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How to Reduce Weight After Delivery
Once the elation of seeing your baby and the apprehension about caring for her has calmed down, the next question that would perhaps pop into your head is how to lose all that accumulated weight. Your bundle of joy more than makes up for all the effort you have taken in the past nine months, but reducing weight post-delivery is the last-ditch effort you should take.
However, losing weight is not an easy task unless you know the basics of reducing weight. Apart from looking after the newborn and managing many changes in your life, you will have to focus on getting back into shape. This will work wonders for your health and bring back your confidence too.
When to Start Losing Post Pregnancy Weight
You have just delivered a baby and you will surely need time to recoup your health and energy. Your doctor will certainly not recommend beginning a diet or a gruelling exercise regime right after your delivery. However, a few gentle exercises in the initial period right after delivery can do you a world of good, apart from eating healthy. Speak to your gynaecologist about losing weight during your first prenatal appointment, which will probably happen after six to eight weeks of your delivery. A dietician can certainly help you with a proper diet plan and put you on the path to reducing weight in a healthy way.
Importance of Losing Excessive Weight After Having a Baby
Losing all that excess weight that you have gained in the past few months may seem like a task, yet it is a necessary step towards regaining your health once again. Being overweight and obese is not only detrimental to your health, but it can keep you from enjoying a full life. A baby needs a lot of attention during the day and she will also put you through many sleepless nights. If you are on the top of your health and fitness, you will be able to manage the innumerable changes that are bound to happen in your life as a mother.
Being overweight can put you at risk of many complications like high blood pressure, diabetes and joint pain. If you intend to become a mother again, then losing weight is essential as it could increase the risks to your baby and you during the next pregnancy and while giving birth. Obese mothers can have a longer and harder labour and also run the risk of having an emergency C-section. Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are a few other risks an overweight mother-to-be is exposed to. As your child grows, imagine the kind of running around you will have to do and this will be possible only if your fitness levels keep up.
Simple & Effective Tips for Weight Loss After Pregnancy
Weight-loss after delivery remains a key issue for most women and this can be easily achieved through a little bit of dedication and lots of willpower. Losing baby weight does not mean digging deep into your pockets (or your spouse’s) as there are many simple and practical home remedies for weight loss after delivery. Here are a few proven tips to bounce back in style:
1. It’s Time To Move
By the time you have delivered your baby, you will be exhausted and sleep-deprived to a great extent and exercise will be the last thing on your mind. This is fine since most women are unable to exercise for up to six or even eight weeks after delivery, more if you have had a C-section. Take small, baby steps by walking for short distances that do not tire you or cause bleeding. Increase the distance gradually till you feel confident of taking on a regular exercise regime. Including your baby into this routine is easy if you get the stroller out and push the baby around the neighbourhood for at least 30 minutes a day.
2. Breast-Feeding
This is one routine can help you to lose weight even as you sit comfortably in your favourite chair. Breastfeeding mothers can burn up to 600 to 800 calories a day as the body now needs additional calories to breastfeed the baby.
The tricky part, however, is when your baby is being weaned off breast milk and is gradually consuming semi-solid or solid foods. When you taper-off breastfeeding, there is a possibility that your weight will increase so be ready with a backup plan like an exercise routine to compensate for that.
3. Weight Training
At the mention of this term, most people invest in a gym membership or purchase costly equipment for home use. However, this won’t be necessary if you incorporate your baby into your weight training session. Hold your baby close to your chest and start with lunges. You can also lie on your back and push the baby as far as possible from the chest. Watch your baby enjoy your session as much as you do as you lose weight in a pleasant way.
4. Keep A Watch On Fat And Calories
Most experts do not recommend going on a diet immediately after giving birth since the body is now in repair mode. Yet, you can begin by turning the other way when offered empty-calorie items like chips, colas and the like. Include a lot of fresh fruits, green vegetables, lean meat, whole grains and low-fat dairy products in your diet. Do not fall prey to fashionable diets that ask you to abstain from entire food groups.
If you are prone to overeating, choose to eat small meals at short intervals. This will also keep your blood-sugar levels steady. Short meals will divide calories over the day, keep the calories from being stored as fat and metabolize them in a better way.
