MANAGING YOUR NUTRITION & FITNESS AS A NEW MAMA!
Are you a new mama settling back in at home with your new bundle of joy? Read on…
As a mama my second Marcus who is now 4 week’s old I can fist hand understand the battles of settling back in at home with your new bundle of joy!
The sleepless nights, the emotions running through your body as your hormones adjust, the feeling of loneliness from time to time & most of all the feeling of not really knowing who you are right now!
I am here to tell you that these feelings are all normal & it is ok to feel this way if you do.
After I gave birth to my first child Milania who is nearly 7 years of age, I completely lost myself. I was 28kg heavier & mentally not in a great place and this time around I made a promise to myself to not go down that path again! Below I share with you my top 4 tips about how I have managed a few things and will continue to manage at home with my new bundle of joy Marcus…
Eat to fuel your body, not to lose weight.
The need to “bounce back” right after having a baby is a need you don’t need to have. Your body just did something out-of-this-world amazing. Your body changes after having a baby & it can change for the better! Focus on consuming high fibre foods (25g fibre minimum per day) coupled with a minimum of 130g of protein across your day!
Track your calories to ensure you are consuming enough.
You don’t need to download a calorie counter and keep track of every single calorie. But it is good to know in general how many calories you’re consuming each day. If you are breastfeeding consume an extra 330-400 calories a day, which for most would bring your daily total anywhere between 2000-2800 calories per day (individual calorie needs vary due to factors like age, height, weight and activity level).
Walk as a form of daily exercise
Take the load off yourself with thinking you have to do vigorous cardio or get to the gym everyday for now. Your body is still recovering & you should only resume your workout’s when you get clearance from your specialist and find that you have the energy back to do so.
Walking is such a great postpartum exercise because it’s easy on the body. Most postpartum mums are cleared to walk shortly having giving birth. Plus, walking is also beneficial for you and your baby. It allows both of you to get some fresh air, get moving and put your new baby stroller or baby carrier to good use!
Don’t go at it alone!
As stated above the post pardon journey can feel very isolated & lonely. Just know that there are many people around you including myself who are here to support you. When someone asks you how they can help, don’t feel shy to say no. It can be as simple as asking them for help in ways you would not think of like venting to them about how you are feeling & sharing your emotions that day to let it out! Or it can be asking people like your family & partner to pick up some groceries to allow you some extra time to rest.
On a final note, you may always look and feel a little different, or you may look like you did before you got pregnant. Either way, be proud of your body and take care of it while also caring for your baby. Taking care of your baby is your top priority nowadays, but taking care of yourself is equally as important.
IF YOU ARE WANTING MORE SUPPORT WITH YOUR NUTRITION & MOVEMENT, COME & JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF MUMS & MAMA’S TO BE ON THE DVP FITNESS CREW BY LOCKING IN A FREE CONSULTATION WITH US BELOW!