Oh, the joys and woes of motherhood! Your body has just fulfilled its ultimate purpose and created a tiny, adorable miracle. It’s no wonder it’s gone through so many changes and transformed in ways you never expected. A lot of women, even though they are proud of their most important accomplishment, have trouble accepting this new and different body. Even after pregnancy, our bodies continue to change and surprise us. For better or worse, some things might never go back to the way they used to be. However, plenty (like weight) can be reversed with a bit of willpower and effort. Here’s a guide to looking and feeling your best after pregnancy.
Fuel your body
Regardless of the extra weight, you might be packing, the first year of your baby’s life is probably not the time to diet. Why? Simply because you will need all the energy you can muster. The first year is a whirlwind of colic, teething, growth spurts, breastfeeding and first steps. If it sounds exhausting, that’s because it is. New moms normally don’t get much sleep, and combining that with a restrictive diet can be a recipe for disaster. If you are breastfeeding, you can probably expect to lose some weight just by feeding your baby. Instead of starving yourself, make sure you eat balanced, nutritious meals made from scratch, using fresh and varied ingredients. Avoid processed foods and sugary treats; instead, replace them with fruit and veggies, dairy, eggs and lean meats.
Lean on friends and family
Do you feel like you don’t have a second to yourself? You can’t even take a proper shower, let alone exercise or cook a healthy meal? Let your friends and family know you need help. Tell them honestly that you would much rather have a few babysitting sessions that you can use for a walk or a workout than a gift. Tell them you need a home cooked meal much more than a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. It’s okay to ask for help.
Set realistic goals
Every woman dreams of looking like a million dollars in sexy swimwear. If you truly want that, you can make it happen. However, a rapid transformation is unlikely. Think about how much time and energy you can realistically spend on your body. Create a healthy meal plan and incorporate workouts into your weekly routine. Don’t expect to be able to do the same frequency or intensity workouts as before. But at first, even a little can be helpful, and it’s a step in the right direction.
Disclaimer: SKFIT LIFE does not endorse any product or service mentioned in Guest Blog Posts, they are solely the opinion of the Guest Blogger.
Working out comes in all shapes and forms
There’s just no way you could muster the time or energy for a spinning class? That’s understandable. Exercise doesn’t just have to be jogging or a fitness class. Tidying your home, vacuuming and scrubbing is excellent cardio. So is a vigorous walk with your little one in the pram (stroller). The internet is full of tutorials and routines you could easily squeeze into your day. If you lack the discipline, or days seem to merge into one, try getting one of the many free fitness apps to help you stay on track.
Even if you have trouble shedding those last few pounds, or have stretch marks that might never go away, it’s time to accept, embrace and love your body. It is a strong vessel that serves you well, and that brought your baby into the world. It might not be model material, but it is beautiful in its own way. Each stretch mark, each scar, is like a wonderful tattoo, telling the story of the time you brought a new baby into the world.
Guest Blogger: Diana Smith, dianasmith.dany@gmail.com
