Losing Pregnancy Weight - The Smart Way
We all know that you can't judge a book by its cover. But that's the way the ball still bounces in our society. Just ask any Mom who is trying to lose weight after giving birth. There is the "Celebrity Mom" body image that is feed to the masses by the media and we all feed off of it. We are to blame for feeling the need to be skinny right after pregnancy. But we also know that this "image" is not healthy. Weight management is not about shedding the pounds to look like a Celebrity Mom. It is about taking care of your mind, body and soul.
Proper weight management involves more than just losing the baby fat. We know that there are many factors that can influence or affect our eating habits. These factors can range from emotional and financial stress, self-esteem issues, and lifestyle. Because of this, the typical quick-fix weight loss remedies work only for the short term and is not the answer to permanent weight loss or good health. The smart way to seriously lose the pregnancy weight for good is to find a program that uses a holistic approach to weight management.
1. Find a lifestyle weight loss program.
Half the battle in losing pregnancy weight is getting your psyche in a good place. The mind is a powerful force to reckon with and can be a great ally in your battle to trim your tummy. This is why losing weight the easy way with diet pills or trendy diets can seem like taking one step forward and three steps backwards. These quick-fix remedies omit the psychological, behavioral and lifestyle influences of weight management and hence weight loss is only temporary. You need to find a lifestyle program that incorporates these factors that are needed to attain lifelong health and wellness.
2. Do exercises that maximize fat burning.
Our muscles are the fat-burning factories of our body. And if you don't use your muscles, you will lose them. Therefore, if your goal is to lose the pregnancy weight fast, you need to do the exercises that can re-build your lost muscles. Muscles will burn the baby fat in the most efficient way possible.
Studies show that resistance training done at maximum effort and in short intervals will increase your resting metabolism and burn more fat for the long term compared to a cardio workout. Therefore, burning the baby fat does not require you to waste huge chunks of time at the gym doing cardio. You can do it all in a few minutes at home.
3. Fuel your body with Fat Burning foods.
The tummy is a popular "problem" area for Moms. Trying to get rid of the "Mommy belly" can be challenging but not hopeless. Your body is a fine tuned machine that works like a team. Therefore, if you are going to exercise to lose your tummy, you need to fuel your body with the right foods to keep it healthy and fit. You should be eating whole grain foods, lean meats, fruits and vegetables.
You should eat foods that are high in fiber such as whole grain foods and lean protein such as chicken and wild salmon. Not only will you get a metabolic boost but you will also benefit from the nutritional value that these foods provide. Remember to be a smart consumer and read the food labels to ensure that you know what's in your food.
4. Include the Family.
There is strength in numbers. What better way achieve a healthy lifestyle than to include your family? A Mom will do anything for the health and well being of her family. Thus your hubby and kids can help to keep you at least externally motivated to lose the pregnancy weight and get lean and fit. But the buck doesn't stop there. You can involve your family by planning healthier menus and introducing healthier snack options for them. More family time doing physical activities can also help encourage and maintain your healthy lifestyle and that of your family.
Image is irrelevant when it comes to a better quality of life. Image is irrelevant when it comes to defining who you are as a Mother and unique individual. Image is irrelevant when it comes to needing to feel and look great. What is important is connecting with whom you are and spending time with your loved ones. And living a healthy lifestyle is time well spent.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
About the Author
Stop making excuses. You can lose your tummy and lose the pregnancy weight with a lifestyle program. Visit Teresa Brown's blog for more information on losing the pregnancy weight and getting your body back.
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by: TeresaBrown
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