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Pregnancy First, Weight Loss After

By Steve Esquire
May 14, 2009
Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman's life that brings with it a glorious blessing after nine months. A few fortunate women sail through their pregnancies and their bodies bounce back without a hitch or any additional weight gain. For the majority of the women though this is not the case. The key to getting the weight off is diet, exercise and massage chair therapy.

A woman will not lose as much weight as she expected to lose after the birth of her child. She may end up with unwanted pounds due to excessive weight gain during the pregnancy. In many cases, fluid retention is the problem and the weight will drop approximately three weeks after delivering the baby due to frequent urination and perspiration.

However, you need to prepare yourself for the worst case scenario. Understanding why you have this additional weight gain and realizing that it is only temporary is necessary for your emotional well-being. It can be conquered and you will lose the extra weight with hard work, perseverance, and an iron will.

Life works in cycles, pregnancy is just one of those cycles. The connection between diet, exercise and massage is one of the most basic. Our body goes through cycles of requiring nourishment, activity and recovery. This is what the triad of diet, exercise and massage does to balance the body and mind.

First and most important is your diet. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes lean meats, grain-type breads, fruits, and vegetables is critical. Junk food is not advised and should be avoided. Instead, indulge in a healthy snack such as nuts, popcorn, fruits, vegetables, raisins, and a wheat-type cracker.

The problem with fast food is it contains high levels of sodium. Sodium helps to retain water. A good portion of the weight gain in pregnancy is water weight. Water intake is essential in flushing out the toxins of our bodies. Replace any soda or juice drinks, which contain sugar, with mineral water.

Exercise starts with E and means Effort. You have to make an effort to get a consistent routine of exercise going. It is all too easy to go from one thing to the next and never exercise. Take time for you and get yourself in shape. You and the baby will both be happier. Talk to your medical professional as to what is right for you.

Did you know that breastfeeding is a dieters dream? Breast feeding can wipe out up to 500 calories a day when you breastfeed. If you do breastfeed, you must make sure that you are getting adequate nutrition during this time. Discuss this with your physician and find out how you can lose weight while breastfeeding.

Massage therapy has been used throughout the ages for recovery and healing. Your body goes through tremendous changes during pregnancy and after as well. You have to deal with improving your diet and exercising. You also need time for your to recover. A quick massage from a massage chair is ideal. Its the friend you need, when you need. Relief is finally on your schedule.

One of the toughest things to do during and after pregnancy is checking your weight. Most women fear the worst. Weight has such a psychological and emotional baggage with it. Women can't believe they are just gaining weight so fast during pregnancy while they worked their whole life to not have it. Be realistic with your weight loss targets. Just a hint, it did take you nine months to gain it.

Make sure you check with your health care provider on the best options for you. Everyone is different and your doctor can advise you on what and when you should exercise during pregnancy. Find out their opinion on diet, exercise and massage chair therapy. You need to discover the new harmonious balance and replenish your energy.
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