Many new mothers are surprised at how much their body changes during pregnancy and how much effort is needed to eliminate belly fat post-delivery. The extra fat around the hips and abdomen even after losing weight is truly upsetting for most mothers. In fact, belly fat is most common complaint of new moms after giving birth. This is mainly the reason why many mothers are looking for lose belly fat tips that can help them get rid of the negative effects of giving birth.
Nevertheless, women should understand that the build-up of stomach fat is a very normal physiological reaction post-pregnancy. After all, mothers carry their baby for nine long months. If it takes a woman that long for her belly to expand, then she really has to wait a few months to get her tummy back to the way it once looked. Unfortunately, this could mean that she may find herself carrying around a little extra fat around her belly for several weeks.
Nevertheless, the good news is that there are ways to get rid of the stubborn fat and to restore the muscles to their flat appearance. Below are some simple lose belly fat tips that any new mother can try.
Drink plenty of water
Mothers are busy people. In fact, they are too busy to notice they haven’t had a glass of water the whole afternoon. If you want to get rid of the unsightly fat around your belly, make sure that you hydrate your body. The truth is, dehydration can slow down the body’s metabolism and can therefore aid in the build-up of fat. Water has many other benefits, too. Since water keeps you full, you are less likely to munch on unhealthy snacks throughout the day.
Exercise
When it comes to exercise, the sooner you start, the better. Of course, it should be done gently. Most physical trainers recommend performing cardiovascular activity. The right post-partum cardio exercise is the High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This type of exercise can be done in 20 to 30 minutes. HIIT is the only kind of cardiovascular activity proven to reduce belly fat.
Choose what you eat
Although there really is no such thing as “zero calorie food,” some food items are proven to help eliminate belly fat post-pregnancy. Of course, fruits and vegetables are highly recommended because they contain water, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Avocados, grapefruit, whole grains, and green tea are just a few of the many food items you can choose. Stay away from refined carbohydrates, foods containing saturated fats and trans fats, as well as highly processed foods.
Get plenty of rest
Sleep is essential for reducing belly fat and overall weight loss. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night so you are less likely to gain weight. According to studies, people who lack sleep tend to eat more. Additionally, individuals with disturbed biorhythms produce more ghrelin, a substance that makes a person crave for sugary and fatty foods. So, catch up on sleep when your little one naps. Remember, aside from the reasons mentioned above, insufficient sleep makes it difficult to exercise, eat right, and care for your baby. Ask someone to tend to your newborn while you get some rest if necessary.
If you are ready to lose belly fat and make lifestyle changes that will help you get back to your pre-pregnant state, hydration, exercise, proper diet, and adequate rest can help. With hard work and dedication, you can easily get rid of the stubborn fat in a few weeks time with these simple lose belly fat tips.