Post Pregnancy Weight Gain

We all know the wide hormonal changes and maybe even mood swings women can go through after giving birth. A woman's body is subject to some considerable changes during and after the pregnancy. One point of focus seems to be losing the weight gained during pregnancy. In order to do that safely and in a way that produces healthy long-term results, take it slow and steady. Losing the weight and obtaining muscle tone after birth takes time.

Celebrity moms are always shown on the tabloid covers and their miraculous weight loss after giving birth. Find more on easy diets that work here.

What is often forgotten is that typically these individuals usually have better than average metabolic systems in the first place. That's part of what gives them an edge in that profession. They also have very expensive consultants, trainers and money doesn't seem to be an object. The average women could forego a lot of needless guilt by not trying to emulate their results. It would be better to focus on what's normal and average for most new moms.

It take up to 6 months for a woman's body to return to 'normal' after giving birth. By talking about normal we mean the average metabolic rate and hormonal amounts that used to be there before being pregnant. In some areas, and to some degree, those norms may never return. Some changes can be permanent.

For the first few months, the focus should be very much on eating a healthy diet. A 2000 calorie diet that includes 50% carbohydrates, 30% proteins, 10% fat with adequate fiber is a good common sense starting point.

As you can see the numbers don't add up to 100%. Every easy diet should leave some room for enjoyment, increase or decrease of the other factors, etc. Going to extremes is the most common mistake most make when considering an easy diet.

Moderate exercise is advised as well, but again the keyword is 'moderate'. New mothers are occupied enough without having to worry about whether they are getting that 5-mile run in every morning. The focus is on gradually increasing stamina, tone and overall fitness level. The goals should be mood-elevation and general well being, not looking like a movie star.

Staying with it for a few months, the program can be increased to desired levels in a graded way. Considering the average weight gain during pregnancy is between 25-35 lbs and during birth about 12-14 of this is lost immediately. The other 12-21 pounds can be lost over 6-8 months without risk. Take it slow and with an easy diet and your results will hold over the long term.