Your life view changes drastically when pregnant. Foods you’d avoid like the plague become late night obsessions. This calorie-laden food-fest is all good until you no longer carry that beautiful baby and people are unsure if you’re still pregnant.
Sadly, it doesn’t always get easier in the first year. You get tired, and when you’re tired, you want to eat. Often, I see people gain more weight after baby because of lack of sleep. Then, there is the challenge of maintaining separate foods for baby and mom. This can be almost impossible if there are other children around.
So, now what? Your child is growing by the day and so is your lack of self-esteem. It’s hard as a mom to find time to exercise, and with the financial times being what they are; it’s hard to afford a diet.
Fortunately, there’s good news. You can achieve your weight loss goals! You just have to be realistic; it’s a lifestyle change, not a fad. As long as you’re willing to take the steps you can get your sexy back. Just remember, it usually won’t happen as quickly as you want it too. My daughter is 2 1/2 and I’m still 10 pounds shy of my goal. Dropping 40 pounds is a feat, but it was much harder that it has ever been.
Tip # 1: Change your attitude
I have seen people lose weight the craziest ways. Of course good diet and exercise is always the answer, but attitude will make or break this effort. If going to the gym repulses you and you can’t quit eating the unhealthiest of foods, you may not be ready. Still, this doesn’t mean you can’t lose weight; you’ll just have to work at it. It isn’t something that will happen naturally. You have to keep a focus with every single thing you do. Before you buy that expensive exercise equipment or that tasteless diet food, find out if you’re ready for the plunge. It is a lifestyle change; not something to be taken lightly.
Tip # 2: Find something you can stick to
Once you know you’re ready and dedicated you can be bombarded with a plethora of diet ideas. Everyone and their mom has an idea. Most of those ideas can work because once you are dedicated, your attitude determines your aptitude. Find something that fits for you, and stick with it. This may take a lot of trial and error, but it is well worth the effort.
Tip # 3: Believe in yourself and don’t give up!
This is the most important tip. Whatever path you chose for losing weight, remember to congratulate yourself with your success. Also, know that there will be days that feel like failure. It takes at least 4 weeks for you to notice your body changing. It takes 8 weeks for your friends. It will take 12 weeks for the rest of the world to see the change in your body. If you give up, you may never know how close you were to success.
I changed my whole diet. I changed my sleep patterns, and I started exercising regularly. I also implemented vitamins and regular intake of water. It took a lot of effort, but I managed to lose 40 pounds. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
