Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Here is something I found for after you have baby. This applies to even those of us with babies a yr or so old.


How Much Should You Weigh Now?
Now that baby’s here, you’ve probably discovered that your pregnancy has caused a lot of changes in both your body weight and proportions, and you’re probably very anxious to get back your pre-pregnancy shape. While that’s a commendable notion, bear in mind that it took 9 months to gain the weight so don’t expect to lose it in just a few weeks. (Also, if you plan to
nurse your baby, remember that dieting isn’t recommended.) A gradual weight loss combined with a moderate exercise program is the best way to ensure long-term success. Here are some tips on setting and achieving realistic goals:

Slim snacks will help you keep your weight in check. A sectioned orange sprinkled with 1 tablespoon of coconut only has 2 grams of fat and 83 calories, and 25 thin 2 1/4-inch pretzels have just 48 calories and no fat.
An honest appraisalTo get a rough estimate of what you should weigh, take a look at the following chart which lists recommended weight ranges based on height and age. Or, another way to estimate your ideal body weight to within 10 percent either way, is to figure 100 pounds for 5 feet in height and add 5 pounds for each inch over 5 feet tall. For example, if you’re 5 feet 7 inches tall, your ideal weight will be: 135 pounds [100 pounds + (5 pounds x 7) = 135 pounds]. For more specifics, talk to your health-care provider about realistic weight goals for you.
Take it slowIn getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight, a gradual, steady weight loss is preferable to a quick drop. Consider 1/2 pound loss per week as good progress.
How many calories each day?To estimate how many calories you can consume each day and still lose weight, multiply your current weight by 13 if your activity level is moderate. This is the number of calories you need to maintain your current weight. To lose about 1 pound each week, you’ll need to cut 500 calories each day. For example, a mom who is only slightly active and weighs 135 pounds would need to reduce her calories to:
135 pounds X 13 = 1,755 calories daily
-500 calories
1,255 calories daily
A healthful diet planThe same well-balanced diet you ate while pregnant will do just fine right now. Cut back on some portion sizes, but don’t eliminate complete food groups, such as dairy foods, breads, or protein sources. Foods that contain calories, but little or no nutrition, such as fats, sweets, and alcohol should be the first to go. Breastfeeding moms, in particular, need to stick with a nutritious diet, and in no way should undertake a crash diet.
Exercise helps, tooAlthough time is at a premium with a new baby, it’s important to try to get some type of exercise at least a few times each week. Walking your baby in the stroller is a great idea, and will help restore your own energy levels. Exercise classes geared for new moms might also be available in your community. Your pre-pregnancy fitness level will partially determine how much exercise you can comfortably handle. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or biking, coupled with toning exercise, such as working out with light weights, will help you lose weight and regain muscle tone.
Relax and enjoyTaking care of a new baby can seem overwhelming and exhausting at times, and it’s easy to overeat when you’re tired. But instead of nibbling on high-calorie, high-fat items, treat yourself to nonfood indulgences, such as a few minutes of meditation, a warm bath, or painting your toenails. Simple rewards like these will help you relax and fit back into those clothes more quickly.
Weights at ages 25-59 based on lowest mortalityWeight in pounds according to frame (in indoor clothing weighing 3 pounds; shoes with 1-inch heels)
Height and Weight Chart
HeightFeet Inches
SmallFrame
MediumFrame
LargeFrame
4'10"
102-111
109-121
118-131
4'11"
103-113
111-123
120-134
5'0"
104-115
113-126
122-137
5'1"
106-118
115-129
125-140
5'2"
108-121
118-132
128-143
5'3"
111-124
121-135
131-147
5'4"
114-127
124-138
134-151
5'5"
117-130
127-141
137-155
5'6"
120-133
130-144
140-159
5'7"
123-136
133-147
143-163
5'8"
126-139
136-150
146-167
5'9"
129-142
139-153
149-170
5'10"
132-145
142-156
152-173
5'11"
135-148
145-159
155-176
6'0"
138-151
148-162
158-179
*Chart made available courtesy of Metropolitian Life Insurance Company Statistical Bulletin.

2 comments:

Brittney said...

I love this article! I love the tip on enjoying a non food treat such as a bubble bath or what not. Where do you find all this stuff?

The Morton Family said...

I don't know where I find everything. I google stuff, and most of it comes to me!
I just read things that I think most of us need, or some of us.
I know half of us are having, or had children within the past year or so.
Hope you are doing okay!
Hugs!