Nutrition Tips For Getting In Shape After You Give Birth

Giving birth is an exciting checkpoint at the end of a long road.  When you finally make it to the end and are holding your little bundle of joy in your arms you feel like you just ran the world’s longest and most intense marathon and came in first place.

Following the initial rush of hormones and feelings of euphoria, however, can start to come a period of feeling out of sorts with your body.  Your clothes don’t fit the same as they once did, your hair starts to fall out, and you feel saggy in places you didn’t know could sag.  Don’t forget that you aren’t only obligated to take care of your baby but you also owe it to yourself to feel good.  Here are some of the best tips for getting back into shape after you give birth.

Eat Plenty Of Protein

If you decide to breastfeed you will find that your appetite will be nothing short of ferocious.  Your body burns as many as 400 extra calories a day producing the food for your little baby, so you will need to eat a little extra to make that happen and not feel fatigued and underfed.

Try reaching for protein when you start to feel hungry.  Protein will make you feel fuller longer and give your body what it needs in order to feel like it can conquer motherhood.  Some good options are chicken breast, slices of ham, and cheese.  If you are a vegetarian or vegan try talking to your doctor about good replacements.

Try To Avoid Giving Into Cravings

Even though you might be spending a lot more downtime at home with your baby it’s important not to give into your desires to want to sit on the couch and crack open a bag of chips.  Your body is not a garbage disposal made to take whatever you put in it.  Whatever you put in your body is going to go somewhere, so make sure you are filling your tank with good things.

Eat Plenty Of Fresh Fruit And Vegetables

When you are eating foods which are full of fiber and plenty of micronutrients you feel better afterward.  When your body is full of whole foods which are naturally derived then you feel much less groggy and unmotivated.

You will also consume fewer calories by eating natural foods rather than starchy processed ones.

Don’t Starve Yourself

The most important thing to remember is that even if you are feeling a bit out of sorts with your body and enthusiastic about getting back to where you once were, by all means, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.  If you are hungry then eat.  You don’t have to rush into anything as the most important thing is being a good mother and staying healthy.