More Ways to Get Fit After Giving Birth

You had your baby three months ago and now you are dying to get back into your old jeans, but your body is not cooperating. So what now? The last thing you want to do is go on a diet. It may sound strange, but experts maintain that going on an official “diet” could derail your post-pregnancy weight loss goals. The reason: Studies show that moms who feel deprived of their favorite foods while experiencing stress from a new baby actually pack on extra pounds. Rather than diet, experts recommend eating a healthy menu featuring a variety of fresh foods. … Continue reading

Tips for Slimming Down Post-Baby

Just because it’s been a year since you gave birth doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve returned to your pre-baby body. After all, giving birth is only the beginning of life after baby. There are feedings to worry about, diapers, laundry, and new sleep schedules. So, when are you supposed to find time to workout? Experts suggest easing back into your fitness routine after giving birth. In fact, leading obstetricians advocate a gradual approach to weight loss as opposed to crash dieting and exercising like a fiend to shed unwanted baby weight. Doctors say, typically it should take between 9 to 12 … Continue reading

Why a Jogging Stroller?

Do you have a jogging stroller? Too often, people see jogging strollers and assume that the owner is someone who is serious about their fitness. The truth is, the jogging stroller is extremely versatile. It’s also ideal for parents who want to get into shape. The first jogging stroller showed up on the market in the early 1980s and they have improved on that original design. Jogging strollers typically have 41 to 51 centimeter wheels and those wheels let you take the stroller over a variety of terrains. When a parent enjoys getting out to power walk or jog (or … Continue reading

Weight Loss for Breastfeeding Moms: Self Esteem

My self esteem has been low this week. I know I’m not alone here. This is a common problem for new mothers. Even though I know that there is a good reason for the extra weight, it is still really bothering me this week. My low self esteem issues started this week when I downloaded some pictures from my digital camera. Now I know why I shy away from the camera. I’m bigger now than at any time of my life, other than the last trimester of pregnancy. The last thing I need is photographic evidence! I haven’t bought any … Continue reading

Will You Diet or Exercise?

When you burn more calories than you consume, you lose weight. You can exercise to burn those calories or you can limit your caloric intake as part of your diet plan. Does it matter which you choose? The results of one study concluded that it doesn’t. The study was conducted by doctors at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For six months, thirty-five overweight but healthy individuals were monitored. During the study, they were separated into three groups. Eleven people followed a weight maintenance diet where they didn’t have to make lifestyle or diet changes. Twelve people … Continue reading

Weight Loss for Breastfeeding Moms: Home Exercise Equipment

Last week, I talked about finding the time for exercise. Some new moms take their babies to the gym and leave them in the daycare room. Personally, I can’t do this yet. Logan is still too little and doesn’t take well to strangers. I needed to find a way to work out in my home. This week, my husband got his annual bonus at work. We decided to use a portion of it to purchase some home exercise equipment. This will allow me to work out at home. The time I would spend driving back and forth to the gym … Continue reading

Weight Loss for Breastfeeding Moms: Finding the Time

This week I’ll talk about finding the time to exercise. New mommies are very busy people. Finding the time to work out can be difficult. New babies need a lot of attention. If you have other children, it can be even more difficult to find the time to work out. When you have a spare moment, you may feel too tired and prefer a nap instead. You need to plan ahead to allow time for your work out. It’s winter here and the weather has been below zero with the wind chill factor. If it were nice outside, I would … Continue reading

CLA: Burns Fat, Increases Lean Muscle, Helps Maintain Weight

Conjugated Linoleic Acid, or CLA, is a naturally occurring fatty acid which can be found in meat and dairy products. It is also sold as a dietary supplement. Three health benefits of CLA are reduction of body fat, increased lean muscle, and weight loss maintenance. A study of CLA was conducted by Jean-Michel Gaullier, PhD and his colleagues at Scandinavian Clinical Research Group in Norway. Participants were divided into three groups. Two were given either a pill or CLA syrup and the third was given an olive oil filled capsule. In twelve months, the pill group lost 9% of body … Continue reading

Weight Loss for Breastfeeding Moms: Finding the Motivation

Well, a week has gone by since I started guest blogging on this topic and I’m still trying to find the motivation to work out. Finding the motivation to get back in shape is a common problem after pregnancy. New mothers are a tired and busy bunch. When you have the odd spare moment, you may not want to spend it working out. Motivation has been an issue after each baby, but it’s even worse this time around. I had my fourth baby in July and I am tired. I definitely lack the motivation to work out. This week has … Continue reading