You shouldn’t start dieting until six weeks after having your baby. This is when you will have your post-natal check and your doctor will make sure everything is okay. If you are breastfeeding, dieting shouldn’t be the main thing on your mind; you need to be healthy for you and your little one. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do things to help reduce that mummy tummy.
Focus on Healthy Foods
You want your baby to get all the nutrients she needs. That is only gained from the milk, so you need to eat the right nutrients to pass through to her.
Even if you’re not breastfeeding, a healthy diet is good for you. You will have more energy and it will help reduce your weight and that mummy tummy.
Do Safe Exercises
If you’ve had a c-section, you’ll know that you should exercise for the first six weeks. If you’ve not had a c-section, you may not even have the strength to get back to the gym and you shouldn’t do until your post-natal check up.
However, there are things you can do. Get out walking with your baby. It will do you both some good and start toning those stomach muscles.
Consult Your Doctor
If you don’t want to wait for the full six weeks, you can always consult your doctor. Most official weight loss plans will not allow you to join until you are at the six week mark, unless you have a doctor’s agreement that you can start early.
Your doctor will also be able to offer the best plans and tips to remain safe while losing weight.
Drink Water!
It may sound obvious but many new mums forget about this part. It’s really easy to focus on the baby and the food and not on the water that your body needs.
You want at least eight glasses of water per day. If you are breastfeeding, you will need much more than that.
Don’t Skip on the Sleep
Your body needs rest and you’re probably not getting it with a newborn. Don’t skip on sleeping and if your body is telling you sleep over anything else, follow it.
Sleep when the baby sleeps when you can; don’t worry about anything else right now.
Get the Housework Done
Just staying active around the house will help you get rid of that mummy tummy. It helps to tone the muscles, lose the fat and stops you from snacking! Get the housework done—you will be surprised by how active you are.
If you’ve had a c-section, you’ll be told no bending or lifting heavy things right now so get someone to help move things around. Listen to your body though and if it’s tired, let it rest!
Ease Back Into Your Exercise Routine
If you loved exercise beforehand, or had some type of routine, you don’t need to go back to it all guns blazing.
Ease your way into it as soon as you get the go ahead. It took nine months to put the weight on; it’s going to take that time to get it off!