Post Pregnancy Workouts and Dieting

Post pregnancy workouts are on my mind lately. I am a bridesmaid in my BFF’s wedding in September, giving me a short three months of workouts and “dieting.” I am stressed!

I am going to be breastfeeding so I will need a program that will help me ensure I am still eating enough calories to maintain my milk supply. But still allow me to lose weight so I can get my dress taken in significantly – considering I ordered it TWO sizes larger than my usual size. That was depressing.

I plan on trying Weight Watchers, I have a friend who had a great experience with them and they have a program for breastfeeding mothers. Perfect. I know that a lot of it will also depend on exercise, which sucks cause I absolutely hate it. I’m not going to lie. Especially during the summer, where in Florida it feels like a zillion degrees. But it is necessary and it will set a good example for my kiddos. Toning will probably make more of a difference than the dieting part.

My plan is to walk two miles daily and do a fun indoor workout such as Zumba or something a few times a week.

The big problem is going to be the tummy area – and Baby Center says that” most women develop a gap in their abdominal muscles as their belly expands during pregnancy and labor. It takes approximately four to eight weeks after giving birth for this gap to close.” That doesn’t leave me much time!

I have to keep in mind that I can only do my best. Nine months of changes aren’t going to go away overnight. Long term exercise and dieting will be key to getting the old Jenivieve back. And then some:) Most agree that light exercise, such as walking 30 minutes a day, is acceptable just a week or so after delivery (if you had a normal, vaginal delivery). But getting back into a full work out routine should be put off until about 6 weeks post-partum, or until your Doctor gives you the go ahead.

It is going to ba a challenge, but what isn’t? It will be worth the results in the long run. I will need to stick to a routine, do plenty of stretching, and try to have fun.

How long did it take you to get your prebaby body back? What helped you the most with your post pregnancy workouts and dieting?