You don’t have to resign yourself to gazing longingly at your pre-pregnancy jeans, remembering the good times when you could wear them comfortably—you can absolutely get that pre-baby body back! It may look and function a little differently this time around, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go after it. Give yourself room to be “new and improved,” and check out these 4 tips to help you on your way back to your pre-baby body. 
1. Exercise
Exercise is key after having a baby (once approved by your doctor). It is essential as much for your mind as for your body. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which boost your mood and help to ward off post-partum depression while you get yourself back in shape. If you aren’t sure where to start with exercise, or what your body can handle, don’t be afraid to sign up for some personal training sessions with a professional who specializes in post-pregnancy training and can help you find the appropriate routine. You can also look for “Mommy and Me” fitness groups in your area that incorporate baby into your exercise routine.
2. Self-Care
Exercise forms part of the broader concept of self-care. It is easy to forget about yourself, and focus solely on the needs of your new baby and your family. If you want to return to that pre-baby body, you need to make sure that your mind is in the right place so that you can make good decisions about food, exercise, and sleep. If you didn’t practice self-care before, here are some ideas for how to do so now. Many gyms will help with your self- care by watching your child for 2 hours when they are as little as 3 months old.
3. Nutrition
Most pregnant women are aware of what foods are off-limits while they are pregnant, but few pay the same attention to their diet once the baby is born. The most important thing you can do to get your pre-baby body back is to pay attention to what you eat. Your nutritional intake can affect not only your body but also your mental health and your sleep. There is no doubt you will be pressed for time and distracted, so keep a few different healthy snacks on hand and in the diaper bag for those hungry moments when you don’t have time to make a meal. If you divide your snacks up into portions in advance, you won’t have to worry about overeating.
4. Sleep
There is no way around it, sleep is incredibly challenging during your baby’s first year. That being said, getting adequate sleep is a huge factor in weight loss. When you don’t sleep, your body craves sugar and carbohydrates and tells you it is too tired to exercise. Your metabolism also becomes groggy and does not process food the way it usually would, causing it to allow fat to hang around in your body longer than it normally would. Combat these adverse side effects by taking every opportunity to sleep. When baby naps, put aside that desire to do something “productive” and grab some precious shut-eye.
You do not need to initiate yourself into the world of motherhood by purchasing a new, larger wardrobe. You can get your pre-baby body back! Don’t be afraid to invest in the health of your own body through a little self-care and exercise. Set yourself up for nutritional success by keeping healthy snacks on hand, and take advantage of every opportunity you can to get some sleep.
