ARTICLES / PREGNANCY HELP / AFTER PREGNANCY

10 Foods Proven to Rapidly Shed Baby Weight

By Jessie Wallace

Updated on January 16, 2022

IN THIS ARTICLE

+ Citrus

+ Nuts

+ Salmon

Your body changes so much over the course of pregnancy and childbirth. You put on weight, things rearrange themselves to make room for a baby, and your hormones fluctuate drastically. You get an overwhelming amount of pregnancy help and advice. After pregnancy, all your predominant thoughts are about your new little one and adjusting to your new life as a mommy. Your schedule changes and your time is no longer your own. Through all of this, there’s still a big problem that needs addressing; how to get rid of that stubborn baby weight. Most women get it. That bulge that just doesn’t want to go away, so what can you do about it? You barely have time to do anything for yourself, how can you possibly put enough focus into a diet change to drop some weight?

It’s actually easier than most women think. With some simple adjustments to your diet, you can start to feel better and shed some of those unwanted inches. You don’t have to go hungry either. The focus should be on quality and not quantity. If you’re breastfeeding your little one, that can take a lot out of your, so you have to stay hydrated and you can’t deny yourself nutrients and vitamins. After pregnancy and if you had a C-section or a difficult birth, your body also needs to stay healthy in order to health properly and quickly. Too often women simply deny themselves food and end up losing out on becoming healthier. When your body is healthier, it can process foods in a better manner than when you’re always hungry.

Citrus

If you do enjoy exercise and want to make the most of it, research from Arizona State Uni. at Mesa shows that eating the brightly colored and rich in Vitamin C citrus fruit can help you burn 130% more fat while working out. Another great aspect of these fruits is how much they zest up almost any dish and make flavors really pop.

Green Tea

Green Tea has been praised as a great weight loss drink for a while now, and with good reason. There’s a compound in green tea called ECGC. It’s been shown to speed up metabolism and drinking three cups a day can actually burn up to 130 calories. This drink is traditionally hot, however, more and more cold versions are coming out. You have to be careful with it though. Many companies add a lot of sweeteners, especially to the cold options.

Pumpkin

Those who love this fall favorite flavor will be happy to know that 2pumpkin is really good for you. It’s high in potassium and fiber, and goes well with a variety of different foods. Just like the green tea, this is often overly sweetened and flavored commercially, so don’t assume that pumpkin-flavored coffee drink will help you lose that baby weight.

Oatmeal

We all know the value of oats. Oatmeal has been a staple in many countries and continues to be so. Like pumpkin, it’s high in fiber and goes well with a lot of other foods. One very helpful thing that oatmeal has going for it, it that it’s a 3complex carb. Unlike those unhealthy carbs we’re always warned against, complex carbs are harder for our bodies to break down, which results in them being processed better. It’s also very filling and is great to eat in the morning to stay feeling full longer into the day.

Nuts

There are several nuts that are good for a size trimming snack. They are a great source of fat (the good kind) and can be added to other foods, such as part of a topping for grilled chicken or on a salad for some extra crunch. They also have some protein, making them a great alternative to fattier meats. You can easily grab a handful for a quick snack and there are a lot of recipes that use nuts to make other things. Some really good options are walnuts, almonds, and pistachios. If you want to lower your sodium intake, remember that many nuts you buy for snacking will have added salt.

Watermelon

This melon reminiscent of summer is a favorite among children at the pool and people gathered for a cookout. It’s a sweet and crispy option that, while not very high in many nutrients, is also one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. It will help you get the water you need, help you feel satisfied, and give your sweet tooth something to bite into. You can eat a ton without consuming that many calories, but you’ll still feel full. As mentioned above, if you’re breastfeeding, staying hydrated is vital.

Popcorn

If you’re a chip eater and you just really want those salty, crunchy chips, you may want to grab some popcorn instead. Comparatively, popcorn is far better in calories, and depending on what flavoring you choose, it’s usually better in sodium as well. Because it’s a lighter flavor on its own, other flavors stand out better giving you the option to go lighter on the salt. It also will help with the chip eating habit, giving you a similar, but better alternative.

Dark Leafy Greens

Leafy greens have been the diet go-to for decades. Many go for the greens that go well in a salad, the ones that are light and crispy. However, the 4darker greens typically have more nutrients, which aid your body’s digestion and will help you far more. Blending them together will give you that crisp leaf texture with the better for you greens, and salads are a great way to mix it up with flavors. Simply creating a variety of greens instead of sticking to one kind will make all the difference in how a salad tastes.

Blueberries

Rich in antioxidants, blueberries may help lower cholesterol. There is also some 5evidence that indicates blueberries can alter genes to burn more fat. Depending on the berries, you may get anywhere from a tart to a sweet taste, and they go great on top of oatmeal, pancakes, and in salads. They’re also great for just eating on their own.

Salmon

Salmon is a great source of good fat and has a wonderful taste. Even many who don’t like fish, in general, enjoy salmon as it’s unique. High in protein, it’s a great way to complete a meal. Because it has a unique and nice flavor on its own, you don’t have to do much to it. A little bit of lemon or garlic and it makes for a great and satisfying entrée.

I’m sure you’ve noticed how many of these foods go well together and with other options. After you’ve gotten all the healthy pregnancy help, it can be hard to continue to keep yourself healthy. The women who do change their diet stick to bland meals that they don’t enjoy. Experimenting and trying new things will help you discover new flavors and new favorite meals. Trying to find the time to focus on your own health is difficult once you’ve had a baby. However, switching what you eat to healthier choices will make the difference in keeping that extra cushion around your middle or getting trimmed down for a healthier and happier lifestyle.

References

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