One of the biggest things we hear from new moms is that they can’t wait to get back to their “pre-baby” weight. When you deal with the massive hormonal issues associated with postpartum depression, the last thing you want to think about is losing weight. But, the feelings of low self-esteem help add to the problem as you wish that you could look like you did before. No one should feel like they have to start shedding pounds immediately. This can actually harm you and your child if you are breastfeeding. Here are ways that you can lose weight and stay healthy after giving birth (http://www.fitpregnancy.com/nutrition/postnatal-nutrition/best-weight-loss-tips-new-moms).
Eat the right amount—There’s been a lot of research done on how many calories a person needs to consume to lose weight safely. Rather than starving yourself, you need to eat a moderate number of calories each day to slowly lose weight and stay healthy. No one needs to lose weight so rapidly that they risk their health. For a woman who is not breastfeeding, the daily caloric intake should be around 2,000 calories. If you are breastfeeding, you need more calories to help replenish your body’s nutritional levels. Therefore, a diet of between 2,200 and 2,400 calories is ideal. You should also be very careful with portion sizes when you are measuring calories. Many of us think a huge serving is acceptable, but you may be consuming twice the calories you thought you were. (Unfortunately, one serving of Ben and Jerry’s isn’t a whole carton.)
Eat the right types—One of the pitfalls for new moms is that you barely have enough time to think, much less do things like cook a full, healthy meal. As a result, many moms resort to cheap fast food that is definitely going to hurt your diet. Instead, find healthy snacks like low-fat yogurt and pudding, lean deli meats, and cheese made from skim milk. Just make sure that you stay away from too many sweets or syrupy sodas that can rob you of your body’s nutrients.
—A third guideline is that you shouldn’t feel stuck on the tradition of three meals a day. Instead, you should eat several smaller meals and snacks so that you don’t get hungry and then binge eat. In addition, you should make sure to stay hydrated so that you can keep your energy levels up for taking care of that new baby.
