Cut Down On Alcohol Consumption
Alcoholic drinks are unhealthy in a lot of different waysand cutting them out of your diet is especially crucial after pregnancy.
Most alcoholic drinks are full of sugar or other added sweeteners. Its also harmful in that it can interfere with your levels of hormones. This might lead to your body to prioritize fat storage over other tasks.
The most well-known risk with alcohol is that it lowers your inhibitions. Not only can this be hazardous for your kids, but it might lead you to make poor diet choices. When you drink alcohol, youre more likely to reach for fat heavy and sugar loaded snacks.
And Maybe Cut Your Carbs Too
You dont have to go low carb to lose body fat and lower belly fat. But breaking up with bread might help you reach your goal a little faster.
In a 2014 study, participants who ate a low carb diet lost more weight than those who ate a low fat diet. Bazzano LA. . Effects of low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets. Going low carb also seems to help people lose more fat while preserving calorie-torching lean muscle tissue.
How To Lose Belly Fat In Seven Days
A fat belly is linked to various diseases as it is the most harmful fat in your body. Aside from working out, avoiding junk food and alcohol are among the ways to get a flat belly.
Additionally, check out these tips for how to burn belly fat in less than a week.
1. Include aerobic exercises in your daily routine
If you want to burn fat fast there is no getting around cardio training. Studies find that this is the most effective form of exercise to reduce belly fat.
2. Reduce refined carbs
One should avoid consuming refined carbs to lose fat around the abdominal area and have good metabolic health.
It is not necessary to stick to a strict low-carb diet, however it should be replaced with unprocessed carbs. Instead of white bread, white rice and sodas, eat more vegetables and whole grains.
Read also: Six reasons why you still have a fat belly despite exercising
3. Add fatty fish to your diet
Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines or tuna is a high-quality protein and rich in omega-3 acids. By eating 2 to 3 portions a week you can reduce the risk of illnesses like heart disease and also burn your belly fat.
Studies revealed that Omega-3 fats have the ability to reduce visceral fat that is around your abdomen.
4. Start the day with a high protein breakfast
Start your day with some Greek yogurt, protein smoothies, scrambled egg whites or porridge. After eating proteins in the morning, you will feel full until lunch without any hunger pangs.
5. Drink enough water
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When Can You Start Exercising After Giving Birth
Getting moving can help support your weight loss efforts and give you a much-needed energy boost. So its worth saying yes to working out when your body feels ready.
Its fine to start engaging in light exercise a few days after birth if you exercised before pregnancy and had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. If you had a C-section or experienced complications during birth, you may need to wait at least six weeks before resuming physical activity. But its best to get the official go-ahead from your doctor before getting started.
In either case, keep in mind that just because youre cleared for exercise doesnt mean you have to start right away. If you feel like you need a little more time, theres no rush.
When you do start exercising, aim to move for 20 to 30 minutes a day, broken up into shorter chunks if need be. Start with exercises designed to strengthen your weakened core muscles and back like modified crunches, or light aerobic activity like walking. You can gradually up the intensity as you feel ready, but never exercise to the point of exhaustion.
There Are Two Types Of Belly Fat
Most people dont know there are actually two different types of belly fat subcutaneous belly fat and visceral belly fat.
Subcutaneous fat is the skin deep layer of stomach fat we can see, and is what were referring to when we moan about our weight!
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is the fat that builds and wraps around your internal organs.
Neither are particularly healthy, and in order to achieve a toned post-pregnancy belly, we will have to lose some of both.
Are You Getting BellyBellys Baby Week By Week Emails?the best
Many new mamas blame their belly fat on their recent pregnancy.
But there are a range of different reasons for the padding around your midsection.
Surprisingly, not all of them have to do with exercise.
Lets take a look at them:
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What Can I Do To Embrace My New Body
While you can focus on your physical health with your doctors approvalwith things like mindful eating and postpartum exercisethe best thing to do is to embrace yourself, here and now, and prioritize your mental well-being.
It is very normal for new parents to feel uncomfortable as their stomachs contract back down, and they deal with the excess skin, fat, and fluid needed to grow a baby, says Nina. I encourage new parents to try and boost their confidence in alternate ways, such as doing their hair, makeup, reading affirmations, painting their nails, and taking other small steps to feel more comfortable. Journaling can be very grounding, particularly if you make these entries about your growth and successes. Use the phrase Im proud of as a jumping off point. You also can and should do things you enjoy, particularly with people who uplift and inspire you, as these activities will help you feel more like yourself.
