Bye Bye Baby Weight : How to regain your figure

Whether you’re a new mother or not, I bet there is something in today’s article that will help become more fit, gain confidence or just learn a little empathy.

No matter how or why you’ve gained weight, know that it takes as long – if not longer – to lose that weight again.  Pregnancy is a special time and new mothers need to concentrate on their baby but you  may need to reprioritize if you are still blaming a spare-tire on baby weight, three years later!

Dads-to-be often gain baby weight too – if someone around you is eating more then the temptation to join in is hard to refuse. This week, I’m going to share five tips that will help you regain the figure you want.  

I think the sole focus for new parents should be enjoying every second with their new little human because they change so quickly.

Since it takes forty weeks to gain baby weight then you should give yourself at least forty weeks to lose the weight too.  When we see airbrushed photos of celebrities who have six-packs within weeks of giving birth, we shouldn’t try and compare ourselves.  A sensible approach – giving yourself plenty of time to be with your baby and learning to balance the diaper changes, feedings, and lack of sleep is much better than looking at yourself in contrast to a pampered celebrity.

Stay safe.  New mothers need to be careful when they first begin exercising. Check with your doctor about when to recommit to exercise: without exception your joints may be weak and your body may be sore.  Rather than make my mistake of rushing in too quickly – try these weight-loss, figure-regaining tips.

Post pregnancy tip 1:  make time

Trust me, I know that as a new parent you don’t have time but you have to grab a moment when you can. Try to find some time every day – aiming for 10 minutes is a good start. Ask a family member or your partner to make a commitment to give you a break or put it in your schedule during baby naptime. If you’re already back at work, then try to fit in a walk around the block at lunchtime. It’s hard but exercising will ultimately give you more energy.

Post-pregnancy tip 2:  no more excuses

Try to at least walk, stretch or do something that involves moving every day. Exercise naturally boosts your energy levels so don’t hide behind excuses. Knowing you are doing something positive for yourself, when you’re also realizing that your life is no longer all about you, may help you get motivated and better adapt to the new person in your world.

Post-pregnancy tip 3:  be creative

I’ve said it before: any time exercising is better than no time. You need to be resourceful, so try jumping rope, adding in  squats while washing baby bottles, and doing crunches in bed. This might all sound crazy but it’s a workable way to fit in activity. Start with a 10 minute routine in your bedroom each morning and evening that can be enough to start pushing you back to fitness.

Post-pregnancy tip 4: focus on your core

Work on your posture all day because pregnancy alone can mess with your posture and balance. Lifting a growing baby, bending over a crib, pushing heavy strollers and more … means that your postural muscles may need stretching throughout the day. Holding in and contracting your abdominal muscles will help strengthen them, so pull in your tummy a few times a day – whenever you remember – and each time you’ll be developing your muscles. Go ahead; pull in your tummy right now!

Post-pregnancy tip 5: eat well

Aim for quality nutrition every day. I saved the most important tip for last because immediately post pregnancy is not a time for fad diets that deprive your body of essential nutrients. Starving your body is never a good solution for weight loss. A smart calorie-controlled diet that provides your body with essential carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals is a much better choice because it is sustainable long term. Learning how to balance your caloric intake and caloric expenditure will help you to lose weight at sustainable rate. 

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Make time to play, head outdoors and keep moving. Every step will help you regain control of your figure.

That’s it – I hope that when you read my tips they seem manageable.  I am so passionate about helping people to reclaim their body no mater what the reason because I’ve dealt with having to reclaim mine. 

I'm still working on reclaiming my body it is an everyday work in progress, it’s stronger than ever and I use it to run around the soccer field with my kids, hug them when they need comfort and I love to jump and dance, because at one time I couldn't .  Losing the weight was part of my goal but fully committing to taking part in my life was the best outcome! Start your journey today with commitment and a smart approach because you may just surprise yourself.

Here is the best way to start your journey Register for our 6 Week Body Transformation Challenge that starts Oct.2 Click here for more details.

Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry With Mango 

Eating healthy does not need to be boring! This Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry with Mango will wake up your taste buds, feed your muscles and satisfy your fiber needs, all in one delicious bowl! Meals like this, built around lean protein and veggies, are the way to eat in order to get your best fitness results possible. Enjoy! Servings: 6 

Here’s what you need…

• 1 pound organic, boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 heads broccoli, chopped
• 2 carrots, cut in half and then into 2 inch segments
• 2 heads baby bok choy, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3/4 cup chicken broth (divided)
• 2 Tablespoons arrowroot starch
• 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seed oil
• 1 Tablespoons ume plum vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1 ripe, organic mango, peeled, pitted and chopped

1. Rinse the chicken and cut into 1 inch cubes.
2. Place the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions, sauté for about 10 minutes, until soft. Add the broccoli, carrots and chicken and cook an additional 10 minutes. Add the bok choy and zucchini. After 5 minutes add 1/4 cup of chicken broth, cover, and cook an additional 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl combine the remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth, arrowroot, sesame oil, vinegar and coconut aminos. Add the seasoned mixture to the skillet, along with the chopped mango, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (without rice) equals:  243 calories, 11g fat, 675mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate, 4g fiber, and 19g protein 

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