Post-Baby Bod: The Real Deal on Getting Your Body Back
As you settle into something of a routine as a new mom, you’re probably wondering when you’ll be able to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes again. The following tips can help you figure out where to start.
Be realistic. Don’t try to crash diet – you need the calories for breastfeeding and for energy. Breastfeeding alone burns 500 to 700 calories, and not eating enough can put a real strain on your system. Instead, try to avoid empty calories from foods like soft drinks and processed snacks.
Getting cravings throughout the day? Make sure you have lots of fiber and protein-rich snacks on hand, like nuts and nut butters, low-fat yogurt, hummus with carrots or avocado on whole grain toast. These foods will give you sustained energy throughout the day without packing on the pounds.
When it comes to exercise, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends that you talk to your doctor before starting an exercise regimen, particularly if you had a complicated pregnancy. Begin with a mild workout like walking, which has the added benefit of allowing you to bring baby along.
Once you feel up to it, strength training, with a focus on the core, is a smart way to go, as your core tends to be neglected during pregnancy. Modified sit-ups are a great way to start. Don’t overdo it, however. Pushing yourself too soon is likely to leave you exhausted and frustrated, sapping your motivation.
But what if you’re motivated, exercising, eating right and still have stubborn fat that won’t go away? SculpSure is an innovative body contouring system designed to reduce stubborn fat that seems resistant to diet and exercise. SculpSure can help you achieve a slimmer appearance in just 25 minutes without surgery or downtime. It works by raising the temperature of body fat in problem areas.
Unlike with suction-based methods, there is no bruising or damage to the surrounding skin with SculpSure. Results are typically seen in six to 12 weeks, according to clinical testing, with up to 24 percent reduction in stubborn fat1, and treatments can be customized based on your desired results.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you are well informed. Talk to your doctor before beginning a new diet or exercise regimen. Learning more about all of your options will help you make the right decision for you.
1. Average reduction in fat volume following single treatment as measured by MRI; Single treatment with an average reduction in fat volume as measured by MRI; Clinical and Histological Evaluations of a 1060nm Laser Device for Non-Invasive Fat Reduction, John W. Decorato, M.D., FACS. Rafael Sierra, Ph.D., Bo Chen, Ph.D., Westford, MA, 2014.