5. Get Lots of Sleep
The baby’s arrival is going to alter your sleep pattern in a major way. So get ready for sleepless nights and sleepy mornings. This can upset your metabolism and is a deterrent to losing weight. Always remember to take a nap whenever your baby sleeps as this will help you catch up on your sleep without creating a huge backlog. Sleep deprivation can cause snacking and binge-eating so get your forty winks whenever the opportunity presents. This way your energy levels will be high and you will be up for the challenge of raising a baby. Give priority to sleep over exercise in the early days after delivery as less sleep will result in a tired mind and body, resulting in forced exercise sessions.
6. Eat Healthy
A drop in sugar levels of your body pushes you to eat the first thing you can lay your hands on. Hence it is recommended to avoid any sugar-based treats that can increase or decrease your sugar levels dramatically. If you are being enticed by tasty snacks, keep flavoured yoghurts or low-fat milk in plain view. The calcium in milk and yoghurt blocks the hormone which helps our body to store fat and therefore promotes weight loss. Eating high fibre snacks is also a great idea since it not only fills you up but helps digestion in a big way.
Raisins, figs and whole-wheat crackers should be on your shopping list after your baby’s delivery. Superfoods like fish, chicken, lean meat and beans are a must while trying to lose weight after delivery.
7. Stay Hydrated
Ensure that you drink at least eight to ten glasses of water every day as this will flush out all the toxins from your body. Since it prevents dehydration, your metabolism improves dramatically and this, in turn, is helpful in losing weight. Apart from water, infusing liquids like milkshakes, fresh juices, smoothies and soups into your daily diet will also help your aim. To know how much water to drink, check the colour of your urine and if it’s clear and you are visiting the loo about 4-5 times a day during waking hours, you are doing fine.
8. Dance Away Your Blues
There is no better way to lose weight than by enjoying yourself. Switch on the music, grab your partner (or your baby) and swing away to glory.
Just enjoy yourself and sweat it out for a while and watch your weight go down in a truly fun way.
9. Keep Stress Levels at Minimum
Being a mother, first time or otherwise is a tough job and has its own set of challenges. You may feel overwhelmed by the situation and this leads to stress. Weight gain and increase in stress are often linked and hence it is advisable to keep stress levels as low as possible. Stay away from stressful situations and use techniques like music or meditation to help. Keep some time for yourself, however busy the day may be, read your favourite book or take a walk and this will help you to bust the blues and lose weight at the same time.
10. Drink Water Before Meals
Sip on a glass of water before you have your meals. If you feel bloated because you gorge on your favourite dishes, drinking water will fill your stomach and you won’t feel overstuffed.
You will eat a limited quantity of water will prevent overeating. Water does no harm and in fact, will help you keep yourself hydrated.
11. Advance Your Meal Times
Eating your meals early, especially dinner, is a proven way of reducing your weight fast. Advance your meal time to 7 or 7.30 as this will allow the digestion process to take place before you sleep. This helps to reduce weight and your metabolism is boosted too. If you have to stay up late because of your baby, get yourself a cup of warm milk as it will help you to relax and fulfil your hunger pangs too.
12. Walk Whenever You Can
This is the simplest and the most effective way of losing all that excess weight you have gained during your pregnancy.
Ditch the car and walk to the supermarket, the gym, the park or to the cinema. Walking inside and around your home while putting your little one to sleep will burn off more calories than you can think of.
13. Stay Away From Caffeine and Alcohol
If you have the habit of reaching out for a cup of coffee to fight sleep or to kill exhaustion, stop it now. It can prohibit you from losing weight and will affect your health too. Whatever your poison while at a party or relaxing at home, limit alcohol to a minimum if you are keen to shed those kilos you have gained. Opt for green tea or lime juice if you need a drink to refresh yourself.
14. Forget Eating Out
Stick to home-cooked food that is fresh and nutritious while you are on this journey to losing weight.
Restaurant food can be tempting but if you give into it, your weight-loss mission will surely go for a toss. Occasional treats are fine but eat at home to lose weight after delivery.
15. Do Not Lose Focus
It is not easy to stick to your task of losing weight with many distractions around you, but it is possible if you keep yourself motivated. Display your pre-pregnancy clothes where you can see it and motivate yourself to fit into it by doing what is needed.
When Will Your Body Get Back to Normal?
While there is no fixed period to return to your normal self after delivery, give yourself a timeline of six to nine months to reach your goal. However, remember that you have carried a baby inside you and your body may not look exactly as it did earlier. Make realistic and achievable goals and do not be too hard on yourself if the timelines aren’t met. Reset them and work again towards reaching the desired target.
