Healthy Weight Loss During and After Pregnancy

A woman's body goes through considerable changes during a pregnancy. Hormonal changes, mood swings and weight gain are very common during pregnancy. Weight loss is perhaps something that most women would like to focus on after pregnancy. You will come across all sorts of hype on rapid weight loss after pregnancy, especially from the celebrity community.

You will find many media talk about those celebrity moms who miraculously regain back their beautiful and sexy figures in a very short time after giving birth. This is in part due to the fact that celebrities have the money to spend on expensive consultants, doctors, trainers and advanced programs and equipments. Therefore, hype in the media about rapid or instant weight loss after pregnancy is very common.

For average women, we don't have the money to spend on the necessary means needed to obtain the so called celebrity figures. Therefore, it is wise if you are not trying to emulate the celebrities or buying in the hype. Each of us has a different metabolic system, when it comes to weight loss, it is important to take it slow and steady (especially after pregnancy) in order to produce beneficial long-term results and be certain that we are on the safe side.

In general, most women take up to six months for their body to return to normal after giving birth. In other words, it takes six months for your body to return to your average metabolic rate and hormonal amounts that you were experienced before conception. For many moms, those norms may never return as maternity may produce some permanent changes in woman's body.

During your pregnancy, especially during the period of breast feeding, don't be overly concerned about calorie reduction. Apart from additional energy you need during this time, the added stress of worrying about your weight is unnecessary and can have negative effect on your health. Maternity can be a stressful period for you as continual round-the-clock care is needed for the newborn. Hence, you should not impose unnecessary burden on yourself by worrying about your weight.

Focus on eating a healthy and balanced diet. A 2000 calorie diet that includes 50% carbohydrates, 30% proteins, 10% fat with adequate fiber is a good example of a balanced diet.

Besides focusing on healthy diet, don't forget to schedule time for exercise as well. Only perform moderate exercise during the pregnancy period, the focus should be increasing stamina, tone and overall fitness gradually. The goal here is about 'balance and health' and mood elevation. Forgo the intention of looking like a movie star.

Again, weight loss after pregnancy will take time. So, take it slow and steady, don't torture or put unnecessary stress on your body for the sake of looking good. The average weight gain during pregnancy is between 25-35 pounds and about 12-14 pounds will be lost immediately after giving birth. The other 12-21 pounds can be shed gradually over the period of 6-8 months.