How to Get Flat Abs After Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth are amazing. There is nothing more spectacular and magical than bringing a baby into this world. After childbirth, however, a woman's body has to find it's shape once again. For most women, the first pregnancy isn't so bad. Tummies typically bounce back to normal after six months or so. Subsequent pregnancies, however, seem to take a toll on womens' abs. Just like a balloon, if you inflate and deflate it more than one time, it begins to lose some elasticity. Although it is not necessary to get your belly back to it's pre-pregnancy state, many women long for flat abs once again. This guide will show you what you can do to get your flat abs back after pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• almonds
• olive oil

Eat Right

1. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. When you sit down to a meal, be sure to eat a piece of wet fruit or a water-filled vegetable first. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, pears, cauliflower, brocoli, cucumbers, and carrots work great. The water, and the food itself, will help to fill your stomach and make you eat less.

2. Eat a handful of almonds or a tablespoon of olive oil at each meal. The healthy fats found in these foods actually help to shrink belly fat. Not only that, the fat also makes you feel fuller so you don't eat as much during you meal.

3. Walk and get your heart rate up for 20 minutes every day. You don't have to walk, but it is a good way to start exercising postpartum. The body's core needs time to strengthen before you begin strenuous workouts. Walking is wonderful for strengthening the core.

4. Lie on your back with your feet on the floor and knees bent . Place your right hand behind your head and lift your head a few inches. With your left hand, feel right above your belly button. After pregnancy there is a separation of the muscles. If you can feel more than one finger's width between these muscles, keep walking for two more weeks and check again. If you feel one or less finger's width between your muscles, go on to the next step.

5. Pull your abdominal muscles into your spine and hold for one second. You can do this while you eat breakfast, drive to work, or watch television. Do 20 repetitions twice a day.

6. Lie on the floor. Place your hands behind your head. Lift your head and bend your knees. Touch the opposite knee to the opposite elbow and alternate the movement back and forth between elbows and knees.

Tips & Warnings

• Wait until your doctor says it's okay before you begin any kind of work out regimen postpartum.
• Don't try to do crunches or bicycles before your abdominal muscles have reunited. This could teach them to bulge and only make your problem worse.
• Don't eat roasted almonds. Just eat the plain, no-frills almonds.

[CCrock]

on 1/10/2009 great tips!