It’s no secret that becoming a mom is one of life’s greatest joys. However, despite the happiness, many women feel frustrated when it comes to shedding their baby weight. If you fall into this category, there is one thing that you should always remember: there is simply no quick fix. You need to be patient. WebMD says that females who were of an average weight before getting pregnant and who gained between 25 and 30 pounds should have their body back within a couple of months, assuming that they watch what they eat and exercise. Mothers who are heavier should expect the process to take a year or so.
“The number one thing new mothers have to have is a certain amount of patience with their body,” she says. “It took nine months to get there. It should take at least that long to get back to their fighting weight,” says registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) Melinda Johnson.
Here are some tips to help you drop the weight post pregnancy, courtesy of WebMD:
1) Don’t diet
Restricting and depriving yourself is a big no-no. The key is to enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods. Remember not to consume less than 1,800 calories a day, especially if you are breastfeeding.
2) Get moving
It’s not practical or safe to start spending hours on end in the gym, but squeezing some physical activity into your day is essential. WebMD advises getting 150 minutes of exercise a week. Incorporate strength training into your routine as well.
3) Drink water
Some studies have shown that water speeds up your metabolism. We also know that it keeps you filled up and hydrated throughout the day.
If you’ve followed these tips and haven’t been successful as you would like, you may want to consider liposuction or a tummy tuck. Dr. Lett is a board-certified plastic surgery in Lebanon, Tennessee, and can help you assess whether you are a good candidate to go under the knife.