Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Share with us your natural post pregnancy weight loss tips.
Ms. Nazanin Afshin-Jam:
I gained 55 lbs. in my first pregnancy with my son Kian and 35 lbs. with my daughter Valentia. I was told by some of my friends that I would not lose the “last 5 lbs.”, but funny enough I have lost all the weight and then some. I am probably losing more calories than ever before because carrying around a baby all day long, up and down stairs multiple times, strolling around the neighbourhood as well as chasing a very active 3-year old (who thinks he is a ninja turtle) takes a lot of energy and so the weight sheds away naturally. Although I personally have not tried, but there are many mom-and-tot classes available to the public where one can incorporate their baby into their exercise routine. There are also many gyms like the YMCA that offer free babysitting while you work out.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Bringing up children can take a toll on your health, how have you been able to balance your health and take care of your children?
Ms. Nazanin Afshin-Jam:
Having a baby naturally takes a toll on your body. One needs to replace all nutrients and energy spent to repair the body and to replace calories devoted to breastfeeding. I breastfed my son until age 2 and I am still nursing my 1 year old daughter. I have never been a “calorie counter” and I don’t have any “secrets” per say. I listen to my body and eat when I am hungry throughout the day, and I stop when my body is satiated. I don’t restrict deserts as I find when I restrict anything I think and crave it more. Other than a balanced diet, I try to add Omega oils and Kefir in my diet. One thing I am guilty of is trying to finish up my children’s leftovers which in certain circumstances can be unhealthy if done regularly especially when travelling and eating ready-made and or processed foods like chicken fingers, pizza, pasta, peanut butter sandwiches…
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What are your fitness goals post pregnancy?
Ms. Nazanin Afshin-Jam:
While my arm strength is unmatched as I carry my baby a lot and do not use any carriers, I must say I have lost a lot of muscle tone elsewhere that I would like to strengthen again through weight training. With the strains of motherhood I feel my muscles are a lot more tense and would like to try Pilates for the first time in my life to help with stretching, toning and strengthening my core. These are some of my short-term fitness goals. When I am finished with the early stages of raising my kids I have a secret dream of competing in a fitness competition. I am now in my late 30’s and I would like to give myself this goal so that I can work hard towards it and be the healthiest and fittest I have ever been in my life. I think by doing this I will also serve as an example to my own children on the importance of envisioning a goal and working hard to fulfill it.
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