Carrying a baby for nine months, giving birth to it and nourishing it into a healthy child is no mean feat and nor is losing all that excess weight. With clear focus, dedication and lots of motivation, you can lose weight and maintain it too, so go for it!
Also Read: How to Lose Weight After C-section Delivery Read more
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Copy of – Diwali Home Decoration On Your Mind? Try These 12 Ideas
One of the most-awaited festivals across the country, Diwali is almost here to light up our lives! Are you ready to be all decked up in your finery, gorge on plenty of sweets and treats, and of course, bring out your inner child with those firecrackers you’re longing to burst? Of course, you are!
Amidst all the preparation, you’re also sure to be thinking of some fun Diwali decoration ideas for your home – after all, you shouldn’t be the only one adorned for the festive season, right! Of course, it doesn’t make sense to break the bank to make your house look pretty just for a few days. Instead, try out these simple and inexpensive tips for Diwali decorations for your home and get your creativity flowing.
12 Diwali Decoration Ideas for Your Home
A couple of inexpensive purchases and a whole lot of DIY can make your house ready and gorgeous for all your impromptu visitors during the festival. Here are some simple ideas you can try out if you’re wondering how to decorate your home for Diwali:
1. Fairy Lights
This is first on our list because it’s actually a no-brainer! Fairy lights are quite cheap, but the array of colours they display makes them a versatile decoration piece. A couple of strings in different rooms and on the porch and your house will look well decorated for the festival! Apart from simply hanging them on the wall, you can also use them for other decorative purposes. Things like pinning photos on the strings to show off your favourite memories or jazzing up an old mirror can be done for Diwali, but these decorations can be extended for much longer too. Try finding battery-operated lights so that you’re not hunting for sockets at the last minute.
2. Hula Hoop Chandelier
Here’s an interesting combination to light up your house this festive season– a hula hoop and fairy lights! You can finally re-use the hula hoop that your kids have given up on and turn it into an exceptional decorative piece. All you need to do is wind the strings of fairy lights around the hula hoop and let the ends drop down. Hang the hula hoop covered with fairy lights in your living room and amaze your guests with this stylish chandelier.
3. The Evergreen Earthen Diyas
Diyas are synonymous with Diwali and make for beautiful and quaint decorations. Apart from lighting up every crevice of your home, you can also use them to elevate other decorations – such as floating them in a large decorative basin of water or giving an artistic touch to your rangoli designs. You can use acrylic paints and craft materials to design your diyas and make each one look like an individual masterpiece.
4. DIY Diyas
Apart from buying earthen diyas, you can also make your own diyas with materials from in and around the house. For example, use wheat flour (atta) to make some eco-friendly diyas! Add some water to a cup of wheat flour, knead the mixture into a dough, and let it rest for around 10 minutes. Make wicks out of wads of cotton in the meanwhile. Once the dough has rested and seems hard enough to hold its shape, use it to mould differently-shaped diyas and decorate them with paint (non-toxic paints are best to keep the eco-friendly factor intact!). Fill these diyas with melted wax and place the wicks in them. And there you have it, your very own homemade diyas! Just make sure that you make the diyas on the same day that you plan to use them so that they look good as new and last for a while.
5. Paper Decorations
The artistic creations that can be made from craft paper or even old newspapers and magazines cannot be underestimated! There is a wide range of possibilities when it comes to paper crafts, such as origami, quilling, paper mache, and others. These decorations are not just cost-effective, they’re also fun to make and can involve the kids ; turn it into a game so that they get really interested. Video tutorials are available aplenty for you to gather some inspiration and get your creative juices flowing!
6. Lanterns
You can opt for high-end, sophisticated, and fancy pieces or even fashion your own. The simplest way to make a pretty lantern would be to grab an empty box and decorate it with prints and patterns, carving out a hole for a diya or lamp to shine through. You could also opt for glass bottles with wide necks, big enough to push a lamp through (or a string of fairy lights as well!), and paint it in metallic colours for a grand look. Your little ones can learn to make Chinese paper lanterns and add to the artistry around your house; they’re sure to cherish the memory of getting involved in making homemade Diwali decorations!
7. Twine Lampshades
Twine lampshades have become quite the craze. These DIY lamps are incredibly easy to make and will add a glamorous look to your Diwali decorations. To make these lamps, all you need is a roll of twine or thick cotton thread, balloons, and glue. Dip the twine or cotton thread in glue, blow a few balloons, and wrap the glue-covered twine around the balloons. Once the glue dries, the twine will hold its shape, and you can burst the balloon. Paint these lampshades in different colours, place light bulbs within and light up your house with these cool lampshades.
