Help for real mums getting back into shape

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 39, Issue 4

There’s always some yummy mummy celeb or other making the news these days because of the speed at which she dropped her pregnancy pounds. But what about real mums with real lives (and no personal dieticians or trainers to whip them into shape and nannies to look after the baby while they’re doing it)?

Unlike such famous mums as Geri Halliwell, Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham,Donna Air, Penny Lancaster, Anna Friel and Jennifer Lopez, all of whom were snapped within weeks of giving birth looking as fabulous as ever, the non-celebs among us have a harder time getting back into shape. In fact, one survey by Mother and Baby magazine claims most mums still have not got back into their pre-baby jeans almost two years after their baby was born.

It is obvious to see why. It is just too easy to snack on fast foods after having a baby, especially if you’re too tired or too busy to make yourself a healthy meal. And if you are tired, you may also be tempted to crank up your portion sizes too.

It is, of course, important not to try and cut down on what you are eating too soon after having a baby, especially if you are breastfeeding, which itself burns up an extra 500 calories a day. Once you have stopped breastfeeding,however, and provided it has been at least six weeks since you gave birth and your GP or midwife says it is okay to start getting back into shape, there are several things you can do to help your body recover its former glory, including:

• Small, regular meals instead of fewer large meals – this will help keep your blood sugar levels steady and ensure you don’t feel hungry. Avoid skipping meals too, as this will just make you want to eat more in the long run.

• Drink lots of water – if you do feel the urge to cave in to a sugar craving, drink a big glass of water before you do anything else. It could be that you’re thirsty, rather than hungry.

• Eat more protein – protein foods (meat, fish, dairy products, beans and pulses) help you feel fuller, so make sure you have some at every meal.

• Go fresh – eat fresh fruit and veg instead of processed foods to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs.

• Try a natural weight-loss supplement, such as Hoodia Mint, made from the plant hoodia gordonii.