Childbirth is one most beautiful and unique experiences a woman can go through. It is also one of the most physically demanding. The human body was designed to carry and deliver a baby, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Excess weight gain during pregnancy is typical, and it’s not always easy to lose that weight postpartum. Around 75% of women struggle to lose weight roughly one year after giving birth.
There are a lot of different factors that can contribute to postpartum weight retention, such as:
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of sleep
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
If you want to lose weight postpartum, you can use some help. Many great apps can help you track your calorie intake and find new and effective workouts.
Here are some of the best apps for postpartum weight loss.
How Much Should You Exercise Postpartum?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: How much should you exercise postpartum?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women who have undergone a vaginal delivery should avoid high-impact exercise for the first few weeks postpartum.
That gives your body time to heal and recover from the demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
After that, you can gradually increase the intensity and frequency of your workouts. ACOG recommends that women who have had a cesarean section (C-section) should wait at least 12 weeks before resuming high-impact exercise.
Of course, every woman’s body is different, so it’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you’re feeling pain or discomfort, stop and consult with your doctor.
How Effective Is an App for Weight Loss After Pregnancy?
Now let’s talk about whether or not apps can help you lose weight postpartum. Or lose weight at all in the long run?
You probably know about a famous 2014 study suggesting that apps are as useful as a “weight loss
On the other hand, in last year’s study of over 24,000 app users, all overweight users lost 5% of their weight within two months of using the app.
What can we conclude? Apps can help you lose weight, but you can’t rely on them 100% to achieve your weight loss goals. The heavy-lifting still has to be done by you.
Best Postpartum Apps for Weight Loss
Now that we know apps can help with postpartum weight loss let’s look at some of the best ones.
Lose It!
Lose It! is an excellent app for calorie counting and weight loss. It helps you chart food intake, document exercise, and set clear, achievable weight loss goals.
The app also has a comprehensive database of foods, so it's easy to track everything you eat.
While these functions may seem pretty basic, the simplicity makes Lose It! so effective. The app is also highly customizable, so you can make it work for your specific needs and goals.
MyFitnessPal
Do you want to cut back on carbs in your diet? Check. Do you want to track your calorie intake? Check.
And do you want a workout app to give personalized recommendations based on your fitness level? Yup, check again.
My Fitness Pal is an excellent workout app for postpartum women. It has a massive database of workouts to find something perfect for your fitness level and goals.
The best thing about the app? Anyone can use it. According to a 2019 study published in Nutrition Magazine, 80% of MFP users are impressed with the app's ease of use.
Aaptiv
Do you simply want an app that will give you what you need to get in shape postpartum?
No problem.
Aaptiv is a great workout app for postpartum women who want to get in shape without spending money. You have a month-long free trial period to access all of the app's features.
Aaptiv has a wide range of workouts, from strength training to HIIT to yoga. Just download the app, put your headphones in, and let the app guide your workouts.
Huckleberry
Are you struggling to get enough sleep postpartum? Postpartum insomnia is a real issue that affects millions of women every year.
Sleep affects your weight loss goals in two ways. First, when you're sleep-deprived, you're more likely to make poor food choices. Second, lack of sleep can increase the stress hormone cortisol levels, leading to weight gain.
Huckleberry is an excellent sleep app that can help you get the rest you need. It ensures that you and your child are on the proper sleep schedule and that you're getting enough rest.
The app has great features, like one-touch tracking for sleep, notifications, reminders, and sleep summary reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Fastest Way to Lose Weight After Pregnancy?
The best way to lose weight postpartum is gradual. You should not try to lose more than 1-2 pounds weekly.
How Do I Lose My Postpartum Weight?
The best way to lose postpartum weight is through a combination of a healthy diet and moderate exercise.
How Do You Lose Stubborn Weight After Pregnancy?
If you’re struggling to lose stubborn weight after pregnancy, consider adding more protein to your diet and increasing your exercise intensity.
What Can a Nursing Mother Do to Lose Weight?
If you’re nursing, you can try to lose weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can also try pumping breast milk and using a hands-free pumping bra to help you lose weight.
Closing Thoughts
Postpartum weight loss can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier. Consider using an app to help you track your progress and meet your goals. And keep in mind, that you don’t want to shed too much weight after childbirth.
No matter what your favorite celebrity told you, getting back to your pre-baby shape in a matter of weeks isn’t healthy. Focus on losing weight gradually and being patient with your body.
Above all, don’t forget to enjoy this special time with your new baby. The weight will come off eventually!
Kate has a wealth of knowledge about food and nutrition, and she competed as a bodybuilder for over 10 years.
She is an avid skier and mountain biker, and she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends.
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