Get Your Body Back After Pregnancy

Having a baby is one of the most exciting and chaotic times of your life. However, it can take a toll on your body. Here are a few tips to restore your pre-baby body even when you are busy with everything motherhood is throwing at you.

1.       Eat more fiber. Unlike other carbs, fiber isn’t easily digested by your body, so it moves quickly through your system without boosting your blood sugar. Basically, fiber helps us feel fuller on fewer calories. Fruit, veggies, beans, and whole grains contain high amounts of fiber. Sneak a couple of these into each of your snacks and meals.

2.       Take probiotics. Consuming foods that contain probiotics (like yogurt) or taking a daily probiotic supplement can help reduce belly bloat. Probiotics can reduce the number of calories you absorb from food. Additionally, they can affect the hormones that relate to appetite.

3.       Try H.I.I.T. High-intensity interval training can increase your metabolism for up to 48 hours after a workout. Being a mom is a full-time job, so luckily H.I.I.T. workouts are quick and convenient. Most of them take around 30-45 minutes to complete, and you can do them anywhere because no equipment is necessary.

4.       Limit processed foods. Processed foods are usually loaded with added sugar—aka empty calories. This overload of sugar can have serious adverse effects on metabolism. Switch out chips and dip for veggies and hummus. Stick to organic chicken breast instead of sausage, bacon, or corned beef. And remember, try to not eat things that contain ingredients you can’t pronounce.

5.       Avoid liquid calories. Water, tea, and coffee are the best things for you to drink, and it’s best to get rid of any soda or juice in your house. Of course, nobody is perfect all of the time. If you are going out to dinner or a party, and you want to have an alcoholic beverage, stick to wine or low-cal drinks like vodka sodas. Sugary drinks not only impede your weight loss journey, but they also give you a hangover in the morning.

6.       Practice mindful eating. Try to slow down and enjoy your food. Eat without distraction—for example, at a table instead of in front of the TV. Really focus on your physical hunger cues and eat only until you feel full. This will reduce the risk of overeating.

7.       Destress. Cortisol is a hormone that helps the body handle stress. It has also been linked to weight gain because it increases your insulin and appetite. Motherhood is hectic, but take a few minutes each day to meditate, do breathing exercises, or reflect on your day. This will not only help you lose baby weight but also will help you calm down, so you can tackle the rest of your day.

8.       Consider a tummy tuck. If you’re bothered by a protruding stomach, you could have a condition called diastasis recti. This is the technical term for when your abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy and cause a stomach bulge. Unfortunately, there is little you can do on your own to fix this issue. According to reputable plastic surgeon from Port Moody Dr. H. Ukani, a tummy tuck can not only correct diastasis recti, but it also can remove excess skin in the lower abdomen. Dr. Ukani often performs tummy tucks on women who have had children and want to restore their pre-pregnancy shape.

9.       Drink green tea. Several studies suggest that green tea can help speed up metabolism, increase fat oxidation, and improve insulin activity. Try to drink at least 1 cup a day. I like to drink it before I work out as a little energy boost to help me go the extra mile.

10.   Switch to Himalayan pink salt. Table salt is more heavily processed and usually contains additives to prevent clumping. Pink salt can reduce muscle cramps, promote blood sugar health, and facilitate healthy pH in your body. Many experts recommend pink salt as one of the healthiest salts you can consume. Don’t get carried away, but if you are going to add salt to your food, use pink salt.

In the end, living an overall healthy lifestyle will help you look and feel good. Having a treat every once in awhile is okay, but otherwise try to eat healthy foods, drink water, and stay active.