Ladies, are you looking for a plan to help you lose tummy fat after pregnancy? New moms have an especially hard time losing weight because they have to pull double duty by getting in shape and looking after the new arrival. With fatigue at an all-time high and time at a premium, is post-pregnancy weight loss even a realistic goal?

Yes, it is! There are several tricks you can use to lose tummy fat after pregnancy without collapsing from exhaustion.

Make Time for You

You have to take care of yourself if you want to take care of your loved ones. That includes taking time to get in shape. That is easier said than done. Trying to find an hour a day, or even a half hour, for exercise can be very difficult. If you can get your spouse or a friend or relative to watch the baby while you work out, great. If not, some fitness centers or the Y offer infant care. If that’s not an option, try to time your workouts for during nap time.
 

It doesn’t matter if you have an hour-long session or four 15-minute workouts each day. The total time spent working out is what’s important if you want to lose that tummy fat.

Eat Nutritious Foods

In order to lose tummy fat after pregnancy, you’re going to need to make sure you eat an adequate number of calories each day, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Your metabolism can slow down 20 to 30 percent if you don’t get enough calories. Also, don’t eat a lot of junk food, or you and your baby won’t get proper nourishment. Your energy level will nose-dive.

Eat smaller portions of food several times a day. Never go longer than 2-3 hours without eating something nutritious. Get plenty of calcium from dark green vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Calcium will kick your fat-burning metabolism into high gear. Round out your food selections with fresh fruits, lean protein, and whole grain products. For more, see

http://www.thinagaincoaches.com/go/eating4energy

Exercise With the Baby

You can lose tummy fat after pregnancy, and have fun doing it, by bringing your baby along when you exercise. It doesn’t have to be a solo act! You can join an online weight loss community and set up stroller walks or swimming sessions with others in your area. Check your local rec center for available baby-and-me exercise classes. 

If you prefer, you can spend some one-on-one time with your baby. Long walks with the stroller is great exercise. Vary the locations of your walks to keep them interesting. When your baby starts to walk, you can go to the park or a local playground and run and play with them. That will really help you lose tummy fat.

Look for Support

Support networks can be very important for new moms. Many women who try to lose tummy fat after pregnancy find that they just can’t do it alone. Whether you need babysitting or just a morale boost, friends and family can play a vital role in your success.

Many new moms are facing the same struggles as you. Try to connect with them. Find a good community of new moms who are trying to lose weight. Sharing tips for success, or how each of you overcame certain obstacles, will benefit everyone involved. It can feel great to know you’re not alone.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Insufficient sleep can cause all sorts of physical and emotional problems, especially for new moms. Studies have shown that most people don’t get enough sleep. That’s especially true for new parents with babies who don’t yet sleep through the night. So it’s important to try to get sufficient sleep.

Pregnancy is hard on the body, and the added stress of a newborn can leave you feeling exhausted fast. Several times per week, get your spouse or another to respond to the baby’s cries while you get 8 – 10 hours of sleep. Ear plugs may come in handy. The high-quality sleep will help you in many ways in your quest to lose tummy fat.

If you are breastfeeding, it may take a little longer before you’re able to get adequate sleep on a regular basis. Catch naps when you can. Remember, someday soon, your baby (and you) will be sleeping through the night.

—Coach Miranda