Getting into Shape After Twins: 10 Easy Ways!

Want to get back into shape after having kids? It is very simple. Really. Habits usually take three weeks to form. With these 10 tips, you will find yourself more fit than ever! Try a different tip everyday and see how you feel after doing it. Write it down on a Post-It note and put it somewhere where you would see it everyday. Motivation and dedication is key. If you like the tip, stick with it!

1. Change What You Eat
You may have been eating what was good for a pregnant women previously, but now you will eat what works only for you. You will find that many foods will stay the same, such as vegetables and fruits. Make sure you are getting a few servings of each per day. In order to gain muscle necessary to lose weight, consuming protein is necessary. Try eating two forms of protein a day, whether it be fish, chicken breast, milk, nuts, or protein shakes. Don't worry! Dessert will still be on the menu. Try low-fat desserts!

2. Change How Much You Eat
Now, you will be eating for one: yourself. No more big portions. First, lets discuss cravings. Cravings lead to big portions. In order to avoid and treat those cravings as much as possible, do the following:

• eat a larger breakfast with more protein and healthy carbs than the rest of the day
• sip water throughout the day, especially when you are craving (if you are actually hungry, eat!)
• Ask yourself if you really need a piece of what you are craving. If so, take a small piece or however much you need to satisfy your craving, and eat slowly to savor the taste. It will make a difference.

3. Change the Way You Workout
There are two goals when working out: to gain muscle and to lose fat. You should switch off between two types of exercise: cardiovascular exercise and weight training. At least 30 minutes of cardio is recommended 5 times a week. You can make it fun by riding a bike, rollerblading, or running with the dog. Weight training will increase your muscle mass, and through that, you will be burning more calories without actually doing anything! Use dumbbells, machines, or simple exercises that can be found on the internet. Never avoid the middle area. Training your obliques, abdomen, hips, waist, and buttocks is key. If you are sore the next morning, within reason, that is a good thing.

4. Reduce Your Stress
Stress causes depression, mood swings, overeating, and demotivates you. Stress-management will be on your daily agenda. Just five minutes here and there 1-5 times a day will significantly help you. Try meditation, yoga, breathing exercises while doing anything, and about 20 minutes of napping a day.

5. Be Happier
Happiness plays a significant role in losing weight and keeping it off. Besides, happiness makes you feel great! Stress and cravings tie in with happiness; however, there are other ways to be more happy:

• try to enjoy the little parts of life (the sun shining, flowers blooming, a smile)
• smile and laugh! Try it, even if it's fake. Eventually, you will mean that laugh. When you smile and laugh, you make others happier and that vibe is sent to you as well.

6. Indulge
Treat yourself to something you haven't had in awhile or have been wanting recently. For example, you may get a nice thirty minute massage or manicure. Buy yourself some flowers and place them in your room. Cutting and changing the flowers will be a symbol to changing yourself while still maintaining your beauty. You may also allow yourself to sleep in a few hours more. Cancel your plans for a day. It will be your day.

7. Sign Up for E-Mail Tips
Many fitness and health websites provide exercises and tips for weight loss, which ties in with stress, happiness and changing your life for the better. Try Fitness Magazine, Women's Health, Glamour.com, or simply go to Google and search your interest. Sign-up for e-mail tips. They can be daily, weekly, or monthly.

8. Other Simple Activities
There are things you can do that may appear to not having anything to do with weight loss, but can benefit you greatly. Some are:

• reading a book in the library. This will improve your concentration and alertness.
• Drinking green tea in the morning. It will stimulate your metabolism for the entire day. Green tea has also been proven to prevent diseases and generally improve physical and mental health.
• Buy a good pair of shoes. It will motivate you to move more! Plus, that new, comfortable pair on you feet will feel great.

9. The Power of Music
Music can calm the soul. It can also make your workouts more productive. Fast-paced music is the best for cardio, steady beats are best for weight training, and tranquil music is best for yoga. There are free downloads available on many sites.

10. Mood Boosters
Mood boosters will make your day go by quickly and effortlessly. You will be more productive, motivated, and self-confident without trying. Ways to boost your mood include working in the garden, opening your blinds, spending time outside, reading jokes, meeting new people, spending time with loved ones, and playing games with your family.

Sources:

Personal Experience

http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/20-simple-ways-to-get-happy/article16181.html

http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm

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