Being an expectant mother is a magical and miraculous experience. You may feel huge, but your baby does too, and it’s wonderful to behold their little growth spurt. However, being a good parent doesn’t mean you have to manage your weight perfectly. While it would be wonderful if you could eat whatever you want and lose the baby weight fast, that’s not always possible. Being on a diet doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself, and being a good parent sometimes means learning to say no to your child.
Here are 10 ways to lose baby weight fast so that you can enjoy your pregnancy and nurse your child without worrying about your health.
1. Cut Out Added Sugars And Processed Foods
Many parents find that their baby’s sugar levels are extremely high, which can cause tooth decay and other health problems. Because of this, it’s important to cut out added sugars and processed foods from your diet during pregnancy. Make sure that your diet is rich in vegetables and fruits to maintain strong bones as well as satisfy your sweet tooth. Even better, try to avoid snacks and meals that have lots of added sugar as it can lead to health complications for both you and your baby. If you find that cutting out certain foods is difficult, then try going on a diet where you eat healthy but limited food, which may include things such as eggs, chicken, and fish. This way, you will eliminate some of the toxins that you and your baby are exposed to from eating junk food and sweets. It may be difficult to adjust to a vegan or vegetarian diet during pregnancy, so make sure that you are aware of the benefits that it can bring to both you and your baby. Also, try going on a diet where you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and nourished. It is also important to note that even though you may not feel like you have enough energy, your body actually needs more calories during pregnancy. As a result, make sure that you eat at least 300 calories more than what you need daily. This can be hard to achieve if you are cutting out foods that you love, so try to make choices that you feel good about and that will benefit both you and your baby in the long term. For instance, if you are cutting out dairy products because you think they are unhealthy, then you can substitute half of their daily serving for plant-based milk such as almond milk or soy milk. This way, you will nourish your baby’s developing body while limiting the toxins that they are exposed to from the cow’s milk. It is also important to remember that breastmilk is the best option for your baby’s nutrition, and it is totally customizable. As a result, you can use this option to meet the needs of your growing baby. Also, if your diet and lifestyle are keeping you at a healthy weight prior to pregnancy, then there is no reason to worry about your baby gaining weight quickly. On the other hand, if you are eating unhealthy foods and are not active, then it may be difficult for your baby to reach their birth weight. In this case, it would be a good idea to start taking extra care of your health and diet so that you can provide the best possible nutrition for your baby.
2. Cut Out Coffee And Alcohol
It is well known that excessive caffeine and alcohol intake can cause early labor, which makes it a no-no for expectant mothers. It is also important to note that these two substances can cause premature babies to be more susceptible to infection. As a result, it is advisable to cut out both coffee and alcohol during pregnancy. These substances can also interfere with fetal development, so it is best to avoid them. If you are addicted to coffee or alcohol, then cutting back or quitting cold turkey may be challenging, so it is a good idea to discuss this problem with your doctor. There are options for treating addiction during pregnancy, so make sure that you and your doctor work out a plan. In the meantime, try to avoid exposure to these substances as much as possible.
3. Join A Parent Support Group
Having a parent who is struggling with their weight during pregnancy can be extremely frustrating and tear-inducing. However, it is important to remember that not everyone will be able to lose weight during pregnancy, which is why it’s good to have support from people who have been through the same thing. Joining a parent support group can be a great way to meet other moms who are going through the same thing as you, and it can also provide you with some much-needed motherly advice. Many parent support groups offer online forums where you can post questions, and get advice from experts as well as other members who are experiencing the same thing as you. Check out the Parent’s Health Website for more information on parent support groups.
4. Take Advantage Of Available Federal Incentives
Besides the health risks that come with being overweight, there is also the financial risk associated with being underweight. If you are able to drop some weight during pregnancy, it may be possible to take advantage of some available federal incentives. For example, if you are one of the millions of American who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit, it could be worth your while to drop some weight while you are pregnant. In this case, you could potentially get some extra money back from the government. Alternatively, if you are able to take advantage of the American Depositary Receipt (“ADR”) program, then it may be worth looking into as well. Basically, if you buy a house or condo in the United States, then you can put money in an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”) that is specifically for your child’s education. As long as your child is in college or attending a trade school, you may be able to put up to $6000 into an IRA for your child each year. In some cases, it may even be worth it to let your baby eat what they want while you are on a diet, so that they can get the nutrients that they need to grow up big and strong.
5. Take Advantage Of Exercise
Being a parent is a full-time job, and it can be incredibly demanding. Not only do you have to worry about providing your baby with the food that they need, but you have to make sure that they are happily entertained while you are busy with work. In this case, it is important to remember that moving around will help both you and your baby get some blood flowing, and it will make both of you more relaxed and less stressed out. It is also a good idea to take your baby with you on walks, so that they can get some fresh air and exercise while you are doing your maternal duties. Even better, consider getting a baby jogger, so that you can bring them along with you while you pump your arms at the gym. This will help combat the baby weight, and it will make you feel like a real badass while doing it!
6. Try Some Baby-Wearing
For those who are prone to nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, it can be beneficial to try some baby-wearing. In this case, you and your partner can carry your infant in a slingshot fashion, similar to a paparazzi. This can be easily done while you are out for a walk or shopping, and it can also provide your baby with some extra protection in the event of an accident or fall. When you return home from your evening out, it is important to check out your baby’s vitals, and make sure that they are comfortably seated in the stroller or carrier.
7. Attend Postpartum Support Group
Another important thing to do after giving birth is to attend a postpartum support group. It is often difficult to know what to expect, and dealing with the shock of giving birth can be extremely demanding. While it is natural for the motherly bond to emerge during this time, it can also be helpful to have support from people who are going through the same thing as you.
Postpartum support groups usually meet in person, and they provide an opportunity for new mothers to get together, share their experiences, and support each other. If you’re looking for a way to get out and meet other moms, then consider attending a postpartum support group. This can also be a good place for you to get some one-on-one attention from professionals, who can help you get the most out of your experience as a new mom.