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So we've put together a list of the easiest and most effective things to integrate into your daily routine to help you lose weight!
Eating right before bed doesn't give your body enough time to digest and our bodies prefer to be upright during digestion therefore it is recommended that your last bite of food should be three hours before bed. Late night snacking can also cause indigestion and inflammation of the gut which in turn contributes to your metabolism slowing down. So try to ignore the craving for a late night guilty pleasure and listen to your body.
It's not only what's on your plate that matters. Research has shown that people tend to consume larger portions from big plates, which may lead to overeating. Thus, a smaller plate is an easy way to control portions.
Adding high in fibre foods like fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and legumes to your diet can aid weightloss for new mums. Fibre naturally boosts the metabolism, it makes you feel fuller, on less food which also helps to reduce mindless snacking.
Sleep deprivation leds to more than just sluggishness; it can increase feelings of hunger even when you've had enought to eat. The idea of getting enough sleep as a new mum might seem laughable but it can have a large impact on your weight loss as the quality and length of your sleep affects hormones that control feelings of fullness.
Breakfast is commonly overlooked, especially for new mums who are preoccuiped getting the little ones fed. Skipping breakfast slows down the metabolism leading to weight gain. The Lady Shake is a great way for busy mums to get their daily vitamins in. The combination of fibre and protein within the shake keeps you feeling fuller for longer and the temptations to graze later in the day are minimised.
It takes 20 minutes for your brain to process that you are full so eating slow is imperative for weight loss. People often over eat because they are eating too quickly and their brain hasn't registered they've eaten enough! Also be aware of the food you have in the house. Don't keep sugary, trigerring foods in the pantry - if it's not there you can't eat it!
Busy mums may not have the time to go to the gym or fit in an at home workout but there are still ways to fit in some cardio into your everyday schedule. Why not take the little one for a walk, a running stroller is a great way to get in some exercise while doing errands. Do some squats or lunges whilst holding youur baby around the house. No matter what kind of exercise you are doing, be realistic about your goals. Every small workout is one step closer to your goal so don't find yourself giving up to early.
There are many hormonal changes that come with giving birth that cause emotions and weight to fluctuate, Getting worked up and stressed about the weight can be counterproductive for weight loss and prevent you from shedding off the baby weight. Stress can actually cause an increase in appetite and cause weight gain. Instead of overanalaysing the number on the scales try to use clothing as an indicator of your weight loss progress. The weight from pregnancy was not gained over night so you cannot expect to lose it overnight. Stay calm and focused on your goal and the progress will follow.
If your own health isn't a concern, use your child's health as your motivator. A study published in the journal Obesity stated that the children of overweight and obese adults were more likely to gain weight in the first 24 months of birth. Children with obese parents are far more likely to be obese themselves. So the food you eat and lifestyle you live infront of your child will likely shape their bodies, choices and perception of life. So educate yourself on proper nutriton and set a healthy home environment for the kids.
Say goodbye to your already established daily routine. Bringing home a baby means lots of changes to your 'normal' day-to-day. In order to adjust and regain order in your life, start by making a plan. Take the time to plan out what your going to eat. By writing an outline you are less likely to skip meals which can prevent low blood sugar which means your body won't crave large amounts of sugar. Meal prepping for the week can also prevent mindlessly snack on refined carbs and sugary foods.
