The Ten Most Important Steps to Getting Your Body Back After Baby
Shortly after having a baby, one of mom's first thoughts is the desire to lose their baby weight. The problem is they are often overwhelmed by all the changes that take place with having a bundle of joy and they don't know where or how to begin. Now moms can easily follow my 10 most effective steps to lose weight and actually feel good while doing it.
1: Take it Easy - Many moms, eager to quickly lose their baby weight, plunge full speed ahead into an exercise routine – exercising too hard and too often. The result of too much-too fast is often injury, severe muscle pain, and/or exhaustion which can cause setbacks until your injuries heal and many women give up their fitness routine completely. Whether you stopped exercising during your pregnancy or exercised throughout, ease into your fitness routine with low impact exercises such as walking, swimming or yoga. For example, begin walking 10 minutes 3- 4 times per week and work your way up to walking 30-45 minutes 4-5 times per week.
2: Set Realistic Expectations- Don’t expect weight loss to happen over night. Lasting results take time. With healthy eating habits and consistent exercise expect to lose 2-4 lbs. a week, that’s 8-16 lbs a month!
3: Have a Clear Picture of What You Want to Accomplish- Be specific about your goals. Most women know how many pounds they want to lose, but it’s important to be specific about what you want to achieve with your body. For example, do you want to have toned thighs? Flat abdominals? Firm buttocks? A simple way to figure out what you want to accomplish is to start at your feet and work your way up to your head.
4: Write Down Your Goals and Postdate Them- Once you know what you want to accomplish, write down your goals as if they have already happened. For example: “I am 10 lbs. lighter” “I have toned thighs” “I have flat abs” “I have firm buttocks”. Then write the date you plan to accomplish the goal for example, December 10, 2007. Writing down your specific goals reinforces and clarifies what you want to accomplish. You’ll also be more committed to achieving your goals by the date you’ve set for yourself.
5: Look At Your Goals- Every morning read your goals out loud. The more you read your goals, the more you’ll work toward reaching them, and the quicker you will lose the weight and tone up!
6: Be Focused- When you’re working out, stay focused on what you want to achieve. For example, instead of reading a book or daydreaming on a bike at the gym, focus your mind on toning your buttocks and thighs. The more focused you are on the muscles you are trying to target the better and quicker you’ll see results.
7: Workout with a Friend- You’re more likely to be consistent with exercise if you have a friend or group to meet with at scheduled days and times.
8: Drink Water- My #1 weight loss tip is to drink plenty of water. Our bodies are often dehydrated so we mistake hunger for thirst. Before every meal drink a full glass of water, and always bring a water bottle with you wherever you go!
9: Don’t Deprive Yourself- The weight loss from dieting rarely last because eventually you feel deprived. Instead of depriving yourself, pay attention your portion sizes and reduce them each week. Ask yourself: Am I REALLY hungry? Or am I eating because it tastes good or because I’m bored or because everyone else is eating? After you’ve eaten your first serving, step away from the table, drink a glass of water and ask yourself if you’re still hungry. If you’re no longer hungry don’t eat anymore.
10: Reward Yourself- After each goal you’ve achieved, reward yourself with pampering of your choice. You deserve it, your dedication and commitment to a healthy, fit lifestyle is paying off!
©2007 Sara Holliday. All rights reserved. |
