3 Steps to Losing Weight after Baby

I loved being pregnant. Losing weight after baby was not on my mind. I was so giddy in anticipation of a beautiful little baby and when we found out we were having a boy, I went a little overboard (my hubby would disagree) with the cute little boy outfits and room décor. Those pregnant days were spent one big day dream while not worrying about eating too much or all that weight gain. After all, I was growing a baby and that required LOTS of junk food right?

Then came that much anticipated day where I finally met my new little man. I spent that first day just soaking up all those cute little baby features and trying to figure out how to take care of this beautiful little baby blessing. I was in such a daze and let everyone around me take care of things as my entire focus was this 8 pound miracle I was holding.

Then I woke up.

I found myself in the bathroom looking down. What in the world happened? I think my body sagged overnight. Doesn’t it make you want to grab everything, throw it over your shoulder before it makes it way to the floor?

Hollywood is full of photo shopped celebrities. Don’t believe everything you see or let anyone else dictate what being a mom should look like. It is so hard to look down and compare your new curves with that of the celebrities. It doesn’t help when everywhere you look you see celebrities all bright eyed, skinny, and firm again in what seems like mere days after giving birth. These celebrities have record breaking weight loss because they have access to the top trainers, chefs, nannies, etc.

Hope is not lost for the 99.9% rest of us mamas subjected to picking up our saggy tummies off the floor as we juggle motherhood. Make your comeback as a new mama with the 3 S’s.

Start S.M.A.R.T

Make yourself some S.M.A.R.T goals which means they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Instead of setting a “I want to lose the baby weight” goal, set “I want to lose 10 pounds by the time my little guy is 6 months old”. Make sure it is specific and is something you can say matter of fact that you reached your goal or you did not.

Start Soon

Don’t put off making healthier fitness and eating choices indefinitely. Start as soon as you can after you give birth. Start choosing healthier food options by focusing on eating real food (less packaged junk) that is higher in nutrients. As soon as you get clearance from your doctor, start adding activities back into your life such as walking with baby or joining a mommy and me exercise group.

Start Slow

Remember that it took you 9 months to gain all that weight with baby. Don’t try to lose all that weight in a matter of a week or two. When you do finally get the approval from your doctor, plan on working towards losing all that baby weight by your little ones first birthday. Start slow with exercises such as walking. There are also many different postpartum workout DVDs that are great fitting in your new busy mommy schedule. Get moving mama!

Being a mom is the most awesome job we will ever have. There is no greater or tougher blessing that comes with our new roles. Remember your body bears the signs of how amazing it is to bring such a gift into your life. Focus on caring for your baby and enjoying motherhood. Focus on making healthier choices again, but don’t put the pressure of Hollywood body images on yourself.

You are valuable mama! You are awesome! Was losing weight after baby a challenge for you? What did you do?

Author Bio: Amber Keinath helps moms who are struggling to lose the baby weight rock a fit + healthy lifestyle as they chase around their little ones. Join the Mama’s Gone Fit Community + FREE 4-Minute Monthly Challenges at AmberKeinath.com.

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