You’re probably used to thinking about losing weight after giving birth. But what about if you had a C-section? You might not even know where to start – and that’s ok! We’re here to help with seven tips on how to lose weight after you had a C-section.
Eat Healthy Foods
The first key to losing weight after giving birth is to make sure you eat healthy foods. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could help increase your baby’s birth weight. These foods are known as’mega- nutrients’ because of their ability to provide your body with essential nutrients.
Try to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day – something to shoot for! Also, eat more whole grains. This will help you get regular nutrients and fiber that will keep you fuller for longer, meaning you’ll be able to eat fewer calories.
Avoid foods that are high in sugar, and instead opt for healthier alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Walk More
Did you know that walking is one of the best exercises for weight loss after giving birth? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that new moms try to get at least 10,000 steps per day to ensure they get the nutrients their bodies need. That’s about five miles, or one city block! So, if you’re stuck at home with your baby due to the pandemic, consider walking as a way to get some exercise while also meeting the needs of your growing baby.
Do Not Go On A Diet
As we mentioned, trying to lose weight after giving birth is something that many new moms are familiar with. But what if you had a C-section? Do not go on a diet, because the surgery can leave you more vulnerable to any type of dieting. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), if you had a C-section and you put on a lot of weight afterward, you’re at heightened risk for gestational diabetes. So, if you want to reduce your chances of getting this condition, do not diet.
Gestational diabetes can be somewhat dangerous, so it’s best to avoid it if you can. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent it. If you had a C-section and your doctor told you to follow a diet to avoid this condition, ask for a referral to a dietician or nutritionist who can help you create a meal plan that will get you the nutrients your body needs and that will also suit your taste buds.
Consume More Water
Did you know that staying hydrated is one of the best ways to lose weight? The human body is 60 percent water, and you will lose a lot of weight if you drink sufficient amounts of water daily. The best way to stay hydrated is by drinking at least 16 ounces for every hour that you spend outside. This can help prevent overheating and even lead to weight loss.
Your body needs sufficient hydration to function at its best, so it’s best to avoid dehydration. Did you know that even the color of your urine can reveal how hydrated you are? If you’re dehydrated, your urine will be colorless. Instead, it should be a light yellow or straw colored liquid.
Take A Break From The Furniture
Did you know that sitting down for too long can lead to weight gain? If you want to shed those extra pounds, get up and walk around for five minutes three times per day. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), this can help prevent low energy levels, which can make it easier to lose weight. Walking is an excellent workout for new moms, and it can also help increase milk supply. So, if you’re at home with your baby due to the pandemic, consider getting up and moving around for a bit to improve your energy levels while also helping to meet the needs of your growing child.
Reduce Food Waste
Did you know that wasting food is one of the main causes of climate change? It takes a lot of food to make a baby, and a lot of food is wasted every year. Did you know that if we reduce food waste, we can prevent climate change? That’s because wasted food has to be thrown away somewhere, and that somewhere is usually a landfill. Did you know that food waste contributes to the air pollution that has plagued our planet?
It’s not just food waste that we need to be concerned about. Much of the food that we buy is damaged or goes bad before we even get a chance to eat it. Did you know that 15% of the food bought by American consumers is wasted? That’s a lot of food that could have been eaten, and it also contributes to climate change. So, if you want to reduce your baby’s food waste, be sure to buy only what you need. When you go to the grocery store, check off the items on your list and only buy what’s necessary. A handy guide to what foods to buy for your newborn can be found here.
Start A Family Recipe Collection
Did you know that families that eat together stay together? Try starting a family recipe collection. Learn to make family-friendly recipes and start adding them to your meal plan. Did you know that meals that are shared among family and friends usually end up being healthier and lighter than meals that are only eaten by the individuals who cooked them? The important thing is that you enjoy spending time with your family and that you feel comfortable sharing your love for food with them.
As a new mom, you’re probably not used to spending a lot of time in the kitchen, so get creative with your meals. Start with something simple, like grilled chicken or fish, and add some side dishes that your family and friends will enjoy. Also, make sure to add some desserts and snacks that are light but satisfying. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy some mealtimes while also giving your body the nutrients it needs to carry you through pregnancy and beyond.
Use The Stroller
Did you know that pushing a stroller around the block can help decrease your baby’s weight? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that new moms who want to shed some pounds use a stroller for at least two hours per day. The best way to utilize this workout is by pushing your baby in a stroller while also walking with the child in your arms. This is a terrific way to get some exercise and decrease your baby’s weight.
Join A Babywearing Group
Did you know that having a strong, supportive network around you can help you lose weight after giving birth? One way of doing this is by joining a babywearing group. This is a fantastic way to meet new moms who are also in the same situation as you, and it gives you the opportunity to join a community while also meeting the needs of your baby. Did you know that newborns usually weigh about 10 pounds at birth? So, if you want to lose some weight after giving birth, having a lightweight stroller that you can bring everywhere will make a world of difference. This way, you can use the babywearing group whenever possible, and it will also help you meet the needs of your growing baby. If you can find a parent-friendly group that also has a childcare provider, it’s even better.
Consider Having A Midwife For The Birth Of Your Baby
Did you know that having a midwife for the birth of your baby can help increase your baby’s birth weight? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that new moms consider having a midwife for the birth of their baby. The best way of finding out what type of care you need is by asking your doctor for a referral to a maternal health provider. Having a midwife means that you will have access to better care than what you would get from a traditional doctor.