Since many mothers struggle to get back in shape after pregnancy, here are three Yummie tips to help you beat the odds.
Having a child is obviously a major milestone, but women often need a full year to completely recover from the physical and emotional stress involved in pregnancy. It’s important not to expect to regain your pre-pregnancy form immediately after delivery.
No matter how difficult your pregnancy recovery feels, you can expect your body to feel close to its normal state within roughly six to eight weeks. By following these post-pregnancy tips, you’ll be able to achieve your health and fitness goals without putting your body under unnecessary stress.
Start Slowly
As mentioned above, your body will take time to gradually regain its former condition, and you shouldn’t attempt any vigorous exercise until you’ve spoken to your doctor. Once you feel comfortable becoming more active, start with regular walks of around 20 to 30 minutes.
From there, you can start increasing the intensity as your body begins to acclimate to working out. Don’t be afraid to take a step back or an extra rest day if you feel especially fatigued or notice soreness or pain for more than a day or two after exercising. Exercises like pilates, yoga, and light cardio can help you get back into working out without pushing your body too quickly.
If you have a big event that you want to look your best for, consider wearing an everyday shapewear slip under your dress. This is a safe and easy way to smooth your silhouette and feel confident on your night out. It’s also a great way to avoid hurting yourself by trying to push yourself beyond your limits!
Give Your Body Rest
Sleep is always vital to your physical and mental health, and this is especially true when you’re recovering from something as strenuous as child birth. Try to get at least eight hours each night, and consider resting while your baby naps if you need to catch up on sleep.
Whether you’re exercising, going back to work, or simply trying to keep up with the responsibilities of being a mom, you’ll feel physically and emotionally drained if you try to do it without enough sleep.
Focus on Nutrition
Along with a predictable sleep schedule, eating a well-balanced diet of nutritious foods is one of the most important things you can do for your health post-pregnancy. If you find yourself snacking between meals, you may benefit from switching to a higher number of smaller meals.
Adequate levels of healthy proteins will go a long way toward reducing cravings and keeping you full throughout the day. Your diet is often even more important than your exercise routine when trying to lose weight, so don’t underestimate the impact a more balanced diet can make.
Pregnancy is as demanding emotionally as it is physically, and your body and mind will need time to fully recover from everything you’ve been through over the last nine months. These three simple tips will help you manage the recuperation process and gradually achieve your health and fitness goals.
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