What to Do During Pregnancy to Make Losing the Baby Weight Easier
When you're pregnant, it may seem like the most logical course of action is to devour whatever you want (after all, you're eating for two!) and worry about the weight gain after your bundle of joy is born. But taking a proactive approach can make getting back to your pre-baby weight so much easier.
"Life will really get busy quickly once the new little member of your family arrives, so preparing for this transition can really help once it happens," says Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., R.D., a wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. "You have time now to plan out your diet, but when you have a baby to take care of, sometimes mom’s health falls by the wayside."
Kirkpatrick recommends taking steps now—not just later—to speed up your slim down.
1. Learn How to Kick Your Cravings
If you indulge in an entire bag of salty chips or fat-laden foods now, it will be more difficult to turn those same snacks down once your baby is born. "For both the health of yourself and your baby, focus on whole foods," says Kirkpatrick. "Our bodies stop desiring healthful foods when we are eating junk food too often, so make sure to give yourself a smooth transition to a post-baby diet by starting now."
2. Don’t Eat for Two
“It’s a misconception that when you’re pregnant you have to eat for two,” says Kirkpatrick. "While it’s okay to give into some cravings when you’re pregnant—because of course you’ll have them—the important thing is to keep your portions under control.” In other words, if you want to nibble on a piece of chocolate, go for it—just don’t devour an entire bag of fun-size candies in one sitting.
3. Clean Up Your Kitchen
And we don't mean taking Lysol to the countertops. "Rid the cabinets and refrigerator of processed foods," says Kirkpatrick. "Get rid of anything that would not fit into your post-baby diet, and start filling the house with the foods that will foster your healthy weight loss." Refill those empty shelves with "whole grains, dark leafy greens, lean sources of protein, colorful fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats," she says.
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4. Set Realistic Goals
You can't achieve something if you don't know what you're working toward, right? So before sleepless nights set in, sit down one evening and make an achievable weight-loss plan. "Don’t go drastic with your vision to get back into your pre-baby jeans," says Kirkpatrick. "There are so many diet claims on the Internet that promise quick weight loss, but most are at the cost of your health. A healthy weight-loss goal of one pound a week, in most cases, is what you should aim for."
5. Siphon Some Motivation for Later
"Right now, you are planning out your weight loss and are probably more motivated than ever to be able to see your toes again," says Kirkpatrick. "But when you're being woken up every few hours and life seems crazy all around you, that motivation may start to slip. So take advantage of this current go get 'em attitude, and write down encouraging thoughts for yourself. Leave them on your calendar, refrigerator, bathroom mirror, in the car, and anywhere else that you may find yourself in a tempting situation."
6. Get a Weight-loss Buddy
She doesn't have to be another mom or mom-to-be, but it's important to share your goals with someone who'll understand—and push you to keep them. "Encourage each other, share tips and recipes, and maybe even join the same gym," suggests Kirkpatrick. And most importantly, tell her the steps you'll be taking to lose weight so she can help keep you on track. "Knowing that you have other people expecting your results will keep you accountable," says Kirkpatrick.
More from Women's Health:
How Long Does It Really Take to Lose Baby Weight?
7 Honest Things Celebs Have Said About Losing Baby Weight
5 Hopeful Tips for Shedding ALL of Your Pregnancy Weight
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