A Mother’s Job
If you’re finding it hard to lose that BABY WEIGHT, don’t beat yourself up about it – there are serious SCIENTIFIC REASONS why it’s so difficult.
And they point to EXERCISE, more SLEEP and less STRESS as the main solutions. Read on to find out more…
1. Pregnancy means new fat cells
Research1 (Mermel 1991) has shown that the number of fat cells in women’s bodies INCREASES during pregnancy – it’s the body’s way of protecting MUMS and BABIES from famine. And the bad news is that fat cells don’t go away; they sit there just waiting to STORE ENERGY in the form of fat! This scientific phenomenon goes a long way to explaining why so many of MOTHERS have trouble shifting their ‘mummy tummy’ after having a BABY!
What can you do about it?
Thankfully, you can shrink fat cells with exercise and diet. We know only too well how BUSY mums are, especially if your in the postpartum period after CHILDBIRTH. Actually this is why BeHappyMum designed FITMAMA for exactly this reason – fitting only 5 or 10 minute workouts into a normal BUSY DAY at home and with no special equipment! Whether your on the floor changing NAPPIES, or in the kitchen planning mealtime, we found a way for MUMS everywhere to fit this in! See here.
BeHappyMum #RealMums Say:
“I don’t have time to ‘workout’ as they call it…when I downloaded FitMama as a mummy friend suggested, I was skeptical I would use it as I’m not very good with phones! But since my 2nd child was just born I find it best to use when she needs entertaining in her rocker chair or if I’m running a bath for my eldest as they’re so quick. Just pause it when you get swamped and its still tracks it for you! Lifesaver!” Sam, Mum of 2, Oxford UK
2. Sleep loss makes a hungry Mum!
Every new mum is sleep deprived, right? And when you’re suffering from LACK OF SLEEP, your body secretes more of the HORMONE cortisol and less of the hormone leptin, both of which affect APPETITE.
Our bodies respond to these fluctuations by inducing hunger CRAVINGS. And that’s why we head for the fridge when we’re EXHAUSTED! So next time you have a little LAPSE of willpower, be kinder to yourself Mum not just the CHILDREN, there’s a reason for it!
3. Sleep loss increases fat storage
As if that wasn’t enough, researchers2 have found that SLEEP deprived people also take 40% longer to regulate their BLOOD SUGAR after eating carbohydrates, which promotes the overproduction of insulin. In turn, this can lead to increased STORAGE of body fat. And despite all of our MOTHERHOOD chores and rushing around, we still don’t need extra BODY fat thanks!
What can you do about it?
Why not try these USEFUL TIPS for getting more sleep here – sound impossible with your KIDS? You’ll be surprised!
Try our 7 Energy Boosting Tips for Mums we also gave last week – sure to have one on there you can use Mums!
BeHappyMum Mum says:
“My best tip is to avoid any caffeine or even sugary juice 3 hours before you ‘attempt’ to sleep, try herbal tea or lemon in hot water to relax and prepare your mindset. I particularly like ginger infused with something. You don’t need any extra activity in your brain before bed!“ Anna, Founder of BeHappyMum
4. A Stressed Mummy!
Remember that appetite-impacting hormone cortisol? Well, the bad news is that you PRODUCE more cortisol when you’re STRESSED (baby crying, anyone?!). And, just like when you’re OVERTIRED, an increase in this pesky hormone induces major hunger CRAVINGS.
What can you do about it?
We like these easy to do STRESS-BUSTING activities here. Don’t just ignore it, see what other mothers are doing TO HELP!
BeHappyMum #RealMums Say:
“…instead of reaching for some fatty foods to cheer me up, I eat something that gives me energy for longer – right now I try and eat eggs & porridge more often and snack on fruit before the school run – I find my patience goes that tiny bit further! Also keeping topped up with water and the old ‘Count to 10′ helps to keep a clear head!“ Jo, Mum of 3 boys, Brackley UK
We’ve written this blog to reassure all MUMS that BABY WEIGHT is a universal problem with real root causes. So ladies, be KIND to yourselves when you’re finding it hard to lose your mummy tummy – and AIM for a little more exercise, more sleep and less stress!
1 Mermal 1991 2 University of Chicago Medical Center 1999
Calling all Mothers! Tell us below one thing you found that helped you to feel motivated and less fatigued after having a baby….
–
If you like this Mums, these are our most popular BeHappyMum blogs – ENJOY a read for today’s MUM METIME!
5 Ways to FIT Exercise into your NORMAL day
7 Quick Steps to Boost your MUM ENERGY
10 Beachwear Ideas for New Mums
How to get HELP from Family & Friends
3 Most Common Post Natal Exercise Mistakes
BeHappyMum’s Top 6 Fave Mummy Bloggers