If youre still struggling with accepting your new form or your self-esteem, you can and should seek support from a mental health professional, Nina explains. Transitioning to a postpartum body can be completely overwhelming, and having the support of a professional can make all the difference.
When Does Baby Fat Go Away
Baby fat doesnt necessarily go away on its own. If you were naturally very thin before pregnancy, then you may start to lose fat within 4-6 weeks.
But for many women, this isnt the case.
If you gained more weight than what was recommended, or you carry more weight at baseline, then we need to get to work.
If you follow the guidelines below, you can expect to start losing baby fat after 6 weeks.
But first, lets go over a few other misconceptions.
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Avoid Eating After Dinner
Stop treating your kitchen like an all-night diner and you’ll stop seeing those unwanted pounds piling onto your frame, too. The results of a study published in Cell Metabolism found that mice who only had access to food during an eight-hour period stayed slim over the course of the study, while those who ate the same number of calories over a 16-hour period gained significantly more weight, particularly around their middle. When you’re finished with dinner at night, shut the fridge and don’t look back until morning your belly will thank you. When you do head back to the kitchen in the A.M., make sure the best healthy kitchen staples for cooking are there waiting for you.
How Breastfeeding Can Help You Lose Belly Fat
Did you know that breastfeeding is a safe and natural way to help you lose baby fat?
Breastfeeding is a very demanding activity for your body.
You are basically creating food from scratch to feed your baby. And this requires a lot of energy.
Thats why women who breastfeed are encouraged to consume an additional 300-500 calories per day to keep up with the demand.
Given how energy demanding it is, you need to make sure that you have a good milk supply.
Heres what you need to do
- Make sure you are nursing on demand or pumping regularly
- You are staying well hydrated, and
- You are eating foods that promote milk supply
Can you guess which foods they are?
Thats easy right?
Okay, now for the third strategy for losing baby weight.
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Chapter : How To Reduce Belly Fat After C Section: Foods To Eat
Although its important to consume a very light diet, it is necessary to follow a diet loaded with nutritious foods, as they need to replenish the lost nutrients. Plus, it also becomes essential that your body gets proper nourishment after delivery. As such, these are some Indian foods to eat if you are wondering how to reduce belly after C Section.
- Whole-Grain Foods
Essential Indian whole grain products contain iron, fibre, and folic acid. In addition to giving you a wholesome portion of enriched vitamins and nutrients, whole grains also boost energy levels and maintain breast milk supply. Whole grain cereals in India such as brown rice, oats, whole wheat and millets make a good option for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Proteins
Proteins stimulate the growth of new cell tissues and encourage the healing process. Protein-rich foods help in tissue repair and maintain muscle strength after delivery.
Some of the protein-rich foods to eat after c section include fish, eggs, chicken, and meat. These can be consumed by Indian mothers who enjoy non-vegetarian food. While fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, eggs provide zinc which is beneficial for you and for your babys growth and development.
- Vitamins
Vitamins help in producing collagen and in building new scar tissues, ligaments, and skin. Green vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek leaves, broccoli, and lotus stem are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, iron, and dietary calcium.
- Fibre-Rich Foods
- Iron-Rich Foods
- Fluids
General Guidelines For Postpartum Belly Exercises
Before you commit yourself to an exercise regime, consider following these guidelines :
- Remain active for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day.
- Start with simple exercises and gradually add moderate-intensity exercises.
- Do not exercise if you experience pain before or while doing any exercise.
- Breastfeed your baby before you start any exercise to avoid the discomfort of engorged breasts.
- Keep a water bottle handy so that you can take sips in between.
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Include Cabbage In Your Diet:
Adding the green vegetable cabbage in your diet can help you in decreasing your post-pregnancy belly fat in many ways, it is the best source of dietary fiber which improves nutrient absorption and at the same time maintains the healthy bowel movements. Also, it comes under the low-calorie vegetable which is rich in many essential vitamins such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and thiamin
Dont Forget Your Kegels
Youve probably heard that Kegels are a great exercise for moms-to-be, but theyre also very important after birth. Some new moms might experience pelvic floor weakness, and Kegels are the easiest ways to relieve this issue. You can start doing your Kegels immediately after birth, even if at first you might not feel yourself doing them.
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Cut Back On Carbs Especially Refined Carbs
Reducing your carb intake can be very beneficial for losing fat, including abdominal fat.
Diets with under 50 grams of carbs per day cause belly fat loss in people who are overweight, those at risk for type 2 diabetes, and women with polycystic ovary syndrome .
