Post pregnancy belly reduction

Now I am 1year 4months past after delivery. But still I appear as if I am 8th month pregnant. It is so awkward to carry such a big belly. Please advice me.
(August 14, 2008)

Do not panic! A big tummy post delivery is a common problem faced by every woman. A small amount of perseverance and patience with a balanced diet and regular exercise proves beneficial. Any form of exercise requires warming up. Warm ups help in getting into the groove, such as a brisk walk or spot jogging and so on.


Stomach crunches are the easiest and most beneficial. It is a basic exercise, which is easy to perform. Bend the knees and keep the hands behind the head. Place your lower back and feet flat on the ground. Lift your torso and exhale and touch the ground in a gentle manner. Hold for around two seconds. Increase the time to five seconds, gradually. Inhale when you go down to the ground. It is not essential to touch the knees with the head.

Reverse crunches are yet another effective method to tuck your tummy. Lie down flat on the ground, with your hands on the sides. Lift your feet and torso. Exhale with the muscles of the stomach. Allow the knees to touch your chest and hold for two seconds. Push your feet backwards and inhale. Perform this exercise in a slow manner. Do it again for ten to fifteen times. These exercises are better done thrice a week for effective results. Bicycle crunch is also worth a try. Lie flat on the floor. Bend the legs at 45 degrees and touch the chest with the right knee. Alternate, with the other knee.

Though these exercises are helpful, cardiovascular exercises are also necessary to help in fat removal. In case of a big tummy, these abdominal exercises are done in conjunction with cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging. Weight training helps in muscle development, which in turn burns fat. Increase in muscles, thereby increase fat loss, and thereby also hasten weight reduction.

A balanced diet with all the foods from the food groups is helpful. Avoid feasting or fasting. Eat healthy with the right choice of foods. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates is helpful in providing satiety. Sweets and desserts, in an occasional manner can be considered. Avoid sleeping in the noon. Allow two hours gap, before retiring to bed, after meals. Hitting the bed, right after food, increases the chances of weight gain. Burn more calories, than you take in. Reduce the calories in your diet and replace with nutritious fruits and vegetables.