Rachel Peters recently took to Instagram to post several photos showing how she has lost weight from two months after gaving birth in October 2021 to eight months postpartum.
But the beauty pageant queen, who represented the Philippines in Miss Universe 2017, made a clarification in the caption: "Not a post about bouncing back (because I don’t think that’s any mums priority) but to give credit where credit is due."
She went on thanking her fitness trainer Pat Gatus and the health and fitness community Rebel "for getting me moving and feeling like myself again!"
The now much slimmer mom of one added, "I’m pretty freakin’ proud of myself but beyond the physical changes, working with coach Pat has done so much more for my mental health, so If you’ve been thinking about looking for a coach to guide you on your fitness journey- this is your sign!"
Rachel, whose daughter with husband Migz Villafuerte is almost nine months old, disclosed the real reason for her weight loss: "I workout not with the goal of going back to my pre pregnancy weight or measurements but to be the healthiest, strongest (necessary cuz Kaia is getting heavy!!!) version of myself for my daughter."
She pointed out, "It’s really all about consistency and having a coach plus a schedule to hold you accountable has been the key for me." Plus: "Being able to fit into some of my clothes again has also been motivation because I hate spending money hahaha!"
Postpartum weight loss
Ob-gyn Dr. Connie Alfiler said, in an article on postpartum weight loss published by Smart Parenting, that "breastfeeding really is the number one way to shed pounds." She explained, "Because it uses up the reserved food stores or fats (gained) during pregnancy.“
In addition to burning an extra 500 calories, breastfeeding releases hormones that enable your uterus to return to its normal size.
For new moms planning on exercising again, Dr. Alfiler's advice is to wait six weeks before working out to lose weight. This gives the body time to recover faster.
But go ahead with Kegels exercises that can tighten pelvic muscles and prevent urinary incontinence. Likewise safe and necessary to do are pelvic tilts and leg slides, as long as you practice caution.
As for post-partum diets, the expert's recommendations are:
- High-fiber
- Vitamin-rich
- Low in fat, but not fat-free
- Avoid coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks
- Drink plenty of water to help facilitate the melting of fat in the body
Don't forget proper sleep, too, and be patient.
Read also: Postpartum Recovery and Care Tips
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