post pregnancy

Dear Pooja,
I am a 33-year-old woman. I have two children — while my first born was a normal delivery, i had a C-section for my second one. However, both were premature babies, born at just seven months. After my deliveries, I started gaining weight and from 60kgs, I reached 76kgs. I admit I do not have healthy eating habits — irratic timings and junk food are to blame. This has caused health problems like high cholesterol, spondylitis, spine problems and fatigue. I’ve finally reached a point where I want to follow a healthy diet and lose weight. What foods should I eat and what should I absolutely avoid? Please help.

Aaliya just so many of us women forget all about our body and its needs when motherhood dawns on us that we wake up just when too many alarms signs are screaming in our face- diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and the list can be long. Maternal fat does not have to be eternal. We must realize that by ignoring our health and nutrition it will take a toll on the health of the whole family. Only a women that has a good diet can have good energy levels, good moods, less pms, better memory, more patience and understanding, better multi-tasking, more alertness and isn’t that what we women are all about? Family, children, work and the many relationships we marry are all before us, but don’t put them before your health. Post delivery focus on basic good nutrition and exercise. Anyways it’s never too late. Do get in touch with a good nutritionist so that she can plan a healthy weight loss diet keeping all your health parameters in mind. Sadly I wont be able to do the same through this space.

Pooja Makhija, 37, nutritionist, columnist

Mother of Ahaana, 10 and Amaira, 7 The toughest thing about being a mother: Constantly trying to be a better one. When you’re a working mother, you feel guilty. So you try harder and pack more in, and that’s something I always find challenging.Also, battling with guilt is a tough task. At work, you are worrying about your kids and when you are with your kids, you’re stressed about work. But, in the end, guilt makes you work harder and magically makes things work.

Mantra to staying fit post childbirth: Eating right and exercising. There’s no magic wand or simple formula.

My fitness regimen: Right now, I am focusing on strengthening and toning my muscles. Post-pregnancy, you are left with a lot of loose muscles. I do core strengthening, ab exercises, mix of pilates with exercise-ball, plank and resistance-band workouts three times a week.

Five must-have foods post childbirth: Have good protein like egg whites. Wheatgrass juice is a must. Carbs are not your enemy; if you avoid them to l o s e weight, you won’t have the energy to take care of your baby. Fats are not your enemy either.Have healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds, almonds and fish.Take supple Take supplements if you don’t eat these on a daily basis.Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables because they are loaded with disease-fighting and anti-aging antioxidants.

Foods to avoid: Foods high in sugar and fat. Whatever unhealthy stuff you eat is passed on to the baby because breastmilk is the only source of nutrition for them.

Foods to retain good skin and hair: Vegetable juice works wonders. Toss three different raw veggies in a blender (not juicer), season and drink. Avoid excess sugar, it’s an aging food. Eat egg whites for good hair.

Dealing with hormonal changes: Razor-sharp focus keeps my mind stay strong. Raising my kids well is my final goal and I try not to get distracted.

Inculcating good eating habits in children: Instead of force feeding them, try to use informative tools.

Deliver logic with love in a language that they under stand. For exam ple, I often tell my daughters what to eat if they want their hair to grow as long as Rapunzel’s.

They relate to what I say.

My comfort food: A big slice of chilled, baked Philadelphia Blueberry cheesecake.

It’s my ultimate indulgence.

My favourite work out music: Any hot Bollywood track; I am too filmi.

My fitness icon: My husband, Ravi. He’s a fitness freak. Earlier, I’d only focus on eating right but post-pregnancy, I’ve incorporated his way as well, which is more exercise-friendly.

Post pregnancy weight loss – help me!

“VEGETABLE JUICES WORK WONDERS FOR A MOTHER“

Mantra to staying fit post childbirth: Eating right and exercising. There’s no magic wand or simple formula.

My fitness regimen: Right now, I am focusing on strengthening and toning my muscles. Post-pregnancy, you are left with a lot of loose muscles. I do core strengthening, ab exercises, mix of pilates with exercise-ball, plank and resistance-band workouts three times a week.

Foods to avoid: Foods high in sugar and fat. Whatever unhealthy stuff you eat is passed on to the baby because breastmilk is the only source of nutrition for them.

Foods to retain good skin and hair: Vegetable juice works wonders. Toss three different raw veggies in a blender (not juicer), season and drink. Avoid excess sugar, it’s an aging food. Eat egg whites for good hair.

Dealing with hormonal changes: Razor-sharp focus keeps my mind stay strong. Raising my kids well is my final goal and I try not to get distracted.

Inculcating good eating habits in children: Instead of force feeding them, try to use informative tools.

Deliver logic with love in a language that they under stand. For exam ple, I often tell my daughters what to eat if they want their hair to grow as long as Rapunzel’s.

They relate to what I say.

My comfort food: A big slice of chilled, baked Philadelphia Blueberry cheesecake.

It’s my ultimate indulgence.

My favourite work out music: Any hot Bollywood track; I am too filmi.

My fitness icon: My husband, Ravi. He’s a fitness freak. Earlier, I’d only focus on eating right but post-pregnancy, I’ve incorporated his way as well, which is more exercise-friendly.