Dear Tanya,
After I had baby number five, I had a really hard time losing my baby weight! It could be because I recently turned 30 and I heard your metabolism slows down then or because I started off higher than usual. I was wondering if you had any advice regarding this topic for my future pregnancies, should I have them?
Ever meet someone who excuses their extra weight by saying, “I had a baby…30 years ago!” We all do it, whether our baby is an infant, or old enough to have one of their own. We use childbirth as an excuse for all the extra pounds. Now before I get attacked for saying having a child is not a reason to gain weight, I’ll clarify. Pregnancy is a reason (a very good one) to gain weight, but once that’s over (after some time, of course), it is not an excuse. Put it this way: If all you are left with after each child is just five pounds, and you multiply that by the average five pregnancies many frum women will have, that’s 25 extra pounds (and almost three dress sizes)! This is assuming that all that’s left is just five pounds. (Don’t we wish it was such a low number?)
On a personal note, when I was pregnant with my first child, I completely let myself loose. I gained more weight than I want to share in a publication. With my future pregnancies, however, armed with knowledge, I managed to gain the bare minimum and lose it all pretty quickly.
My number one piece of advice is not to gain too much weight to begin with. I’ll restate the obvious; the more you gain, the more you’ll have to lose. So if you are pregnant (no matter how far along), start your healthy eating and exercising now. Here are my top tips for losing your baby weight, whether it’s five pounds, or 50+ pounds.
Mazal tov to you on the birth of your baby. I’m sure you are doing a great job taking care of him/her. Make sure to take some time and take care of yourself. A healthy and fit mommy is a happy one.
Tanya Rosen, M.S CAI CPT is a nutritionist, personal trainer and owner of Nutrition by Tanya with locations in Monsey, Flatbush, Boro Park, Williamsburg and Lakewood. Tanya is the creator of the TAP (Tanya-approved products) line available on her website, offices and select supermarkets, offering all-natural, low-calorie, delicious snacks and food. Tanya is also the creator of the Shape Fitness Kosher workout DVDs for ladies and teens, available in all Judaica stores.
Tanya can be reached at 844-TANYA-DIET or via email at [email protected]. You can check out her website by visiting www.nutritionbytanya.com.
Reader questions for this column are welcomed!
By Tanya Rosen
