-Why is baby weight so hard to lose?

Many women nurse after child birth. Weight loss experts suggest that they should cut calories to lose weight. Unfortunately, milk production diminishes with a lower calorie intake so nursing postpartum women cannot reduce their calorie intake.

-What are common mistakes women make when trying to lose baby weight?

Women are too hard on themselves and want to lose the weight ASAP. A steady gradual weight loss is the key so that fat mass rather than muscle mass is lost.

-What are 1-3 specific tips for women trying to lose baby weight?

1) Walk with you baby to burn calories (either carrying your baby or taking it on a stroller walk).

2) Women should find other postpartum moms in the area and form a group that holds each other accountable to exercise and eat healthy.

-What are some things within your control that can impact postpartum weight loss?

1) Getting in daily exercise

2) Eating healthy

-What are some things outside your control that can impact postpartum weight loss, and when should you talk to your doctor?

1) Shoulder or neck pain from carrying the baby during the day could make one want to avoid exercise. This would inevitably make weight loss difficult.

2) Women who are bloating (carrying extra water weight) should consult a physician. Such a scenario may require medication and could make weight loss difficult.

Are you ready to #finishitwithfinishfit?

Did you know that more than 98% of all diets fail? Most people think it’s their own fault, that they did something wrong, that they simply weren’t good dieters. But the truth is, almost all diets fail because they’re incorrectly designed in the first place. Believe it or not, your actual body weight is irrelevant and misleading. The true indicator of successful body weight management is body composition. That’s the ratio between your percentage of lean body mass and percentage of body fat. Body composition is used by athletes, coaches, and fitness professionals as the true measure of weight management, athletic performance, and overall health and fitness.

So, the key to successful weight management is knowing the difference between weight loss and fat loss. Here’s why this difference is so important. When a person loses 20 pounds on a conventional low-calorie diet, the weight loss is mostly lean mass. This loss of healthy tissue is harmful. A restricted-calorie diet also harms the body in other ways. It slows your metabolism, creates hormonal imbalances, compromises the immune system, and upsets the central nervous system. Remember, the human body does not understand the concept of dieting. What it correctly perceives is starvation. So again, the key to credible, long-term weight management is understanding the difference between weight loss and fat loss.

Most diets and commercial weight loss centers would like you to believe that fat can be starved off your body. The fact is, it can’t. Here’s what you should know about body fat and weight management. Fat is stored energy. In a sense, it’s your body’s reserve fuel tank. However, when your body runs out of fuel on a low-calorie or restricted-calorie diet, it does not tap into its precious fat stores. Instead, it quickly and efficiently converts healthy, lean mass into carbohydrate for its immediate energy requirements. This is why restricted calorie dieting is so dangerous. Without enough fuel, the body will actually feed upon itself.

Next, fat requires oxygen to be burned, and the quickest, most efficient way to get oxygen into your body is through exercise. This is where fitness professionals can provide guidance in maximizing your body’s potential to burn fat.

Will you Finish It With Finish Fit®?

#1 Don’t Skip Breakfast

The morning meal jump starts your metabolism and helps to prevent bingeing later in the day. A cup of coffee does not count – the caffeine and added sugar may give you a bit of energy and suppress your appetite for a little while it is sure to back fire into severe hunger and you will be more likely to overeat later. Breakfast should include complex carbohydrates like whole grain (granola or oatmeal), along with some protein and fat (low-fat yogurt or milk), will keep your energy levels even and hunger in check.

#2 Eat more often

Get into the habit of eating every three to four hours or at least four times a day. Eating frequently stabilizes blood sugar, when blood sugar drops too low you want to eat…a lot. By keeping your blood sugar stable you can control your appetite and keep you metabolic rate high. When you go many hours without eating your body will compensate by slowing down to conserve energy…this effect hurts your weight loss efforts.

#3 Eat protein at every meal

Protein will help to reduce your appetite, it takes more energy and time to digest, in effect you feel full longer than eating carbohydrates alone. Research shows that eating more protein can help you lose weight without cutting calories. Try these protein possibilities: turkey on whole wheat; hummus and pita; vegetarian chili; fruit and nuts; or protein snack bars that contain 12 or more grams of protein.

#4 Hold off on snacking

Many of us grab a snack for quick energy when we are feeling tired. But do not confuse true hunger with fatigue. If you are feeling tired go for a 15-20 minute brisk walk. This will raise your heart rate and give you a boost of energy. Follow it up with a large glass of cool water. If you are truly hungry have a protein and complex carbohydrate rich snack like; whole wheat crackers and peanut butter or cheese.

#5 Consume enough for your body’s needs

Eating too little slows your body’s metabolism the same way eating to infrequently does. If you want to lose weight, do not slash your calories too drastically. Instead, cut out some of the extras in your diet – things like soda, juice, packaged goods or candy. Processed foods tend to be high in fat and calories and low in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

#6 Do strength training at least 3X/Week.

By doing strength training at least 3X/Week you will increase your muscle mass (the body’s engine) which in turn will help burn calories at rest. This will help boost your metabolism and aid in fat loss.