8. Floral Decorations
Lights and flowers are two indispensable elements of Diwali. Flowers can be used in a variety of ways – be it as long strings that form a curtain, wall hangings, leaving them afloat in earthen or brass basins with water and candles, and so many other ways. You can also use or make paper flowers if you’re unable to find any flowers in your area. Flowers can also be used to decorate pieces of furniture, like mirrors or the edges of curtains. Add ribbons to flower garlands for some extra fun and flair. Making your own torans out of marigold flowers and mango leaves is another option.
9. Rangolis
Whether you’re making floral rangolis or coloured ones, they are fun to make, and your entire family will love taking part in this activity. For those who would like to get it done a little quicker, there are rangoli stencils available in the market that will definitely make your job easier and your rangoli neater.
10. Using Mason Jars
Mason jars are all the rage now with their fun shape and functionality . They provide a wide canvas for those who want to practise their painting skills as well! Simply decorate a couple of plain mason jars with cute prints and add in diyas or a tea light to make simple lanterns. Once Diwali is done, you will have decorated jars to pour your drinks into and spruce up your kitchen shelves!
11. Glass Bangle Candle Holders
An innovative DIY decoration idea for Diwali is glass bangles candle holders. When you buy colourful bangles to match with your outfit this Diwali, buy some extra bangles for this beautiful decorative piece. All you have to do is pick a few multi-coloured bangles, glue them one on top of the other in a cylindrical shape, and let them dry. Once dried, you can simply place lit candles or diyas inside and decorate your house with these colourful decorations.
12. Wealth out of Waste
You know those old scratched-up CDs sitting in the corner of your cupboard? Or that shell collection from when you went to the beach ages ago and haven’t had much use for generally? Or even those plastic bottles that you don’t throw away thinking that they may come of use? Well, this is the best time to use them! Make coasters or stands for your diyas with the CDs; use your shells to create a beautiful wall-hanging or decorate your side-tables. Paint plastic bottles in festive colours and place them around the house, or cut them up into long strips and string them together to make streamers. There are numerous things you can do with the things lying around your house, making it both a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution!
How simple are these tips for homemade Diwali decorations? These will keep you occupied and bring out your inner artist while getting your kids involved in the fun too – a de’light’ful way to celebrate Diwali, indeed!
Also Read: Facts About Diwali for Kids
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Say BYE-BYE to Cystic Acne
Your concerns about how to prevent cystic acne have their answers in timeless home remedies, prescriptions from dermatologists and few positive lifestyle changes. Instead of getting perturbed, simply adopt these tips and treatments for cystic acne today. Once there, remember to say 'hello' to a more radiant you.
Cystic acne, or underground zits as they are commonly called, are those ‘bad’ eruptions that make you say “why me?” Even when you use high-quality skin care products and try everything to keep acne at bay, these red demons still pop. Peep into what cystic acne is, their causes, and ways of getting rid of them without irritating your sensitive skin.
How to Prevent Cystic Acne the Right Way
1. What is Cystic Acne?
Deeply embedded within your skin, cystic acne is an infection where large-sized, painful, fluid-filled cysts are formed in the underlying layers. Different from normal acne, they are often tough to cure and leave behind skin blemishes. It’s best to leave these alone, as aggravation through popping, needling or skin tampering lead to more concerning conditions.
2. Cystic Acne Causes
Often attributed to bad eating habits, cystic acne can be caused due to over-consumption of dairy products, fried stuff, or high calorie meals. These foods cause inflammation impacting the natural skin balance. They may form when oil ducts located deep inside the skin get infected; or if your hormones go haywire because of pregnancy, menstrual cycles, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome. In youngsters, cystic acne may be genetic or caused by higher levels of androgen leading to clogged pores and excessive oil on the skin.
3. Treatment for Cystic Acne
Home remedies for cystic acne are effective, aiding in alleviating pain and infection in simpler cases. But, the help of dermatologists should be sought in more advanced cases or when permanent scarring becomes a risk. Generally, cystic acne cure is precautionary and requires certain lifestyle changes; especially in your diet. We know it’s not easy, but try cutting back on glycemic foods, dairy products, pasta, sugar, bread, fried treats, etc.
4. Impressive Cystic Acne Home Remedy
Want to tackle cystic acne the traditional way? Whether it's about getting rid of cystic acne on the chin, forehead, or any other area, certain home remedies help with their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. For instance, you may apply a thin paste of baking soda or a small quantity of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on the affected areas. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil also help in treating them, naturally.
