GET YOUR SHAPE BACK AFTER PREGNANCY

Every woman wants to look fit, sleek and youthful. Few women will want their arms, thighs and other body parts to go from fit to flabby. However, pregnancy is one condition that leads to women gaining weight and losing shape. For a woman who has been in shape for long, your new body image after pregnancy can really cut down your self esteem. You may no longer feel as attractive to your partner as you used to. Well, here are a few tips on what you can do to get back in shape.

1. Watch your diet: When you are pregnant, you are usually encouraged to indulge, but you should be careful about the quantity of food you consume. You do not need to "eat for two” as you may find it very hard to shed the excess weight gained after you've had your baby. Get adequate nutritional information as this will help you to eat the right foods and help you control your diet. Eat healthy, fresh foods in portions that will ensure you burn more calories than you consume.

2. Get moving: Working out for at least 30 minutes everyday, or for at least 3-4 times a week, will definitely get you back into shape before long. If you find it hard to make out time for yourself, just take your exercise when you can get it or combine exercise with some household activities. For example, you can exercise with aerobics on TV with your baby sleeping nearby. If you have enough time, there are a variety of exercises you can do such as running, brisk walking, skipping rope, aerobic exercises etc. For your tummy, you need sit ups or push ups. Make your exercise fun and you will stick with it.

You can also stay motivated by getting together with other nursing mums and working out together. That way you can help build a support network and shape up at the same time.
Don't forget to talk to your doctor about how soon you can start exercising, especially if you had complications during pregnancy.

GET YOUR SHAPE BACK 2

3. Be patient: Do not work out for a few weeks and then quit because you think that you are not getting results fast enough. Finding yourself in this state of mind means that you are not burning off more calories then you are taking in. So, cut down on fatty foods and sugary snacks, increase your exercise routine and be consistent. You can the still lose weight even if you don't have the luxury of a fitness club with child care. Just give yourself some time.

4. Give your self a break: You really don't have to kick yourself because you gained some weight and your body is now different from its former shape before your pregnancy. Remember that you are now a mum, not some skinny adolescent schoolgirl. So, while you work towards getting the perfect figure, just relax and enjoy your new responsibilities as a mother. A few extra pounds are no big deal. The weight will surely come off if you exercise and watch your diet.

5. Space 'em out: If this is your first child or maybe you still want to have more kids, you should take your time before having another baby. Having a considerable difference of time between the ages of your children not only gives you ample time to recover from the previous pregnancy, it also helps to prevent avoidable conflict between the kids when they grow up. I might also add that it is pocket friendly. With the unpredictable economic climate, it may not be fun for you to end up having 3 kids in the university at the same time. So go ahead, watch your diet, exercise regularly and with a positive mental outlook you will definitely lose all those extra pounds in no time. You will succeed.