3 Mistakes New Mothers Make When Trying To Lose Weight
Posted on: 23 February 2016
If you are about to have a child or have recently given birth, one of the things you might be concerned about is losing weight in order to feel more like your pre-pregnancy self. While some women easily lose weight after a pregnancy, many women find it difficult to lose weight and keep the weight off. If you want to get slim after giving birth, you need to make sure you avoid these three common mistakes that many women make.
Make Assumptions About Losing Weight Automatically
There are a lot of weight-loss myths that are targeted towards new mothers. For example, many women assume that if they are breastfeeding, the pounds will melt off like butter. In reality, many breastfeeding women have just as much difficulty losing weight as mothers who are bottle feeding.
Other women assume that they will not be able to lose weight until their child starts walking and then they will automatically shed pounds while chasing after an active toddler. However, the habits that you start as a new mother will likely carry on through your child's early life, meaning it is unlikely that you will automatically become more active as your child does.
Making assumptions about automatic weight loss not only sets you up for disappointment when it doesn't happen for you, it also makes it nearly impossible to create a realistic weight loss plan.
Fail to Create a Weight Loss Plan
Caring for a new born can take up a lot of your time and energy. If you fail to create a weight loss plan, it is unlikely that you will stick to the diet and exercise that can help you lose weight. As a new mother, you may have to be very specific about your weight loss plan, including meal planning, types and amounts of exercise, and supplements that you take on a daily basis. Having everything planned out can help you stick to your plan even when you are sleep deprived or suffering from the baby blues.
Assume Dietary Supplements Are Off-Limits
If you are breastfeeding, there are some types of supplements that you should not take, because they pass through your milk to your baby. However, there are many effective, natural supplements that are still viable options for new mothers. If you plan to use a weight loss supplement while you are breastfeeding, you should talk to both your doctor and your child's pediatrician to make sure the supplement you choose is safe for you and your baby.
Losing weight after giving birth can make you feel positive about your body at a time when your identity is changing in many ways. Removing the frustration from the experience by avoiding these common pitfalls can make the process easier.
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