When you were pregnant, you were eating for two, but now that the baby has been born, you no longer have to eat as much. This may be hard to get used to at first, but there are some easy things to remember so that you are able to lose weight postpartum.
Many of these things involve healthy foods that you should be eating more of, especially if you are still breastfeeding you child. There are certain nutrients you need to ingest in order to bounce back, and to keep your body working the way you need it to.
For instance, you should load up on green vegetables. This can be anything from broccoli to spinach or other greens, like kale or collards. Of course, you will need to eat all types of vegetables to have a balanced diet. It is good to eat veggies that have a good amount of fiber, such as carrots and sweet potatoes for best results. These will be able to keep your digestion running smoothly and offer you good nutrition as well.
In addition to vegetables, you should be eating healthy fruits. You can eat whatever types you like best, but you should also be eating apples and citrus fruits. These types of fruits provide a source of water, fiber, and vitamin C, which your body will find useful after having a baby. Vitamin C is also passed through breast milk and is good for babies.
Furthermore, your diet needs a source of energy. This comes in the forms of whole grains and protein. Some good choices are rice or other grains, all types of beans, chicken breast, and many varieties of fish. Rice offers a great amount of easy to process fiber, especially if it is brown rice. Beans are a great source of fiber as well as protein, and they are very affordable and versatile, due to the many different types that are available for purchase. Additionally, they are also a good choice if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Lean cuts of meat are also welcome, as long as you don’t eat meat at every meal. Also, nuts and nut butters are a friendly choice for a bit more protein.
Dairy should also be enjoyed when you are starting this type of diet. Drinking low-fat milk, eating Greek or low-fat yogurt, and enjoying cheese are all acceptable and are good for a new mother. In fact, eating dairy is great for your body because it provides much needed calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Dairy products can also offer up protein, and a delicious pick me up that will stay with you.
Even when you are trying to lose weight after gaining it to carry a life, there is no reason to starve yourself. It is far more important to get your nutrition to your pre-pregnancy levels, and start to eat in a healthy way. This may take some getting used to, but it can be done. Portion sizes are as important as what you are eating, but don’t deny yourself something you love. Little by little, start changing your diet, until it consists of 90 percent healthy foods and drinks.
Another great thing to remember is to stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water each day, or if you can’t stand water, drink green tea. With an adequate amount of hydration, you may see some of your aches and pains disappear. After you institute this straightforward diet, you will not have to worry about overeating or taking in too many calories. You may also feel better about yourself and your body.