7 Easy Ways for New Moms to Trim Fat

As a new mom some women feel the need to shed the baby weight as quickly as possible so they can get back to their pre-baby body. It’s recommended for new moms to take things slow and at their own pace and not to do anything that is too stressful. Always listen to your body to make sure you are ready. Take some time to heal and once you feel recovered you can move on to healthy exercises and activities that will help you lose the “baby weight.” Baby J founder Jennifer Jacobellis who just gave birth to baby No. 2, shares seven ways for new moms to slim down.

1. Breastfeed.
Many studies have found that breastfeeding exclusively can help moms return to their pre-baby weight much faster and shed those pounds. When breastfeeding, your body uses the energy stored in fat to make milk which is why it is easier to lose the excess weight. While moms breastfeed, it is recommended that moms add an extra 300 to 500 calories a day to their diet and eat a balanced diet. Feeling discomfort while nursing? Be sure to purchase a good nursing bra.

2. Create a Vision Board.
This may sound a little “hokie” at first but vision boards are a powerful tool to reach any goal. On a cork board, poster board or even a piece of paper, add photos of you at your best weight, write down your goal weight, and add any other images or phrases that represent your weight loss goals or how you will feel once you are toned up and feeling great. Place the vision board where you will see it every day. You can even turn this into a family activity where each person adds their goals to the vision board. By having positive thoughts about your goal and truly visualizing your success, it will manifest.

3. Avoid junk food and eat super foods.
The best way to avoid junk food is to not buy it for the house. Getting your entire family on board helps you succeed in trimming baby fat. Super foods will give you and baby the best nutrition and they are light in calories and fat. Super foods like fish, including tuna and salmon is high in DHA and omega-3 fatty acid which is beneficial to your baby’s development. Lean meat, chicken, and beans are high in protein and fiber and low in fat; milk and yogurt will give you the calcium needed for strong bones. “An easy way to get nutrition is through fruit and veggie smoothies! Kale and spinach mixed with fruit is sure to deliver a ton of super-food nutrients while being super tasty and satisfying,” shares Jennifer.

4. Power walks with stroller.
Go for a walk with baby and increase the intensity of your walk or put your baby in a sling to add weight to your walk to burn fat faster. Make sure to keep your abs pulled in and your spine straight.

5. Drink enough water.
While drinking eight glasses of water a day will keep you from getting dehydrated, it will also fill you up so you won’t want to eat and snack as much if you’re dealing with food cravings. Often times we mistake hunger with being thirsty so drink a glass of water and then after 15-20 minutes ask yourself if you are still hungry. If so, then choose your snack wisely. Studies have also shown that drinking plenty of water can even boost your metabolism.

6. Use a small plate.
At home, serve your dinner on a small plate rather than a big plate to help with portion control. Often times we overeat and by the time our brain tells our body we are full, we have passed the threshold of eating just enough to eating too much. Enjoy each meal and try not to eat too fast. If you are still hungry, have seconds of the veggies or salad until you feel full but try to wait 5-10 minutes before taking those seconds to make sure you are truly still hungry.

7. Practice yoga.
Mommy and me yoga classes can help increase your flexibility and get you toned while you bond with baby.

Jennifer Jacobellis just gave birth to baby #2 and is the founder of Baby J Padded Play Mats.