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| Look for opportunities to be active outside. |
A new study out today found that new moms eat more unhealthy foods and exercise less compared to their childless counterparts.
According to the study, mothers ate more fatty foods and drank about seven sugary drinks weekly, versus about four among childless women. Moms got on average a little more than two hours of at least moderate activity weekly compared to three hours weekly among women without childern. Mothers also had a slightly higher average body-mass index than childless women — 27 versus 26. Healthy BMIs are in the 19-24 range.
"This isn't a study about blame," said co-author Jerica Berge, a University of Minnesota researcher, in an MSNBC article. "This is about identifying ... a very high-risk time period" for parents that doctors should be aware of so they can offer solutions, she said.
Denice Taylor, registered dietitian at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, said although new mothers are extremely busy there are a few things they can do to combat unhealthy habits. When it comes to diet, try to plan in advance. Have food in the fridge and in the pantry for fast and healthy meals and snacks. Keep raw, cut-up fruits and veggies or cheese sticks ready to grab on the go.
Also look for any opportunity to be active with young children, whether that’s stroller walking, going to the park, or any activity that both the mother and child like to do.
“The physical activity part is so important,” Denice said. “Getting out and moving can take the place of mindless eating and constant snacking or grazing.”
Many hospitals offer postpartum fitness classes, including many Texas Health hospitals. Check with the hospital you delivered in for more information.
OK I saw this on the News today and I as a new mother to a 3 month old can actually say OF COURSE our waistline is affected by having a baby we just had to gain 30 pounds and if you were like me I ate whatever my body was craving from salads to burgers, but now I watch what I eat and I go to the Gym Everyday. That said I think it is false I don't think new mothers eat badly or get out less, I think honestly that the reason that MAYBE the BMI is higher is trying to lose all that baby fat so it took 9 months to gain it all and it will take 12 months to lose it all. Also I think Just saying mothers is absoutly wrong Daddys eat worse than moms do but what about a baby that is sick and you can't get out, I just think its just wrong to say this thats just me though. Now with that said also mothers who have toddlers absoulty have no exuse one they are more active and two they can eat what you eat so if you eat healthy so will your children. Set the example so to speak. I just don't want this to be an attack on new mothers as being one I feel I try my hardest to eat right and stay in shape but its not easy I was a size 4 pre-pregnancy and Im at a size 8-9 due to my hips and some unwanted baby belly bulge, but yes due to the "standards" Im considered overweight that is totally outrageous I just had a baby give us a little break and leaneage to go by, We are busy feeding, changing, rocking, and playing with baby quick meals aren't always the best so it takes alot of work to eat right these days, but if my Grandmother, Mother could do it so can we, don't be a lazy new mother but also the World sets Way too high of expectations these days and need to give us just a little bit of break, I would rather lose this weight a smart way than not eating or taking diet pills and news like this sends some new mothers to do so. I know its not you thats saying this but seriously Im not so sure why the media has to reflect so badly on new mothers WE DO THE BEST WE CAN with what is given to us. Thank You and I enjoyed reading it, and I liked hearing on the news the different opinions.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Wilburn-Chellman
New Mommy to a beautiful baby boy Gavin-3 months old.