Shifting the postpartum weight - where to even begin?!

[TurquoiseKiss]

Hi all, I had my first son 5 months ago. Didn't get that much bigger in pregnancy but its safe to say I have piled on the lbs as a new mum. I desperately want to get a handle on this.

I avoid scales like the plague and prefer to just go by clothes size, but I've been kidding myself wearing only leggings. My BMI was 33.9 in pregnancy so I know I was already an unhealthy weight.

Where do I even begin? Should I throw everything I've got at it and join a gym, try and get some swimming in (are either of these places even open under Tier 2??), try and eat healthily, download MFP etc, or should I take smaller steps? And be more realistic that I don't have as much free time? Would love to hear from anyone who has done the same or is doing the same.

Losing weight is all about diet.

I'd leave the gym for now (especially if you don't have the time) and focus on healthy meals, and cut out snacking/ fizzy drinks etc.

If you're keen to lose weight just think about food. Exercise is great for fitness but I don't think it's as important as watching what you eat for losing weight. Exercise can definitely boost your mood, so think about something you'd enjoy rather than focusing on just doing something because you think you need to.

Don’t try to do everything at once because then you could fall into the trap of all or nothing (which I have done before and learnt from) I’d say diet is the number one thing to get in check, be honest with yourself about how much you eat, try and identify your bad habits whether that’s snacking or portion size etc. MFP I think is great for keeping an eye on calories because you might get a shock at how much you are eating. In terms of exercise can you go out walking with the pram or with baby in a carrier for extra weight? Bodyfitbyamy on YouTube is good for workouts. I’m currently doing her pre natal workouts but I’m sure she posts post natal ones as well.

I lost weight with number 1 by walking everyday. I got a pedometer - showing my age-old and walked 10000 steps a day, pushing a big pram and about an hour's walk. Good for mum and baby.

I'm in the same boat. I make a packed lunch the night before of healthy stuff so that I'm not tempted to snack on the first thing I find which is usually junk. I also try to go for a walk for an hour every other day. I don't feel like I'm getting very far but I'm not gaining which is something!

Forget the gym and elaborate exercise which you don't have the time for. Focus on improving food choices, cut out any rubbish. A brisk 1 hour walk each day with the buggy. Do it for months before getting on the scales and letting them mess with your mind and motivation. Consistency is key. Do it and don't stop. Forever. The weight will come off.