Let’s get one thing straight, there are no magic pills, waist trainers, and/or detox tea that will get you back your pre-pregnancy body in a week! To lose weight and keep it off you need to do it the right way, no shortcuts.
1. SET REALISTIC GOALS
I didn’t lose 1 stone in 8 weeks, neither did I starve myself or exercise like crazy. I gave myself realistic goals and consistency is key!
2. BE PATIENT
Alhamdulillah I lost 2 stones and it took me 1 year. My main reason to lose the weight was to eat healthily and feel fit so I had enough energy to run around with a toddler and a newborn. So what was my plan of action? One thing us girls need to remember is to be patient. We are not superwoman or wonder-woman…we are real women!
3. BE CONSISTENT
The first thing I made sure was, I had the go ahead from the doctors at 8-weeks postnatal visit. I started with simple sit-ups and squats suitable for post-natal, for 10 minutes 5 times a week. I slowly built the workouts to intermediate level and added light weights to the squats and lunges. I only did 10 minutes, but now it was every day and we all have 10 minutes to spare a day. The consistency paid off, my tops and trousers were getting loose!
4. STAY MOTIVATED
Now I won’t lie, even as a Personal Trainer, my diet wasn’t great. I was grabbing a biscuit here and there and having 3-4 coffees a day! However, I started to control my meal portions and always included vegetables. I started carrying a water bottle with my everywhere to encourage more water intake. I had days where I just wanted fatty food….and I did. Don’t deprive yourself, just start eating healthy again the next day. I made sure no matter how tired I was I did my 10 minutes workout.
5. SAVOR YOUR SUCCESS
When the 6-months post-natal period passed, I notched up the workouts a little, still 10 minutes but now it was HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) time! These workouts are known for burning a vast amount of fat. The HIIT workout is not easy…but for 10 minutes it was bearable. By the time my baby had his first birthday I was 2 stone down Alhamdulillah!
So, ladies, anything is possible, nothing worth wanting is easy to get, but the hard work will be worth it! Be motivated and do it for yourself.
