How to Lose Baby Belly Pouch Fat
If your child's first birthday has come and gone but your baby belly has not, it's time to do something about it. Don't get frustrated, it takes a lot of mommas time to lose the pouch and get back to pre-baby shape. Rather than just dwelling on it, get up and do something about it.
If your child's first birthday has come and gone but your baby belly has not, it's time to do something about it. Don't get frustrated, it takes a lot of mommas time to lose the pouch and get back to pre-baby shape. Rather than just dwelling on it, get up and do something about it. For those genetically-blessed women, the baby weight seems to literally fall off -- but for everyone else, there are steps you can take to lose that baby belly pouch fat once and for all.
Step 1
Exchange comfort snack foods like crackers and cookies for healthier options such as low-fat cheese sticks, baby carrots, celery sticks, other veggies, fruits and nuts.
Step 2
Decrease your caloric intake if necessary. While lactating moms do need a few extra calories to ensure adequate milk production, scarfing an entire box of mac and cheese by yourself is excessive.
Step 3
Don't let your baby be an excuse not to exercise. Work out during nap time or incorporate baby with a jogging stroller or entertain her with your awesome moves during a workout DVD.
Step 4
Move every day. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting at least 250 minutes of exercise per week to lose weight. Walking at a brisk pace for 35 minutes per day will fulfill this recommendation.
Step 5
Lift more than just your baby. Adding strength training into your workout routine will add lean muscle mass and aid in the fight against fat by upping your metabolism. Strength train two to three days per week performing exercises that target the major muscle groups such as squats, lunges, step-ups, shoulder presses, rows and chest presses.
Tip
Abdominal exercises will do little to reduce your baby belly. Rather than trying to make spot reduction a reality, work your body as a whole and you will begin to lose fat throughout your entire body including your belly. Perform two to three sets of eight to 12 reps of each strength exercise. If you can perform more than 12 repetitions, increase your weight by 5 to 10 percent.
warning
Consult your OB or midwife before beginning a postpartum exercise routine to ensure that your body is healed and ready for physical activity.