QuestionBefore I got pregnant with my second child I was wearing a size 5 in jeans. Now however, my hips have gotten so big that I am in a size 11 and berely getting those over my hips and my butt. I'm only 5 months along right now but what my question is, is after the baby, Is it possible to lose my extra hips? And what are the best ways to go about it? And how longdoes it usually take? Thank you.
AnswerThe best way to lose weight after pregnancy is through a combination of improved diet and regular exercise.
For diet:
Eat the highest quality diet that you can afford. Choose lean protein, lots of fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (whole grains). Cut out all junk foods, convenience foods, eating at fast food restaurants, simple sugars, desserts and white bread.
Eat the correct amount of calories, day in and day out, to support your ideal weight. If you are breastfeeding, add an additional 300 calories to your ideal baseline.
Exercise:
Choose moderate level aerobic activities that you enjoy, and for weight loss, get a minimum of 40 minutes on most days of the week. Fitness walking with your baby in a stroller ideal for new moms. Many communities have stroller bases workouts for new moms where you can workout and make friends with other new moms. Strength training is also good for weight loss as it will add lean muscle mass to your body.
As to how long it takes, you should aim to loose about 1 to 1.5 pounds per week, max. Slow and steady really does win the race to establish healthier lifestyle habits.
For resources on stroller based fitness classes go to:http://befitmom.com/resources.html
For information on weight loss after pregnancy go to:http://befitmom.com/weight_loss.html
For information on how to strengthen the abdominals after pregnancy go to: http://befitmom.com/abdominal_reconditioning.html
