After you’ve had a chance to rest and recover you can start to think about getting to a healthy weight. Know that it takes time. There is no special diet for moms after having a baby; it is really a matter of eating healthy and exercising. Healthy meals include whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Breastfeeding can also help you get back to your pre-baby weight.
Eating healthy meals and following an exercise plan will help you nourish your body while giving you energy and helping you lose weight. Start by cutting out unhealthy foods like sodas, desserts, or fried foods. Be patient, these small changes will have lasting effects instead of diets that promise fast weight loss. Everywhere you look there are diet plans and weight-loss products that promise quick results.
Be careful of diet plans, products, or pills that promise:
Quick weight loss
If you lose weight too quickly, it may harm your body. Your body may lose muscle and water instead of fat. Healthy plans encourage a loss of only 1-2 pounds per week. Slow, steady weight loss is more likely to last.
Magic foods or supplements
There are no magic foods or pills that will melt fat away. There is nothing that will burn fat while you sleep. Check with your doctor before you start any supplement. Keep in mind that “natural” does not always mean safe.
Strict (or expensive) meal plans
Be careful of diets that tell you to eat only one type of food or to stay away from an entire food group. Some programs will ask you to buy their meals, but it may be cheaper to make them at home.
No need to exercise
Regular physical activity is important for weight loss and helping you stay healthy. The key to exercise is to find something you enjoy and then aim for 30-60 minutes of activity on most days of the week.