Women Pregnancy Jeans

We have all seen the high profile celebrity mums on the red carpet at film premiers, who just a few short weeks after giving birth appear to have regained their shape and then show it off by wearing the slinkiest of designer dresses.

So how do they get back into shape so quickly?

Well, they are most likely to have a team of personal trainers, dieticians and doctors to help them, not to mention the nanny who looks after the baby so they have time to spend getting back in shape!

With today’s enthusiastic media coverage of celebrity mothers, there is more pressure than ever on new mothers to lose weight quickly. Generally, losing weight after childbirth is much the same as at any other time, although no strenuous exercise should be taken before the all clear from your doctor.

Here are a few things to help you lose weight healthily after pregnancy:

1. Breast feeding is one of the best ways to help shift that excess baby fat because it uses up stores of fat in the body equivalent to burning an extra 500 calories each day. If that’s not an incentive for breast feeding then I don’t know what is! Breast feeding can lower the risk of diabetes and lower your body’s need for insulin if you already have diabetes, and can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It also helps the uterus contract and return to the pre-pregnancy state.

2. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day will help you to lose weight. Water will ensure that you are properly hydrated and will also help if you are suffering from water retention after giving birth. Eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and high fibre foods will help ease water retention. Lower your salt intake by avoiding processed and fast foods. Salt will encourage the body to retain water, which is an important element in your diet, but its use should not be excessive.

3. Eat healthy foods as your body will need time to recover after giving birth - if you are breast feeding, now is not the time to go on a calorie restrictive diet. Make sure that your diet includes lots of fruit and vegetables and a regular source of lean protein such as chicken and fish. Lean protein is necessary for the body to repair itself.

4. When you feel ready, start doing some light exercise. Going for regular walks with your baby is a good place to start, and pushing the pram will help you to burn calories, get rid of tummy fat, and will work wonders on those flabby thighs!

By following a healthy weight loss diet and taking regular exercise, your confidence and self-esteem will blossom and you may be surprised when other mums in your group wonder how you look so good in such a short space of time. And the really great bonus is that you will also have the benefit of more energy, which will definitely come in handy when the baby progresses to the toddler stage!