Guest Post -words from Katie!

Easy Weight Loss After Birth

If you're like most new moms, you may find it difficult to make it to the gym as often as you did before you gave birth. However, that doesn't mean you're forced to wait until your little one enters school to start getting back into shape. Through a combination of simple exercises and healthy eating habits, you can get fit easily without having to juggle your baby and the gym.

After delivery, wait to speak to your doctor before starting to exercise or beginning a new diet. Your doctor should know your case well after helping you through decisions for labor like pain management, banking your baby’s cord blood, circumcision and your actual delivery. Your doctor should then be able to make helpful suggestions about the healthiest way for you to begin your weight loss plan. Frequent Naps Lost sleep is one of the biggest problems to plague any new mother. Lack of sleep can make you more likely to overeat and can slow your metabolism to a snail's pace. While it can be hard to find a few moments to rest, it is an essential part of getting your pre-baby figure back. Consider napping when your baby does or try to find someone who will take your newborn off of your hands for a few hours. Walking One of your best options for easy exercise is walking. The best part is that you don't even have to go to the gym or hire a babysitter. All you have to is put your baby into his stroller and walk out the door. Your metabolism and mood will benefit from the sustained but non-strenuous exercise. Furthermore, your baby will benefit developmentally from the stimulation of the sunshine, fresh air and interesting surroundings. Workout Programs Public broadcast stations often televise workout programs that can be done at home, in the comfort of your own living room. These programs typically air for 30 minutes, which doctors recommend as the minimum amount of time you should spend exercising each day. If you don’t find anything that suits you, there are hundreds of fitness DVDs on the market, many designed to be specifically for mom and baby. These shows and DVDs encourage a gentle form of exercise that also lets you bond with your baby and instill healthy habits from an early age. Portion Control After giving birth, it's essential to cut your portion sizes back because you're no longer eating for two. The extra 300 calories per day that was required during pregnancy will now only serve to pack on more pounds. Cutting back can be a difficult task once your body becomes used to the extra food, but structuring your meals the right way can make it easier. Try focusing on foods that are more satisfying, like those containing lots of fiber and protein. A glass of water before meals will also take up room in your stomach, causing you to become full sooner. Stay Hydrated If your postpartum weight loss is going more slowly than you feel it should, dehydration may be the culprit. Most people are in a chronic state of dehydration and don't realize it. A lack of water stresses your kidneys and forces your liver to take up the slack. This diverts resources from the liver's other important function-- metabolizing calories into energy. If it can't do this efficiently, your ability to lose weight suffers. You may even gain some weight, since your body will start channeling calories into your fat cells to be stored until they can be processed under more ideal conditions. This dehydration can also have a negative impact on your milk supply if you are breastfeeding.

With so many new changes and factors in your life, it may seem that there is no room for a weight loss plan. By simply making sure to be active (even if it’s broken up throughout the day) and caring for your diet, you will soon be feeling slimmer and more energized. A healthier you will provide better for your baby!

“Katie Moore has written and submitted this article. Katie is an active blogger who discusses the topics of, motherhood, children, fitness, health and all other things Mommy. She enjoys writing, blogging, and meeting new people! To connect with Katie contact her via her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter, @moorekm26.”