So you just had a baby, CONGRATULATIONS!
Adapting to motherhood is no easy journey. There’s so much to figure out…the Baby Bjorn, childcare, how to brush your child’s teeth—the tasks never end. Not to mention physically getting “back to yourself.”
Losing weight after pregnancy boils down to:
• Weight gain during pregnancy
• Diet and physical activity
• Breastfeeding
“Weight gain during pregnancy is the single biggest predictor of postpartum weight retention,” said Dr. Jacinda Nicklas, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Despite the risks associated with gaining too much weight during pregnancy, between 40-60 percent of women gain more than recommended. So, if you’re currently pregnant focus on eating nutrient-dense foods, including fruit, dairy products and nuts, and avoid empty calories or extra desserts. Also, avoid drinking your calories in sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, drink plenty of water.
Getting back to you is not about fasting or training for a marathon. Rather, it’s about figuring how to get back into your old health habits with a newborn.
