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How to Lose Weight Fast After Pregnacy

by Katrina Josey

Overview

Even though many women have a very hard time losing weight after pregnancy, it is actually one of the most advantageous times to drop fat. The body is geared up to promote weight loss due to hormonal and lifestyle factors that are not normally present at other times. By avoiding dieting and taking advantage of these changes, a woman can quickly lose weight after pregnancy.

Step 1

Feed the baby breast milk instead of formula. A breastfeeding woman burns an extra 500 calories per day. In 1 week, that's 3,500 calories, which is the energy equivalent of 1 pound of fat. So, in effect, breastfeeding can burn off 1 pound of fat per week.
Step 2

Drink enough water to prevent feeling thirsty and keep the urine a light color. Drinking water keeps milk supply up and helps manage weight in two ways. First, it helps the stomach to expand which tells the brain that the body is full. Second, preventing thirst helps to prevent overeating. This is because the body can mistake thirst for hunger and encourage eating when the body is not actually hungry.
Step 3

Get plenty of sleep. Fatigue increases stress and increased stress leads to weight gain or inhibits weight loss. For those that eat when they're stressed, getting enough sleep is critical for weight loss. Also, lack of sleep leads to hormonal changes that influence the body to hold on to fatty deposits.
Step 4

Eat small, frequent meals with nutrient-dense foods. Eating this way is complementary to the lifestyle of the new mother. Also, it encourages the metabolism to speed up and keeps blood sugar levels normal. Doing so will help to prevent indulgence in junk food and comfort food while preventing overeating due to excess hunger.
Step 5

Take daily walks with the baby. This will naturally decrease stress levels by washing natural chemicals over the brain that cause pleasure. A 150-pound woman walking at 3 miles per hour will burn about 150 calories in 20 minutes.
Step 6

Consume enough calories. Restricting calories too much will prevent fat loss by slowing the metabolism and encouraging the body to hold on to fat stores.
Step 7

Eat foods of each caloric type. This will help to keep blood sugar levels from fluctuating and ensure that you get all the nutrients you need to promote weight management. Carbs work to increase blood sugar levels more quickly. Pairing them with proteins helps to keep blood sugar levels sustained for several hours. Fat helps to provide a feeling of satisfaction to prevent overeating.

4
Do not try to diet while breastfeeding. You will need extra calories to properly nourish the baby and yourself due to the increased caloric demands on your body. Dieting or restricting calories while breastfeeding will actually work against weight loss by hampering metabolism and proper blood sugar levels.
Do not try to diet while breastfeeding. You will need extra calories to properly nourish the baby and yourself due to the increased caloric demands on your body. Dieting or restricting calories while breastfeeding will actually work against weight loss by hampering metabolism and proper blood sugar levels.