First Steps for Pregnancy Weight Loss

It’s very normal and necessary to gain some weight during pregnancy. Then when the baby arrives, there is so much to think about – almost everything revolves around food and sleep! Unfortunately, not a lot of that food and sleep is for you. With so much to do, it’s easy to forget about your own healthy eating goals and it might be difficult to find the time to fit in some physical activity. In turn, this might have a negative impact on your weight and your overall feelings of wellbeing.

Starting out with healthier meals and gentle exercise

Losing weight after your pregnancy will start naturally and getting back to your goal weight starts and ends with being as healthy as possible. You should focus on eating nutritious food when you are hungry and slowly easing yourself into some regular exercise when your body is physically ready for it.  With this kind of planning and conscious effort, you should start to see the kilos drop off.

If you feel that you need some help with the convenience of portion-controlled meals and some motivation from a personal coach in your corner, then the Jenny Craig program could be for you.

Breastfeeding and weight loss

You can lose weight while you are breastfeeding, but you need to take care that you are having the kilojoules and the nutrients your body needs, as well as plenty of fluids to support feeding your baby. Public health guidelines encourage women to breastfeed for at least the first 6 months when solids are introduced, and if possible, to continue until the age of 12 months or beyond.  Feeding your baby is an individual choice, it will be determined by yourself and your baby, and remember to gather the support of those around you whenever you need it.

If you choose to breastfeed, the amount you ate during the last trimester of pregnancy is around about what you need to eat to meet your nutritional needs and support milk production. Once breastfeeding is well established you may be able to reduce the amount of food you eat by a little to assist with weight loss, as long as you are still consuming adequate fluids and including sufficient amounts of the nutrients, we know you need more of, such as protein, omega-3 fats and the B-group vitamins. During breastfeeding Jenny Craig encourages a healthy rate of weight loss of no more than ½ a kilogram per week.

When should I start thinking about weight loss meal plans?

Six weeks after the birth of your baby, we welcome you to make an appointment to see one of our coaches at your nearest Jenny Craig centre. Your coach will be able to suggest a plan to help you tackle your weight loss after pregnancy; one that fits in with how you are feeding your baby and your new lifestyle. Taking the time to eat well, look after yourself, and include some physical activity will be the most beneficial way to help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight, and if you feel you need support to make these changes, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Jenny Craig Centre to get you started on your post-pregnancy weight loss journey.

Jenny Craig Team

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Since the initial opening in 1983, Jenny Craig Australia and New Zealand has expanded to more than 90 centres across the two countries. Each component of Jenny Craig’s program has also progressed over the past 35 years to fuel the company’s growth and ensure it remains one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading weight management companies.