5. Medical Treatment and Over-The-Counter Remedies
We know that you'll do anything to keep cystic acne at bay, but if your skin doesn't respond to home remedies or basic medications, you may want to consult your dermatologist. The doctor would recommend antibiotics, prescription-strength creams, gels with retinoid, birth-control pills, Isotretinoin or Accutane that fights the causes of cystic acne. You'll be pleasantly surprised when your skin starts reacting positively to any of these medications; just keep continuing the good work!
Still wondering how to get rid of cystic acne overnight? Relax, eat well, sleep well and laugh a lot— and your cystic acne will soon vanish on the double. It’s just another type of acne and you shouldn't be stressing yourself at all! Read more
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Pasta and Bean Soup
This dish has its origins from the Mediterranean realm. It is a type of pot meal dish that can become the perfect go-to option on a chilly winter evening. This wholesome soup goes well with simple bread or garlic bread and a little bit of cheese. It is also ideal for people who are on the lookout for low fat recipes that are quick to conjure. Also, its as kid-approved as it can get.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
6 People
10-15 Minutes
20-25 Minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups onions, chopped
2/3 cup carrot, chopped
2/3 cup celery, chopped
4 cups water
2 cups white beans, cooked (3/4 cup cooking liquid should be reserved)
1 large tomato, seeded, finely chopped
1 cup small pasta (such as farfalline or macaroni)
1/3 cup spring onions, chopped
Method
Step 1
Add about 2 tbsps of olive oil in heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the chopped onions, carrot, and celery and sauté for 10-12 minutes or until all vegetables are soft.
Step 3
Add 4 of cups water, cooked beans with the reserved cooking liquid and tomato. Bring to a simmer over low heat.
Step 4
Reduce flame to low and let the soup simmer for 20 - 25 mins to let the flavours blend. Keep stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Mix in pasta and bring it to a boil. Cook until pasta becomes just tender but still firm to bite.
Step 6
Add more water to the soup, if you feel that the soup turns out to be a little thick. Ideally, this soup should have a runny consistency.
Step 7
Keep the soup for about 10 - 15 min and lastly season with salt and pepper.
Step 8
Pour soup into bowls and sprinkle chopped onion greens.
Step 9
Serve hot with toasted bread pieces.
Nutritional Information
Calories
330 Kcal
Proteins
18.1 g
Fat
5.6 g
Carbohydrates
54.4 g
Cholesterol
10 mg
Sodium
37 mg
Potassium
1432 mg
Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. I used prega news pt kit. first I got the faint line. and day after tomorrow, another time I used prega news pt kit but I got negative. what does it mean? whether I am pregnant or not?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I think it’s better that you have a sonography with your doctor because this way even I cannot suggest you because you’ve got both the test so how can we sure about what the result is going to be going to be for you to check with your doctor regarding this as sonography can actually clear the picture for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
what does it mean if a faint line was followed by negative line?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Saint Line usually means positive only but for further more if you want to go ahead with a clarity on that then you can get a beta HCG on an ultrasound with your doctor because one line is usually visible and second is faint right so it is positive
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. the product didn't received today
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
38 mins ago
A. Hello mam, please check the track the order section. You may get help from Fc wiz. The reason for delay in delivery can be provided.
Rayan has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. my product didn't received today
Rayan
Mom of 2 children
40 mins ago
A. Hello, Check the status of the product on the page you have placed the order.
If the delivery date is crossed, you may check your SMS in your firstcry registered mobile number.Delay in delivery date reason may be sent by Firstcry team.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
47 mins ago
Q. hello,
Mera pregnancy ka 9th month 1 hfte me complete ho jaega jb se 9th month start hua hai mujhe 2 bar labour pain jaisa pain feel hua but wo kuch hi time baad shi ho gya. iss condition me kya mujhe kya krna chahiye?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
30 mins ago
A. aapko Apne doctor se jaanch karva lijiye aur advise follow kijiye. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
42 mins ago
Q. Mera pregnancy ka 9th month 1 hfte me complete ho rha hai lekin 9th month start hote hi abhi tk 2 bar labour pain jaisa feel hua hai but wo kuch time baad khud hi theek ho jata hai aisi condition me mujhe kya krna chahiye?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
29 mins ago
A. Shayad false pains ho sakte hain jaanch karvani hogi. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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