Many find it difficult to loose the extra weight gained during pregnancy. A healthy diet, plenty of water, and regular exercise will help you loose those extra pounds, but "accountability & availability" are often the key to success!

The following suggestions can help you attain a healthy weight after pregnancy:

1. Make "Accountability" a priority for weight loss success.

    *Join a new moms exercise group where you can bring your baby and meet new friends with

      similar health goals.

    *Share your weight loss goals & healthy recipes with 2 or more moms who are commited to

      making regular exercise and a healthy diet a lifestyle change, not just a 4-6 week "crash diet."

    *Join Pinterest! There are many healthy recipes to share & pin with friends. Look for

      low-glycemic desserts which will keep your blood sugar more stable and help with weight loss

      while giving you a healthy alternative.

2. Prepare healthy foods for quick & easy "Availability" while home or to take with you on the go!

    *Cut up and store veggies (broccoli, snap peas, carrots, etc.) in small baggies with hummus
      for an easy "to-go" or home snack. Small plastic cups with lids are sold at Smart & Final for
      hummus or other low calorie dips.

    *Cut up & grate vegetables (zucchini, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, & organic bell peppers) to
      store in snack size baggies to add to salads or put in scrambled eggs.

     

     *Prepare a large bowl of quinoa to store in the refrigerator and add spinach, cucumber, and

      tomato, mixed with balsamic salad dressing (I prefer Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinaigrette).

     *Prepare sliced fruits to keep in your refrigerator. Add to water as a refreshing

      & naturally sweetened drink to replace high calorie beverages, or simply to eat as a snack.


     Written by: Shelley Scheibel, RN, BSN