Being a mother comes with lots of responsibilities. And it’s also that time in life, when your priorities change forever. Though you absolutely love nurturing and caring for your little bundle of joy, many new moms want to get back to pre-pregnancy weight as soon as possible.

For most women it takes up to 6 weeks to start losing pregnancy weight and it may take up to 1 year to shed all those extra kilograms. A nursing mother would need at least 1800 calories to meet her nutritional needs and to remain healthy.

If you are one of those new mothers determined to lose all your pregnancy weight and fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes, ensure you don’t make the following common mistakes:

Don’t Be In A Hurry:

We understand if you are in a hurry to lose all your pregnancy weight and get back into shape, but we advise you not to rush into those decisions that may cost your health.

Do not opt for crash diets as you could start gaining back the weight. Instead talk to your dietitian for a wholesome diet plan that not only helps in losing weight, but also provides ample nutrition to your body.

Don’t Compromise On Sleep:

Do you know lack of sleep contributes a lot to unhealthy eating and weight gain? It is tough for a new mother to catch sound sleep but if you are aiming to gain all the energy back, make time for yourself. Take help from family in attending your baby, while you are asleep. Studies reveal that mothers who slept more than 7 hours a night, daily lost up to 6 kilograms in 6 months.

Don’t Skip Meals:

If you are skipping meals or not eating enough hoping to lose weight, stop it right away. Limiting calories on a regular basis deprives your body of necessary nutrition and also your body starts storing fat instead of burning it. Eat on time in regular intervals, in right amounts to see wonderful results.

Don’t Set Unrealistic Goals:

Don’t set unrealistic goals like losing 5 kilograms within a month as it causes several health issues. Give yourself some time to get back into shape. Start with easy-to-do exercises, walking for short distances, eating nutritious food and spending a lot of time happily with your new born. Plan your plate properly with wholesome diet and avoid watching television or reading as it may make you eat more food.

Don’t Compare Yourself To Celeb Moms:

Thanks to social media, there is no dearth of stories on how Lisa Haydon, Kareena Kapoor and other celebrities lost their post pregnancy weight in a jiffy. Not all bodies are the same, so you need to set goals based on your lifestyle and metabolism. Do not compare yourself with celebrity mothers and try to ape their eating or workout habits as it causes more harm than good.

Load Up On Some Super Foods

 Every new mother needs maximum nutrition, especially if you are nursing. Choose foods that are light in calories and fat but nutrient sense. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids will help your newborn develop a healthy brain and nervous system. Milk and yogurt are also super foods as they have calcium which you need for optimum bone health. For protein intake, lean meat, chicken, and beans are good options. 

Drink Enough Water

Keep yourself hydrated and drink water in small intervals. Besides helping to flush out the toxins from your body, it also helps you to stay fuller and speed up your metabolism. Often recommended eight glasses are good but if your urine is relatively clear, the number of glasses does not matter.

Exercise Regularly

While diet is important, a good post-pregnancy weight loss plan asks for some basic aerobic and strength training exercises after pregnancy to burn calories and keep your muscles and bones strong. Exercise, beyond helping you lose weight can help fight depression, aid a good night's sleep, and help in relieving stress.