You dont have to follow a strict low carb diet. Some research suggests that simply replacing refined carbs with unprocessed starchy carbs may improve metabolic health and reduce belly fat .
In the famous Framingham Heart Study, people with the highest consumption of whole grains were 17% less likely to have excess abdominal fat than those who consumed diets high in refined grains .
SUMMARY
A high intake of refined carbs is associated with excessive belly fat. Consider reducing your carb intake or replacing refined carbs in your diet with healthy carb sources, such as whole grains, legumes, or vegetables.
Do Baby Faces Age Well
Your baby face makes you look younger than you really are, and that can make social interacts more complicated. And while being teased about it can be hurtful, babyish facial features are considered empirically attractive. Plus, youll likely age more gracefully than women who dont have a baby face.
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How To Get Rid Of Baby Fat
So you just had a baby, and now youre wondering how to get rid of baby fat?
Well, it wont happen from doing curl-ups and other ab toning exercises.
To lose baby fat, you need to improve your nutrition, include certain nutrients in your diet, breastfeed regularly, and engage in the right kind of exercise.
Lets go over each one in detail.
Are you ready?
Disclaimer
***READ FIRST***
Although I am a doctor, I am not your doctor. This information is for informational purposes only and should not substitute the advice from your healthcare professional. All kinds of exercise and dietary changes are potentially dangerous, and those who do not seek counsel from the appropriate health care authority assume the liability of any injury which may occur. Please read my full Disclaimer for more information. Also, this post may contain affiliate links: meaning I may receive a commission if you use them.
Ok, moving on.
How To Lose The Belly 4 Years After The Baby
Much of a womans pregnancy weight melts off in the months after she gives birth, thanks to hormonal changes that lead the body to release excess fluid and cause the midsection to shrink down. However, excess body fat can linger for years after you have a baby if you dont take extra steps to burn if off. Pregnancy-related changes such as broader hips may be permanent changes that you will need to embrace as a souvenir, but you should still be able to burn off belly fat four years down the line 3.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. Most adults should get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, but you may need to get up to an hour per day to slim down your midsection. If you cant find 30 minutes in one chunk, start with a 10-minute power walk three times throughout your day.
Eliminate “empty” calorie foods from your diet. For example, thanks to added sugars, a single can of regular soda offers you 150 calories but not much else. By cutting out two sodas and a bag of chips per day, you could cut about 500 calories from your daily diet, which equates to about 1 lb. per week.
Train with weights two or more times per week. Building lean body muscle will help speed up your metabolism, which helps you burn off the belly fat at a faster pace 3. Try other strength building exercise options, such as push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups or buy a set of resistance bands or sign up for a Pilates class.
Tips
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Stop Drinking Your Calories
Regularly sipping stuff other than water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea? Calorie-containing drinks can slow or straight-up stall your weight loss progress, making it almost impossible to get rid of lower belly fat.
Case in point? That 16-ounce latte you get with breakfast can pack about 250 calories. Grab a sugary cocktail after work and youre looking at 300, 400, or even 500 more.
If you have those kinds of drinks on the reg, just cutting them out could be enough to start melting fat all over your body including around your lower belly.
Thats especially true when it comes to booze, since research shows that drinking a lot of alcohol seems to cause fat to be stored around your belly. Dorn JM, et al. . Alcohol drinking patterns differentially affect central adiposity as measured by abdominal height in women and men,
Sneak Extra Activity Into Your Day
Pace around your office while talking on the phone or run into the bank to cash your check instead of using the drive-thru. When researchers at the Mayo Clinic fed a group of volunteers an extra 1,000 calories a day over the course of eight weeks, they found sedentary individuals gained eight times more weight than those who fidgeted a lot during the day.
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Keep A Healthy And Well
Contrary to popular belief, the best way to lose weight isnt to go on a crash diet. People who do this end up tired and gain back the weight at some point. Getting enough calories through healthy foods is a better option for anyone, but specially for new moms who need extra energy!
Your postnatal nutrition plan should include 3 to 5 meals during the day. Many new moms find it difficult to sit down for full meals, so having smaller meals that are interspersed with healthy snacks can help.
Dont skip meals, since this can cause more cravings later on. Breakfast is especially important, since it will help keep you satiated and energized.
Relieve Stress By Practicing Meditation
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A newborn baby is quite a handful, and for a few months, you will not be able to do things that you love to help relieve your stress. So, it is best that you practice meditation it will help you focus, minimize the background noise, release the negative energy from your system, and improve your sleep quality. And most importantly, you will not disturb your babys sleep.
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