WEIGHT LOSS AFTER PREGNANCY

During and after pregnancy, a woman's body goes thorough what can sometimes be extreme changes.

Broad hormonal alterations are common, and mood swings occur in a great deal of individuals.

One thing that many women will focus on after pregnancy is losing the weight and body fat that was gained during pregnancy.

Some women may even focus on this to their detriment and to the detriment of their newborn baby.

In order to readjust safely and in a way that produces long-term results new mothers should approach weight and fat loss slowly.

Weight reduction and regaining muscle tone after giving birth takes time.

Of course, media hype concerning various celebrities' rapid weight loss soon after pregnancy is common and often sets unrealistic expectations.

Articles feature celebrity moms and show them making miraculous changes and regaining their million dollar figures in record timing.

However, these individuals often have better than average metabolic systems- something that gives them an edge in their profession.

Additionally they also have access to expensive consultants, costly and dedicated trainers, and excess money to spend on top of the line exercise equipment.

Other women could benefit by focusing on what is normal and average for most new moms rather than expending valuable energy on needless guilt that may result from trying to emulate these media moms.

It usually takes approximately 6 months for a woman's body to return to “normal” after giving birth.

Here, normal refers to the average metabolic rate and hormonal amounts that were experienced prior to conception.

In some instances and areas, those norms may never return- motherhood often produces some permanent changes.

Reduction of caloric intake should not be an overriding concern during breast feeding.

Moms still require additional energy (though it is somewhat less than during pregnancy), and added stress regarding weight is not something that is beneficial to anyone during this period of adjustment.

Night feeds and round-the-clock care for a year is difficult enough without the addition of unnecessary, self-imposed psychological burdens.

For the first few months post pregnancy, the emphasis should be on eating a healthy diet.

A 2000 calorie diet including 50% carbohydrates, 30% proteins, and 10% fat with adequate fiber is a good starting point.

Every diet should leave a little room for enjoyment, increase or decrease of the other factors etc- hence the percentages recommended do not add up to 100.

Going to extremes is the most common mistake made when people consider nutrition.

Moderate exercise is good, but the key here is the word “moderate”.

New moms are busy enough without the added worry of whether they are getting that daily 5 mile run.

Focus on gradually increasing stamina, tone, and overall fitness.

Remember, your body has just gone through something stressful, bringing a baby into the world does not happen with the wave of a magic wand.

Your goals should include mood-elevation and general health rather than looking like a movie star.

After a few months, the program can gradually be increased to the desired level.

The average weight gain during pregnancy is between

During birth approximately 12 to 14 of this weight is lost immediately. The other 12 to 21 lbs can be safely shed over a 6 to 8 month period.

Take it slowly and steadily and your results will persist over the long run.

Remember that it is always wise to consult your health practitioner before embarking on any exercise or dietary changes.