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It’s 2016 can you believe it? With the New Year comes a long list of resolutions. The most common resolution is weight loss, but as a mother of two, I know that postpartum weight loss is a completely different ball game. Postpartum weight loss is a unique situation, because during the time following childbirth your hormones are fluctuating. If you are breastfeeding your body naturally produces prolactin, which promotes milk production and can delay ovulation. Ovulation produces progesterone in women who are not pregnant, and so a woman who is not ovulating typically has low levels of progesterone. A breastfeeding woman also has low testosterone levels. Progesterone and testosterone are fat burning hormones, where as prolactin is fat storing. This hormone imbalance makes it difficult to loose weight following childbirth and during breastfeeding. While eating the appropriate amount of calories for breastfeeding, it may take more time for your body to begin burning fat due to the hormones you are producing. Additionally, stress can increase prolactin levels. The transition of becoming a new mother is naturally stressful, and it is essential that you treat postpartum weight loss with kindness, love and understanding. You just grew a human and it is not an accomplishment that should be over looked. Setting a healthy example of body image is imperative for your self-esteem and that of your children. I recommend that new mothers get healthy on the inside first, and not with fad diets or extreme workouts. Simply meeting your nutritional needs through supplementation will set the stage for natural postpartum weight loss. Adding nutrients like magnesium, fish oil, probiotics, milk thistle, and vitamin B12 into your health regimen will set the stage for weight loss and provide energy, metabolism & hormone support, better digestion, ultimate liver function, and much more. Magnesium: Helps regulate carbohydrate metabolism, preventing you from storing excess sugars as fat.  Milk Thistle: Supports liver function ands helps your body detox. Toxins that your liver is unable to remove from your body get stored in fat cells.  Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega: Omega 3 fatty acids support metabolism and body composition making it one of the most aggressive starting points for improving your health and managing your weight.  Dr. Formulated Probiotics Fitbiotic: Provides you with specific strains of bacteria that target fat cells, boost metabolism, and aid digestive & elimination processes. An easily digested fiber keeps you feeling full throughout the day and stabilizes blood sugar levels.  Country Life Coenzyme B-Complex Advanced: B Vitamins increase energy by helping your body make oxygen rich red blood cells and by supporting the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein for fuel. Eat Fat to Lose Weight: Fats have had a bad reputation, and for years the media and modern medicine have been trouncing fats as being bad for your heart and your waistline. Sadly this idea has been accepted by many people without knowledge, scientific fact, or understanding behind the body’s true need for fat. Essential fatty acids are necessary for absorption of vitamins A, D, E & K, as well as maintenance of skin & hair, and proper cell function. When a chemical or toxin enters the body, the body naturally attempts to equalize it by storing it in adipose (fat) tissue. If you are consuming or exposed to high levels of chemicals or toxins over time they can potentially lead to disease. Fats are vital components of a healthy diet. Knowing sources of good fats will help you to make more informed decisions about your health. Good fats will help boost metabolism and nourish the nervous system. Meals that contain healthy fats leave you feeling full and satisfied. As the truth about detrimental vegetable oils and processed sugars is now being reported, many doctors and nutritionists are supporting the fact that your body should not be restricted from consuming healthy fats from sources like coconut oil, avocados, olives, and raw nuts.  Coconut oil: This amazing saturated fat is composed of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). The MCTs in Coconut oil are easily metabolized by the liver and turned into an immediate source of energy. Rarely is coconut oil store as fat. Coconut oil also raises your thermogenic rate, or the rate at which you burn calories. This gives your metabolism an immediate surge. Coconut oil also helps to break down fat stored around the waist. It is a wonderful addition to your kitchen and can be used to replace butter and all other cooking oils.  Avocado: This healthy fat aids in nutrient absorption allowing the body to maintain nutritional needs. These delicious fruits are packed full of Omega 3 fatty acids and have potent anti-inflammatory properties. One avocado can contain 6 to 7 grams of fiber, allowing you to feel full faster and longer, making it essential for any weight loss program.  Additional Omega Rich Foods: Nut & seed butters, Ghee, flax seed oil, hemp oil, and raw nuts. For faster weigh loss results limit dairy, sugar & processed grains. Eating these types of foods creates inflammation causing an increase in abdominal fat, bloating, digestive issues like IBS or leaky gut syndrome, headaches and chronic skin conditions. Due to their limited nutritional content they also rob your body of energy and productivity, leaving you malnourished and susceptible to illness. Most dairy products contain added hormones and genetically modified ingredients, which are linked to hormonal imbalances, inflammation, increased mucus production, increased risks for cancers and a weakened immune system. Processed foods are packed full of empty carbs, leaving you feeling hungry shortly after you have eaten, and interfering with hormones that control appetite. Filling your kitchen with protein packed snacks that you and the family will enjoy is a great starting point for getting healthy. Having access to clean nutritious food will help you be successful and stay on track! Get moving a minimum of 3 days a week. Go for a walk, dance with your children, and try a plank challenge to strengthen your core, or take an hour for yourself and enjoy a yoga class. Approaching your health by feeling results through increased energy and a happy mood will help you to see results. Losing weight should be more enjoyable and rewarding. Your body is amazing-you grew a human! Honor your journey. DIY Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
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