Need a little inspiration to kick start your post-baby weight loss journey? Check out our A-Z of tips, designed just for new mums!
A is for ‘action’ and there’s no time like the present to start making small changes to improve your health and fitness.
B is for ‘buggy’. Use it as your secret weight loss tool! Take your little one out for a walk as much as possible or head to a local buggy fit class.
C is for ‘cleaning’. Next time you’re cleaning up, think of the calories you could be burning – so give it some welly and stick some music on while you do it!
D is for ‘dumbbells. Find a few minutes here and there throughout your week to do a little resistance training – it’s just as important as stretching or cardio. Small dumbbells can be purchased pretty cheaply or you can use cans of food (like a tin of baked beans) instead.
E is for ‘energy’ and we appreciate that you might not always have the energy to get up and exercise or to prepare the healthiest of meals. If that happens, don’t beat yourself up. Take the time you need to relax and try again the following day.
F is for ‘five-a-day’ – are you getting yours? You’ll feel tons better for eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Set a good example to your little ones and aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
G is for ‘grains’. Add them to your diet to bulk out your meals – they’ll help you feel fuller for longer and there are lots of super quick ones available on the market that only take a few minutes to cook.
H is for ‘HIIT’ – high intensity interval training. Forget slogging away in the gym hours and instead think 15 minutes of giving it your all. Check out someone like Joe Wicks on YouTube and you’ll find 15-20 minute workouts that you can do in your living room. The idea being you work hard for say 20 seconds and rest for 40 seconds. You may repeat three types of exercises in one circuit and then the the entire circuit five times. You’ll be surprised how tiring it is but best of all it’ll only take up 15 minutes of your day.
I is for Instagram – use it for inspiration on workout tips, healthy recipes and cool workout clothes. Why not set up your own account that covers your weight loss journey.
J is for ‘jogging’ – when the weather is on your side nip out for a job round the block and treat it as a little bit of ‘me-time’ if you’re able to leave the kids at home. If not, have a little jog with your buggy and baby. Why not eh!
K is for ‘keepy uppy’ – play kid games and silly challenges as a way to more move – think outside the box when it comes to exercise.
L is for ‘lentils’. These bad boys are seriously healthy, filling and can be great as a baby weaning food too. Try red-split lentils with a load of root vegetables and chicken. Yum yum yum.
M is for ‘motivation’ – you can do it you gorgeous mummies!
N is for ‘no’ and not to take ‘no’ for an answer.
O is for ‘options’. If the way you used to get fit and diet no longer works now you’re a mummy, spend some time thinking about what you can do and new ways to reach your goals. If there are particular things blocking you write them down and brainstorm some alternatives. If you’re stuck, do a little Google search and see what comes up.
P is for ‘patience’. Be patient with your after-baby health loss regime. Give your body time to heal and be kind to yourself on days where perhaps you’ll little one isn’t sleeping so well or you’re unwell. Listen to your body and rest when you need to.
Q is for ‘questions’. Need help or advice on getting fit. Don’t be afraid to seek it from a Dr or health visitor with some guidance on getting back in shape if you really are struggling to balance it all.
R is for ‘routine’. Work on a routine that works for you and your baby. If it’s too ambitious you may feel disappointed if you can’t meet it and don’t be afraid if you have to switch it up every so often to correspond with your baby needs. For example, if you’re little one naps in the morning, use it as a time to batch cook a healthy recipe or to do a 15 minute workout at home.
S is for ‘sleep’. Don’t be hard on yourself with your weight loss goals. Sleep deprivation really can take its toll on new mums and it’s more important to catch some zzz’s when you can. So, when you have the energy try the above (letter R) but if not, put your feet up.
T is for ‘time’. It’s very precious when you’re a new mum and if you can, why not call on a spouse, a friend or a family member to help out once (or more) a week. Whether that’s to give you time to workout, cook in peace or just to sleep.
U is for is for ‘uniform’. Get some workout clothes so you feel comfortable exercises or going for long walks. You’re move likely to do it if you have the right kit.
V is for ‘virtuous’ – which is what you’ll feel when you find an exercise routine that works for you and some healthy go-to meals!
W is for ‘walk’ – walk whenever and wherever you can. It’s simple yet effective.
X is for ‘x-factor’; make it fun, dance and sing your way to weight loss!
Y is for ‘yes!’ you can do it!
Z is for ‘zzzs’ we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – sleep when you can people!