by Dawn Rutt

Created on: August 01, 2010   Last Updated: August 02, 2010

Along with your first born may have come several surprises…you may not have realized how much newborns pooped, you may not have anticipated how painful breastfeeding would be and you may not have expected to still look pregnant when you walked out of the hospital.

For those first few month, feeling sexy is probably the last thing on your mind. You’re up to your neck in diapers and stained onesies. Maybe your nipples are cracked and sore and you can’t remember the last time you combed your hair or brushed your teeth. Maybe you find yourself living in sweat pants, eagerly awaiting the baby’s next nap so you cab lay down too. Somewhere at the back of your foggy mind, you know that you’ll want to have sex with your husband again. But you don’t like what you see in the mirror. While your husband may claim that he loves you as you are, you know that you’re not comfortable with your new body.

Normally small breasts are suddenly huge from breast feeding. But they seem to be constantly leaking milk.  You can’t get into your jeans and your belly, if not firm, it was at least less…jiggly. Like jello. Pregnancy can even make your face chubbier than it had been. It’s hard to recognize yourself. You’re now realizing that you are paying for all the ice cream that you had craved while pregnant. You know you’re going to have to do something about it. You’re just so tired.

So, you bought bigger jeans and avoided the scale and your reflection. And life went on.

For awhile. But it didn’t take long for you to realize that if you wanted to feel better about yourself, you’re going to have to do something.

So, how about starting with your diet?

Diet

Research has proved that all the “trend” diets, like Atkins and no-carb can be hard to stick to. Moderation and balance are key. According to the Wellness Foundation, there are a few important things to keep in mind when eating healthy:
    
    1.     Eat a lot of fiber rich foods, they make you feel full faster and are full of vitamins and other essential nutrients.
    2.     Add green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables to your diet, such as broccoli, carrots and cantaloupe.
    3.     Obviously, limit your intake of sugary foods.
    4.     Cut down on animal fats. Choose lean meats and poultry.

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