How to Start Getting Back in Shape After Having a Baby

So, you've had your baby but now you're stuck with unwanted extra baggage. What do you do now? Many women think their body will return to normal all by itself, but that is not always the case. Don't worry though because you're not alone. Weight gain after pregnancy is very common, but it doesn't have to be permanent!

Let Your Body Heal

Whether you gave birth normally or through a C-section, doesn't matter. Either way will require your body to rest. Don't worry about losing the weight right away. You have plenty of time to worry about that later. It's important to take the time to enjoy your newborn baby because it's an experience that you may never get to experience again. During this time however, it's completely acceptable to be putting together a plan for a daily workout or buying DVD's or books that you will follow along with.

Watch Your Diet

Your diet makes a huge impact on your ability to slim down to your original weight; it's very easy to tell what kinds of foods you should or shouldn't eat, just watch the calories. When you go shopping make sure you pay attention to the number of calories on the box, ideally you want to stock up on fruits and cereal. Don't drink soda during this time, as sitting combined with really sugary drinks is terrible for you if you're trying to lose weight. The best drink available to you is water, which you should be able to get from tap or bottled water at the store.

Don't Overdo It

It's important for you not to overextend yourself in this time period because your body is still sensitive from giving birth. If you can manage about 30 minutes of exercising a day that would be great, but should only exercise as much as your body allows. If you're finding it hard to find time to exercise, try to explain it to your partner or someone who can take care of the child that it's important for you to exercise.

If you follow the advice given in this article, you're on your way back to the body you had before giving birth. Just remember to be persistent, and remember that your body won't suddenly return to the way it was after a day of exercising, it will take time but you can do it!

Sources:

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisehealth/a/postpartumexer.htm
http://baby.doctissimo.com/parenting/back-to-form-after-baby-s-born/getting-back-into-shape-post-pregnancy.html