It is very common to gain weight during pregnancy. However, many new mothers find it very difficult to shed the extra pounds after childbirth. If you are a new mother, losing weight is probably at the top of your priorities.

Let’s be realistic, after giving birth, you cannot possibly expect your body to return straightaway to its original size and shape before you were pregnant. Having difficulty losing weight just after you give birth is perfectly normal. However, it certainly can be done.

Remember that it took nine months for your weight to accumulate and that is a lot of weight for you to lose, so it will take some time for you to do so. This is because the weight you had gained was actually the result of your body’s preparation for the baby that was inside your womb. You gained the extra pounds around your tummy, in your expanded uterus, and in other parts of your body in order to support your baby’s development and growth. Furthermore, women tend to eat and snack more during pregnancy and this may have also attributed to your weight increase.

If you eat and exercise correctly, your body will eventually return to its pre-pregnancy state or even better if you were not eating correctly and exercising before you were pregnant. So with solid determination, patience, and perseverance, your body shape will change for the better.

Here are some tips on how to lose post pregnancy weight:

a) Avoid drinking beverages that contain a lot of sugar such as in soft drinks or coffee with sugar. Drink plenty of plain old fresh water instead. If normally drink sugar laden beverages and now you do not, you can actually cut a few hundred calories from your diet everyday. Over time, you will be cutting thousands of calories and you will see the extra pounds go.

b) You may be munching regularly on various snacks when you were pregnant. That was because you were eating more so that your baby had enough nutrients to grow. You don’t need to do that now. So avoid any snacks if you can.

c) As soon as your doctor clears you, start an exercise program immediately. Better yet, hire a professional fitness personal trainer to guide you through a post natal weight loss program. Any expert help can get you to lose weight more healthily and effectively.

Not only will you lose weight when doing the right exercises, you will eventually also develop a well toned sexy body. Perhaps, even better than before you were pregnant.

d) Take the chance to bond with your baby. Take your newborn for a walk everyday. You can carry your baby or can put the baby in a stroller or both. You can walk at the local park today, stroll in a big shopping mall the next. Just be creative. The longer you walk, especially if you are carrying your baby, the more calories you will burn.

e) Avoid white foods such as pasta, white bread, noodles and white rice. These are high glycemic carbohydrates which will cause a sugar spike and thus, storage of unwanted body fat.

If you want to have a slim body after childbirth, then just follow these weight loss tips.

Author Bio: Chris Chew is a fitness, health and relationship consultant. Read his free articles at How To Lose Weight After Giving Birth and Weight Loss Mistakes Women Make

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: lose weight, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnant