5 ways to lose weight as a new Ghanaian mother without trying

Portia Arthur

September 6, 2017 11:08 AM

Don't be hard on yourself. Just focus on a healthy lifestyle now.

Healthy eating is important especially if you are eating for two. Pregnancy is a beautiful experience which comes with weight gain.

Your body is recovering from childbirth and needs a steady supply of vitamins and minerals to heal. Dropping those extra pounds takes time, especially when you’re caring for your new baby and working from home.

So don't be hard on yourself. Just focus on a healthy lifestyle now.

Exercise

Don’t overdo it. Set your timer, don’t exercise more than 30 minutes the first weeks. You can start with relaxed strolls in your compound to make you feel alive again. Exercising can reduce postpartum depression and obesity.

Eat smart

New moms have to eat smaller, more often and healthy. Don’t forget you are eating for two; yourself and your baby. Even if you are not breastfeeding, you need the energy to take care of your baby. Choose food packed with nutrients, vitamins for healthy living.

Cut calories

New moms are always advised to diet while breastfeeding. Cutting calories drastically can cause more harm than good. You will get the perfect shape you desire but once to return to normal, you gain more weight than before.

Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids a day, and even more if you find yourself feeling thirsty, especially if you're nursing. Water is a good choice, but you also can opt for fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk, and up to 8 ounces a day of 100% fruit juices that contain important nutrients.

Try new recipes

Think twice before you take snacks. Find alternatives that will promote your health and ensure weight loss. You can try oatmeal recipes and starchy veggies such as baked potatoes and sweet potatoes, that can satisfy your craving for carbs. Brown and wild rice are a good side dish and snack options, too.

READ ALSO: 6 home remedies for hiccups

Go easy on yourself

Let’s face it. You can wear your wear your pre-pregnancy jeans just weeks after delivery. Spend quality time with your baby and set a time frame to fit into shape. It took nine months to get weight and it will take nine months to get back your svelte figure.

Also, remember people lose weight at a different rate, so don’t be discouraged if you are fitting into shape at a slower rate.

Portia Arthur