Post Pregnancy Diet for Losing Weight
May 28, 2009
After giving birth to your baby, you might be disappointed with the shape of your body. Getting back to your pre-pregnancy shape is a gradual process. You cannot expect to undergo a magical transformation within a few weeks or months. However, you need a proper diet and exercises to shed the extra fat from your body. Unlike dieting to reduce weight in normal times, postpartum dieting must be undertaken carefully.
Lactating moms must be careful with their diet. You need specific nutrients, which are necessary for the growth of your baby.
Protein vs. Carbohydrates
Protein rich foods are considered apt for moms struggling to lose weight after pregnancy. Compared to carbohydrates, proteins will keep you free from hunger for a longer time. Excess carbohydrates will also add to your body weight. Meat, fish, poultry, and legumes are good sources of protein. Besides protein, you will also get adequate amount of other important nutrients, such as iron, calcium, vitamin B from these foods. However, while choosing your meat, remember to eat the lean portions.
Vitamins and Minerals
To stay healthy and to keep your baby healthy, you must consume adequate amounts of vitamins and essential minerals. Although, every type of vitamin is essential for you and your child, but you should be specifically careful about of taking adequate amounts of vitamins A and C, which are lost mostly from the body through breastfeeding.
Anti-inflammatory foods
Often internal inflammations make new moms appear overweight. Internal inflammations are natural response of our immune system against stress of giving birth. Anti-inflammatory foods, such as green tea, garlic and berries help in curing internal inflammation.
Herbs for increasing milk
Some herbs, such as fennel, fenugreek seeds and chamomile are believed to increase milk production. Your diet should include fiber rich food.
Foods to be avoided
Whatever you eat will ultimately reach your child through milk. Wrong diet could make your baby suffer from diarrhea, allergy and flatulence. Smoking and drinking alcohol is bad for your baby’s health.
Flexible dieting
While breastfeeding, moms cannot afford to be too rigid about dieting. It is recommended that you start dieting six weeks after your child’s birth. While dieting will help you to lose weight gradually, rely on a proper exercising regime to regain your pre-pregnancy shape.
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