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Losing Weight after Pregnancy: 8 Things Stopping You

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Losing Weight after Pregnancy

Losing weight after pregnancy is not easy. You are now a busy mama looking after your baby and we all know what that involves. But if you are trying to lose baby weight and not succeeding; then you may be able to achieve better results by avoiding these eight common mistakes listed below.

Losing Weight after Pregnancy

Losing weight is often a challenge that involves making some significant lifestyle changes when it comes to what you eat and how you exercise. If you are guilty of one of the following then you will likely find losing weight a more difficult challenge than expected. Your goal is to change bad habits.

Let Your Body Heal First!

And just a reminder before you read on - you need to allow your body to heal and recover after pregnancy. Ignore the 'body shaming' from external sources and ONLY commit to losing weight when you are ready to do so!

Losing Weight after Pregnancy

1. Do You Have An All Or Nothing Approach?

My Stronger Mama weight loss challenge does not promote extreme dieting, crash diets or extremely high levels of exercise.

Instead I focus on providing you with exercise workouts that you can continue to perform for the rest of your life because they are enjoyable, easy-to-follow and fit into your life as a busy mama.

Sustained weight loss will occur if you introduce changes to your lifestyle that you can continue to maintain. An all or nothing approach is not required as it is too difficult to maintain.

2. Do You Fail To Devote Time To Yourself?

If you have a family to look after, it can be difficult to find time for yourself to exercise. I get it. All our PregActive mamas get it!

But we have learned to devote some time to look after our own health and wellbeing as we know this will allow us to enjoy a healthier, more empowered motherhood.

Your goal is to find at least 30 minutes each day to complete your PregActive daily postpartum exercise workout.

My workout videos have been designed so you can do them in the comfort of your own home thus avoiding wasted time driving to and from the gym. Speak to your partner, a close friend or a family member and see when they can help out to allow you this time to exercise.

3. Do You Eat Too Quickly?

As a mama, it is easy to fall into the bad habit of eating quickly because you have so much to do. Maybe you're being constantly interrupted. Your little one is constantly demanding your attention.

Studies have shown that when you take your time in eating and enjoying your meals the more 'fuller' you will feel thus leading to you eating less. The act of chewing sends chemical messages to the brain that you are satiated or full.

4. Do You Have A Target Weight Based On Someone You Want To Look Like?

While many of us would like to look like that model in a beach bikini; all too often it is not a realistic goal for many obvious reasons.

Yes, you can lose excessive amounts of weight on some of the fad diets being advertised - but you will be unable to sustain such a rigid diet for the rest of your life.

Your goal is to identify how much weight you want to lose based on your body shape, height and what is achievable. Then make positive lifestyle changes to achieve your goal.

Just because you're now a mama, does not mean you cannot look amazing and feel sexy again. You can do it!

5. Do You Skip Meals?

It is easy to think that if you skip meals you will lose weight. The problem with skipping meals is that it can trigger lowered blood sugar levels thus causing you to be hungry and irritable which can result in overeating during your next main meal.

'Fasting' has shown to have numerous health benefits. If you do 'fast' then please ensure you are still getting your required nutrients. Skipping meals is a problem when you just fill up on junk food later in the day to satisfy your hunger.

6. Do You Avoid Exercise?

Studies have shown that you will be more successful in losing weight if you eat well and also exercise. My workouts combine exercises and movements that help to build muscle which leads to a more toned body shape.

If all you have is 15 minutes, then start with that. Increase that time to 30 minutes when you can. It's about small progressive steps.

7. Do You Fail to Plan Your Meals?

A meal planner can be a beneficial tool as it helps you to maintain control over what you eat and when you eat. It also provides you with the ability to shop for only the ingredients you need and avoid last minute buying of unnecessary food items at the supermarket.

If you fail to plan your meals you may find yourself at home without any prepared meals ready to cook. As a result you will likely give in to temptation and order take-away.

8. Do You Eat Only Diet Foods?

So if you think you can only consume weight loss or protein shakes, bars or consume diet drinks indefinitely then you will soon find out that it is near impossible to sustain this type of eating.

What you will also find once you improve your skills in reading food labels; is that many of these weight loss foods and drinks can be misleading in just how healthy they are.

Are You Ready?

If you are ready to commit to your empowered motherhood and become the best 'YOU' then My Stronger Mama Challenge is for you. I'm here and ready to help you.

Try PregActive for FREE >