During Pregnancy,
the average weight gain for women is 25 to 35 pounds. You'll
lose about 12.5 to 14 pounds during birth, which leaves 12 to
21 pounds to go. By following a few tips, you can get back into
those Seven jeans.
>> Give Yourself Time. The weight won't drop immediately,
but it also won't take, like the old saying goes, another
nine months to come off. "Do not crash-diet," says dietitian
Tanya Zuckerbrot: You'll need energy for late-night feedings
and diaper changes. "Post-pregnancy is not the time to try
a liquid diet," because experimenting will leave you with
a sinking energy level. Zuckerbrot also advises new moms who
are breaast-feeding to eat when hungry, and even consume extra
calories to allow for adequate milk production.
>> Drop White Bread. "Cut out carbs entirely and
you're setting yourself up for a quick crash-and-burn," Zuckerbrot
advises. So just cut simple carbs, like white-bread products
(in case you didn't know by now, that means cake, cookies,
chips, rolls, bagels, etc.). "These foods are often filled
with empty calories and don't provide you with enough long-term
energy." she says. Keep eating complex carbs like fruits,
vegetables, brown rice, whole-wheat breads and beans, though.
>> Add Fiber And Protein. "The dirty little secret
to losing weight and keeping it off is fiber," Zuckerbrot
says. "Fiber is indigestible: therefore, it contains zero
calories. You'll lose weight without being hungry." Some fiber-rich
foods include garbanzo beans, blueberries, and broccoli. You'll
also want to add lean protein to your diet. "Protein helps
keep you feeling full longer than meals of just simple carbs,"
Zuckerbrot says.
>> Don't Skip! Time is precious for new moms, but
you need to make sure you're as conscientious about your feeding
times as you are of your baby's. "Eat beakfast, lunch, a snack,
and dinner every day," instructs Zuckerbrot.
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