training, as well. However, it is best to consult a doctor before beginning any exercises.

You are bound to have disturbed sleep patterns while looking after a baby. Sleep is essential since chronic partial sleep loss is associated with an increase in the risk of weight gain (24). IInadequate sleep may also affect your eating habits, thus affecting your weight loss goals. Modern societies can lead to high levels of stress, leading to sleep disturbances. One needs to implement stress management programs involving different breathing exercises to reduce weight (25). Try magnesium at night or lavender essential oil at bedtime to improve quality of sleep and restfulness.

Weight loss after childbirth is essential, but it is something that you should achieve gradually. In the next section, we answer a few questions about losing weight after pregnancy.

Weight Loss After Pregnancy

Getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight is possible with persistent and patient efforts. Do not follow fad diets but develop a well-balanced meal plan with an active lifestyle.

It may take six to 12 months (7). But it could differ for each woman and depend on several factors. Do not worry if you take longer than a year to attain your pre-pregnancy weight. Continue to eat healthily and live an active lifestyle.

There is no evidence to prove that C-section could make it difficult for a woman to lose weight. A study found no correlation between C-section delivery and retention of maternal weight (26).

Pregnancy Weight Loose Methods For New Mothers

Some women might look pregnant for a few months after delivery, which is normal (29). It happens when the muscles in your stomach are stretched during pregnancy and may take time to return to their original position. However, if you see your belly sticking out above or below your belly button months after your delivery, it might be a sign of diastasis recti (30). You have to consult your doctor for proper treatment.

Many people believe that drinking herbal green tea can reduce belly fat. Some even believe that adding spices or herbs to the tea can offer added benefits. However, there is no scientific backing to this belief. Your doctor or a registered nutritionist can help you take herbal tea in the correct amounts for maximum benefit.

Curry leaves have a multitude of benefits. They have antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties, can cure diarrhea, and fight cholesterol, among other benefits (31). However, there is no known relationship between having curry leaves and the reduction of belly fat.

Why Is It So Hard To Lose Baby Weight? (and What To Do About It)

Pregnancy and associated weight gain are entirely normal. It is important to remember that weight loss will occur gradually. Any techniques or plans for rapid weight loss can adversely