What’s more stressful than taking care of your newborn? That ‘baby weight’ you’re still carrying, even months after your baby was born. The extra fat stored for birth and breastfeeding is very common and nearly half of women gain more than the recommended amount of weight during their pregnancies. This excess weight can increase your risk of being overweight, diabetes, heart diseases, and also pose a great risk of complications in future pregnancies.

But don’t worry just yet. Here are some effective ways to lose those extra pounds quickly:

Breastfeed your child- Breastfeeding has enormous health benefits for both the mother and the child. Not only does it provide nutrition and immunity to the child but it also helps contract your uterus and return to its normal size quickly. Several studies have shown that breastfeeding supports the mother’s weight loss. One study precisely reports that breastfeeding women lost about 3.7 pounds more than those who didn’t, by six months after giving birth.

Keep track of your calories- Counting calories can help you keep an account of how much you are consuming and can help ensure that you are getting enough calories. You can do this by maintaining a food journal, using mobile apps, or by just taking pictures of your food to remind yourself of what you have eaten. Consuming an ideal amount of calories and practicing portion control can help get aid postpartum weight loss.

Load up on fiber- Consuming foods high in fiber can aid weight loss. Fiber not only makes you feel fuller for a long duration but also slows down digestion and reduces hunger. Fiber also aids digestion and helps reduce calorie intake.

Store healthy snacks at home- The kind of foods you have around you can influence your food choices. One study has shown that the homes of obese people tend to be stocked with unhealthy foods. Storing a lot of healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and nuts alongside regular physical activity within the home might help you get rid of your postpartum weight quickly.

Say no to alcohol- Although consuming small amounts of alcohol like red wine has been reported to offer health benefits, it can be best to avoid it, especially while breastfeeding. Not only is alcohol harmful to your baby, but it also provides extra calories without nutrition. It can lead to excess fat storage, especially your belly fat and excessive weight gain.

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