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Losing Extra Pounds After Pregnancy | Cutting Off Those Extra Pounds

Submitted by Nick on February 25, 2010

Smart Weight Cut Off After Pregnancy

So you’ve welcomed a new member to your happy family. Everyone is doting on your child and you’re a very proud mother. But then one day, you decide to walk into the bathroom to check your weight and you discover that you haven’t lost as many pounds as you would have wanted to. You always knew that you would put on a few pounds during pregnancy, but you also thought that you would lose a few after the baby is born.

Do not panic.

This is absolutely normal. The average woman gains a good amount of pounds during pregnancy, but loses only a few of those pounds post-birth. Are your cheeks, palms, ankles and knees swollen?

Do you feel like the weight has gone straight to your hips? This is quite normal. The pregnancy weight of the baby, amniotic fluids, placenta, etc. have been replaced by pounds of fluid retention.

If you have had a lot of intra-venous fluids during labor, this is common.

How do I get rid of the extra pounds?

There two ways to go about getting rid of the extra pounds that you have gained. Some women go the exercise route and burn away the calories in the gym or in the park or even at home. Some women watch what they eat and manage a grinding diet regime.

But there are some who go about doing both in good moderation and achieve success. You can do this too.

Diet

Drink a lot of water, about 10 to 13 glasses everyday. Avoid sodas and other high sugar drinks. Try water with a little bit of lemon.
Keep healthy snacks such as raisin, popcorn and wheat handy. Avoid all kinds of junk and baked food.
Meat is good. Boneless chicken and the finest cuts of beef should do fine.
Don’t believe labeled food that says “100% fat free”.
Rely on fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurt and oatmeal. They work.
Breastfeed – It is the most trusted and natural way to lose those fats. Breastfeeding burns about 500 calories. So keep doing it.

Exercise

Walk – It is the most basic form of exercise. Take your baby out for a stroll in the park or just walk about in your house. Walk for about 20-30 minutes a day to keep them fats at bay.
If you wish, you can invest in some exercise tapes. Plug into your set and exercise at home.
Join a gym. Most gyms have custom-made post-pregnancy routines.
Do yoga and home exercises. These exercises are very basic and effective.
Just follow the two routines simultaneously and you will be well on you way to lose that extra pregnancy weight and regain your former figure.