Losing Pregnancy Weight - How to Keep the Weight Off
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Is image everything in today’s society? Image represents money and power. Image represents status and privilege. Image represents youth and beauty. It can represent many things but for the Mom who is looking to lose weight after giving birth, striving to fit into a Hollywood image can keep her down in the dumps with a good dose of self-loathing. Losing pregnancy weight is about going beyond the “image” and embracing wellness.
We gain and lose weight throughout our lives. This is due to the fact that our eating habits are regulated by a variety of factors such as our moods, stresses, cultural and family history, lifestyle and schedules to name a few. Some of these factors can have a strong influence on how you perceive food and hence how it affects your ability to lose weight after giving birth. The best way to address weight management is to do so in the most holistic way possible.
1. Go for a lifestyle program.
A good lifestyle program will take into account the physical, behavioral and psychological components of weight management. Therefore, it will be better able to equip you with the necessary tools to achieve permanent weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. It is continuous because it will address your ever-changing needs as you make the gradual transition towards health and fitness. There are Mom-based lifestyle programs available that are both convenient and practical for you to trim your tummy and get healthy.
2. Focus on the exercises that burn the most Fat.
You can lose the pregnancy weight fast if you include resistance training into your workout. Resistance training is a form of strength training that increases muscle density or strength. It does not increase the size of the muscle. You can re-gain your lost muscle mass when you train using a form of resistance such as free weights or your own body weight to work your muscles to become toned.
The exercises that perform such a function are resistance-training exercises. These exercises are a form of strength training that increases your muscle density and hence strength. As a result you will trim your tummy and lose the jelly belly. The great thing about this type of training is that there are many varieties of exercises to choose from and a workout session can be done in 15 minutes in the comfort of your home.
3. Fuel your body with Fat Burning foods.
The tummy is a popular “problem” area for Moms. Trying to get rid of the “Mommy belly” can be challenging but not hopeless. Your body is a fine tuned machine that works like a team. Therefore, if you are going to exercise to lose your tummy, you need to fuel your body with the right foods to keep it healthy and fit. You should be eating whole grain foods, lean meats, fruits and vegetables.
Foods high in fiber and protein such as bran and wild salmon are said to be “fat burning foods” because your body expends more energy to digest them, than the calories they provide in return. These foods also aid in providing your body with the necessary nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are required for proper body function. Remember: the less processed the food, the better it is for your body.
4. Make it a Family affair.
There is strength in numbers. What better way achieve a healthy lifestyle than to include your family? A Mom will do anything for the health and well being of her family. Thus your hubby and kids can help to keep you at least externally motivated to lose the pregnancy weight and get lean and fit. But the buck doesn’t stop there. You can involve your family by planning healthier menus and introducing healthier snack options for them. More family time doing physical activities can also help encourage and maintain your healthy lifestyle and that of your family.
Image is irrelevant when it comes to a better quality of life. Image is irrelevant when it comes to defining who you are as a Mother and unique individual. Image is irrelevant when it comes to needing to feel and look great. What is important is connecting with whom you are and spending time with your loved ones. And living a healthy lifestyle is time well spent.
