Losing weight at any stage of life can prove challenging. In our modern society we are surrounded by easy-to-access, hyperpalatable foods that make it easy to put on unwanted weight. Many people work in jobs that have them sitting in front of a computer for hours every day and moving very little. And, it is common for people to have schedules that are so jam packed that adding in anything else – like working out – can feel impossible. Losing weight at any time of your life will require you to reassess your priorities and be committed to making permanent changes to your lifestyle. If you are trying to lose weight after having a baby, it can feel like you are facing all of the struggles outlined above along with all of the difficulties that come with the process of getting back to normal after pregnancy. The science of losing weight is the same whether your weight gain happened gradually over time or because of pregnancy. However, there are more variable to consider when you are trying to lose weight after having a baby. Approaching the process with a correct understanding can help you lose the weight after having a baby and reach your fitness goals.
Remember that your body has been through a lot
Your body has been through a lot. Pregnancy causes a number of significant changes to your body. Some weight gain during pregnancy is normal and expected. Your body is flooded with a variety of hormones during your pregnancy and during the birthing process. In addition, your state of mind can be impacted by various factors throughout pregnancy, the birthing process, and postpartum. All of these elements – and more – can impact your weight loss efforts. The amount of extra weight you gained will dictate how much you want to lose. It takes time for your body to heal and be ready to workout again. Waiting until it is safe to get back into a workout routine can impact how quickly you drop the weight. Sometimes losing weight after having a baby is slowed down by some of the factors mentioned above. It may take a little extra patience to get the weight off after having a baby but it is something that you are capable of doing. Remembering what your body has been through can help you during the times when you are feeling frustrated or tired of the process.
Take recent changes into account as you implement a weight loss plan
There are likely a few things different in your life now that you have given birth. If you are breastfeeding your caloric needs are being impacted by that process. There are some pregnancy hormones that can linger in your body for weeks or even months and impact your ability to workout and lose weight. For example, relaxin is a hormone that loosens up muscles and ligaments to prepare for childbirth. If there is still relaxin in your system when you get back into your workout routine it can impact your stability. Another thing that has changed is the fact that you have a new baby to care for which often comes with less sleep and less time to devote to things like meal prepping and working out. You need to take recent changes like these into account as you implement a weight loss plan so you can make the appropriate adjustments.
Prioritize resistance training
When it comes to working out to help with postpartum weight loss, the best type of program you can follow is one that prioritizes resistance training. Resistance training will help you build muscle and increase your metabolism. This combination is important if you want to lose the weight and keep it off long term.
Understanding how to lose weight after having a baby can save you from experiencing a lot of frustration during the process. Your body has done an amazing thing so be kind to yourself as you work toward losing the weight and getting into better shape. Time and a commitment to a high-quality program are all you need to reach your weight loss and fitness goals.
