How to Get Fit After Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth are no joke. This natural process can do a number on your body, making it understandable that you will be extra motivated to get back into shape after you deliver the baby. Here are five ways that you can get fit after pregnancy so that you can feel and look your best during this special time of your life.

Watch What You Eat

One of the greatest predictors of how successful you will be in your endeavors to get fit after you give birth is how you choose to nourish your body. It is important to not cut calories too drastically. This could cause harm to both you and the baby, especially if you are breastfeeding.

Your focus should on providing your body with key nutrients such as the powerful antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Lean proteins will help you to control your hunger and only eat when you are hungry. Eating smaller meals throughout the day may be more manageable to you when dealing with the time commitment of taking care of a newborn.

Get Moving

If you were working out prior to pregnancy and even during those nine months, you will find it much easier to bounce back physically. It is important to remember that childbirth is hard on any body. You cannot expect to jump right back into your fitness routine where you left off.

Be gentle with yourself and be sure to get the green light from your doctor before easing back into your fitness routine. Most doctors will request that you wait six weeks after childbirth before starting to workout again. Good activities to start with include walking and light jogging.

Yoga and pilates will aid in gaining flexibility. To strengthen your core, you may want to consider adding plank and bridge exercises into your post-natal exercise routine.

Invest in General Cosmetic Issues

The post-natal period is also a good time to consider investing in the cosmetic procedures that you had been putting off while pregnant. It is no surprise to learn that many new mothers lose self-confidence during the pregnancy and post-natal time period. Undergoing a little work may do wonders to make you feel great about yourself again.

This work can come in a variety of forms. Perhaps you want to explore the benefits of Botox in helping you to look younger? Or maybe you want to look into otoplasty in Toronto to help to correct ear issues. This type of non-invasive cosmetic surgery can correct a variety of problems with the ear that have always bothered you.

Breastfeed

Medical experts all over the world tout breastfeeding for many reasons. Now only does it provide the best available nutrition to a growing baby, but nursing is also great for the mother. Breastfeeding boosts your mood, helps to develop an emotional connection with the newborn, and helps your body to bounce back more efficiently.

Breastfeeding is the ultimate calorie blaster. Nursing moms can burn up to 500 calories per day just through the production of the milk. The process of nursing also encourages the uterus to contract, helping this part of the midsection to shrink back to normal size. As a bonus, you will save loads of money if you choose to breastfeed your infant.

Drink an Abundance of Water

Regardless of the stage in life, it is always important to stay hydrated. You will get back into shape more quickly if you are intentional about drinking enough water throughout the day. Water will help to keep you full so that you do not confuse thirst with hunger.

Your hydration needs will be even greater if you are nursing. Hydration directly affects your nursing supply. It is important to drink before you notice that you are thirsty. You will know if you are hydrated if your urine is clear or lightly colored. Darker urine is a sure sign that you are not getting enough water.

There is no magic pill that you can take to instantly transform your body back to its pre-pregnancy state. However, following these five tips will help you to regain your fitness and feel good about yourself as quickly as possible.