The excitement of a new baby can also add stress, making it hard to lose unwanted pounds.
Although excited to rid the body of those excess pregnancy pounds, a new mother's priority must remain on a healthy balanced diet. Fad diets can be dangerous for new moms, especially when breast feeding. A balanced diet can provide the energy needed to get through those long nights with a baby while losing weight at a safe pace. Gradual calorie reduction, exercise, and healthy food choices are the center of safe, permanent weight loss.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water keeps energy high and food cravings low.
Dehydration is a main cause of sedentary lifestyles and over consumption of food. Keep your energy levels up and learn the difference between the body's signals for hunger and thirst. Avoid caffeinated drinks that deplete nutrients and prevent the mind and body from resting when the opportunity arises. Water remains the best source of hydration. Drink eight to 10 glasses per day. To assist in appetite control, drink one full glass of water before each meal. When breast feeding a newborn, hydration is crucial for consistent milk production.
Whole Grain
Brown rice adds nutrients and flavor to a variety of meals.
Add healthy, whole-grain carbs to provide the calories needed to produce the best quality milk and consistent energy. Enriched whole-grain breads, rice and pastas are fortified with folic acid. Additional benefits include daily doses of fiber and iron. Whole grains also contain B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate which are necessary for a healthy metabolism. Add a whole grain cereal to breakfast to kick start the metabolism for the day. The fiber will keep the body feeling full and the nutrients provide fuel for the day.
A Colorful Plate
Experiment with vegetables to make a colorful, nutrient rich snack.
Eat a plate of colorful foods to provide your body with low calorie, low fat options that provide crucial vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are filled with vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C and iron. Fresh fruits like blueberries and oranges are filled with antioxidants and folate. A body full of needed nutrients can correctly feel hunger and burn fat for fuel. Choose a variety of fruit and vegetables each day to boost energy levels, keep the metabolism moving, and reduce hunger pains.
Lean and Low Fat
Fresh almonds and almond milk can provide good fats and protein easily processed by the body.
Choose only lean cuts of meat and low fat dairy. Protein and calcium come from many sources and are not restricted to the meat and dairy sources. The body processes legumes and nuts more easily than meat and these choices tend to be lower in calories and fat per serving. Almond milk is a low fat, protein rich alternative to dairy that is also lower in calories. Avoid fried meats by opting for baked or grilled alternatives.
Tags: balanced diet, breast feeding, energy levels, filled with, lower calories