Tips for Losing Post-Pregnancy Weight

It is hard to beat the incredible feeling that comes with having a baby: the excitement, the wonder, the pure joy of watching them develop and become their own person. Yet for many women, feelings of insecurity about weight gain can often dampen this experience.

But the thing is this weight gain is only natural…

The average woman puts on 2 stone during their pregnancy, a lot you may argue; however the majority of this weight is down to your womb, your placenta and your growing baby. Once your baby arrives, the majority of this weight will disappear.

But what about afterwards?

One of the hardest things about having a baby is loss of time. No longer have you got the freedom to eat what you want, exercise when you want or get out and about. Instead you are at the mercy of this beautiful little person who is completely dependant than you.

It is no wonder then that many women actually put on the majority of their pregnancy weight AFTER they’ve had their baby. Everything you do is on the go, with little time to consider the consequences of snacking all day, eating badly and exercising little.

Now, if you are reading this, thinking ‘god that sounds like me’, then we have got some good news for you…

Your body may have changed, but that doesn’t mean you cannot claim it back!

Below we have listed some top tips for losing those post pregnancy lbs and getting back in shape:

1. Plan your mealsThis is a good habit to get into, especially if you plan to make your babies food yourself when you begin to wean them. Planning your meals, preparing them in advance and storing them in your freezer will allow you to take control of your calorie intake, ensure you are eating better and more importantly remove the stress of trying to find time to cook every day.Instead get your partner, a friend or a relative to watch your baby whilst you are in the kitchen and go through a cooking spree.
2. Go for a walkYou’ll be surprised by what a difference a 40 minute walk every day can make to your weight loss. Not only does walking help to tone your legs, bum and stomach, but this regular exercise will also help to introduce your baby to new and exciting things.Another good form of exercise is swimming. This will help to tone your entire body, and can be a very exciting experience for both you and your baby.
3. Take a weight loss supplementYou should only try this tip once you have stopped breastfeeding as everything you consume – including weight loss supplements – will get into your milk. However taking a fat burner can provide you with the weight loss support you need to suppress your appetite, eliminate your cravings and increase the amount of fat you burn on a daily basis.Some can help to reduce the amount of fats and carbohydrates you absorb whilst others help to cleanse your body of harmful toxins. Some supplements, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, can reduce your appetite and make you feel full for a longer period of time.  Simply choose a weight loss supplement that best suits your dietary needs and remember to not use one until you have completely stopped breastfeeding.
4. Keep yourself busyYou might argue that your baby keeps you busy enough; however one of the biggest weight gain triggers after pregnancy is snacking.What initially starts of as a trick to boost your energy levels due to lack of sleep can often turn into an instinctual habit as your baby gets older. For example, many of us try to grab a snack whilst they are sleeping, yet as they get older, you will find that it gets easier to prepare and manage your meals, making this snacking unnecessary. But do you stop? No. Instead you instantly reach for a snack whilst they are asleep because this is what you always do.So what can you do? First – remove temptation. Get rid of your favourite snacks, so they are not there tempting you. Second – swap this snack for a healthy one. Third – keep yourself busy whilst they are sleeping, so your mind doesn’t start wondering towards food. Fourth – get yourself out of the house. Boredom eating happens most when you are at home, so try to keep your days varied. For example, visit relatives, see friends, join baby groups and go to play areas.

Having a baby doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your body. Nor does it mean you have to resign yourself to weight gain. Simply use any of the tips listed above and you too can confidently lose those post pregnancy lbs and have the energy to keep up with your growing baby.

Just remember – it took you 9 months to put this weight on, so it will take you 9 months to lose it and keep it off.