How to really get rid of that post-baby belly

BELLY fat is something we all hate; it’s the most difficult area to lose weight from and after the body has gone through pregnancy changes, the challenge may be even greater.

With the increased difficulty in trying to go back to your pre-baby body, you may experiment with diet pills, the newest weight-loss shakes and try out different gyms to see the fastest results.

But though gyms are a good way to get your results, the truth is that not all trainers are effective. To get the best results and lose your post-baby belly, there are a few changes you can make to your lifestyle and also adopt new habits.

Dr George Scarlett, family physician, said there are various ways to lose weight postpartum and these include:

1. Self-discipline

Dr Scarlett said in order to see results, a simple act of self-discipline is necessary.

“No eating after the sun goes down. The body’s metabolism performs at its peak throughout the day, and at nights the body’s metabolism slows down (circadian rhythm). As such the body is unable to use up or burn the consumed food,” he said.

2. Diet modification

“Less consumption of carbohydrates and fats is an essential part of the process,” Dr Scarlett said. He added that the more carbohydrates consumed, the more the body stores the excess as fat, and this leads to weight gain predominantly in the mid-section.

3. Increase your vegetable intake

Dr Scarlett advised that an increase in vegetables and protein will build muscles and provide the body with vitamins and fibre, which are low in calories, resulting in weight loss.

4. Fall in love with cardio

“Cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes each day increases the heart rate and burns fat,” Dr Scarlett said.

5. Do strength exercises

He said engaging in core-strengthening exercises for 10 minutes each day builds core muscles, which will help to burn the fat at rest.