How to Make After-Pregnancy Weight Loss Easier

Weight gain is a major part of pregnancy for a woman. There are simple steps you can take DURING pregnancy to make losing that weight a little easier after your loved one is born.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A positive attitude
• Journal and Pen
• Healthy Foods

1. You need to realize that the old wives' tale of "eating for two" is just that, a tale. A healthy pregnant woman only needs around 300 extra calories per day. The average pregnant woman needs around 2100 calories daily.

2. We all know that pregnancy cravings can run wild. Its about the health of your baby now. Make sure your 2100 calorie intake is filled with nutritional, vitamin-rich foods. The majority of your calories should come from the five food groups:
   3 or more servings of Milk, Yogurt and Cheese
   3 servings of Meat, Dry Beans, Eggs and Nuts
   3-5 servings of Vegetables
   2-4 servings of Fruit
   6-11 servings of Bread, Cereal, Rice and Pasta

3. The more focused you are on taking in nutritional foods for the health of your baby, the less you will think about the fast food joint around the corner or the donuts on the kitchen counter.
   Try keeping a food intake journal during your pregnancy. Write out each food group and give yourself a "check" by each group for every serving you have. Try to reach the recommended servings for each group daily. Give yourself an "Extras" column for those not-so-healthy choices you make during the day.

4. Join a fitness class. Prenatal Yoga and Low-Impact Aerobics are great choices. Staying active during your pregnancy will help you stay healthy and in shape. Activities such as these may also help during labor and make it much easier to get back into shape after the baby is born. Make sure that you clear any fitness activity with your doctor prior to participating. Also, let your instructor know of your pregnancy before you begin.

5. Don't stress over weight gain. It is absolutely normal to gain weight during pregnancy and the healthy amount is different for every woman. Talk to your doctor about your weight. Stress is not healthy for your growing baby and may just lead you to eat more. Try to stay active and eat as well as you can. After all, you are doing an amazing thing.

Tips & Warnings

• Always talk to your doctor before beginning any regular physical activity while pregnant.

[Lilfix]

on 1/4/2009 Great article...

[rorsich]

on 1/3/2009 Sounds like some good tips.. Will pass this on :)

Great first article! 5*s, and recommended you.

Welcome to eHow!!

[jimdris]

on 1/3/2009 Top-notch article that makes a lot of sense!