For anyone trying to lose weight, it can be tricky, but with the extra stress and lack of time that new mums face, that’s only compounded. There are, however, a few simple rules to losing weight that you should be following. These include:
Always eat breakfast. Not eating the most important meal of the day means your metabolism will be sluggish, and you’ll be starving – and more likely to overeat – later on.
Reducing portion sizes and looking for low fat alternatives. Every family has favourite meals, and if yours is something heavy like lasagne, then you’ll want to reduce your portions. Using lower fat alternatives like fat free milk, or different cooking methods, can also help.
Don’t be a social eater. Research has shown that people eat more when eating in restaurants, or in social settings, and they also tend to eat higher fat foods. If you have to eat out, choose grilled rather than fried, have sauces and dressings on the side or not at all, and opt for lower fat meals.
Don’t ignore the calories you aren’t aware of. Eating your children’s leftovers, having a few chips and snacking in front of the television may not feature on your calorie count, but it will show on your waistline! Make a conscious choice to keep track of everything you eat.
Finally, don’t expect to lose weight overnight. Healthy weight loss should be in the region of one kilogram per month, so don’t expect to drop several dress sizes overnight. As long as there is progress, even if it’s gradual, your weight loss is working, so be patient.
