15 Home Remedies to Reduce Belly Fat After Delivery
Pregnancy is the time when you are allowed to and even recommended to eat all the yummy things your heart desires. It is only after delivery that we realise that all the weight we put on is now going to be a huge fight to shed…
You might find yourself standing in front of the mirror and looking at your belly, remembering those past nine months. As those nostalgic moments end, you are left wondering if you will get rid of all that post-delivery belly fat! Most of us are left with tummy fat post-pregnancy, because of the weight gain during pregnancy, and the sagged skin after delivery.
If you’re searching for how to reduce belly fat after delivery home remedies, you’ve come to the right place! The good news is that nothing is terminal in life… not even your post-pregnancy belly fat! Here are some simple home remedies to reduce belly fat after delivery.
Home Remedies for Flat Belly After Delivery/Pregnancy
Before you scroll down to check out the home remedies for belly fat, here is one important word of caution: Many women around you might complain that they have ‘been there, done all that’ but to no avail. But do you know the single biggest mistake we make when we are trying to lose weight? We give up too soon!
For these home remedies to show the powerful results they are capable of, you have to do this: Pick any of the below remedies— food and drink recipes—and continue them for at least 3 months. When it comes to getting back in your pre-pregnancy clothes, remember, that consistency is the name of the game. Do not give up!
FOOD
Here are some food items to try.
1. Apple Cinnamon Oats
This is a quick-fix breakfast you can have every day that is bound to make you drop pounds real fast. It is one of the easiest home remedies to reduce tummy fat.
Ingredients
- 6 to 7 tablespoons of oats
- 1 cup of milk (or half cup milk and half cup water)
- Half an apple, finely diced
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Honey (optional)
Method
- Combine oats, milk (or water), diced apple, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Drizzle honey if desired.
- Cook the mixture or leave it in the fridge overnight for a tasty meal.
How It Helps?
Apples are rich in potassium and vitamins. Cinnamon is a great natural fat-burner and oats are high on fibre. This breakfast will keep you full for longer.
2. Berries and Yoghurt
A refreshing and fiber-rich snack to curb hunger pangs.
Ingredients
- Yoghurt
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries)
Method
- Whip yoghurt in a bowl.
- Add fresh berries.
- For smoother texture, blend the mixture.
How It Helps?
Berries are loaded with vitamins and fibre. Yoghurt, on the other hand, has a good dose of proteins. Make sure you pick a low-fat variant of yoghurt or Greek yoghurt to make sure you cut down on extra calories.
3. Avocado
Make this fruit your new best friend! Avocado should be your go-to fruit if you are trying to lose weight.
Ingredients
- Ripe avocado
- Salad ingredients (optional)
Method
- Add avocado to salads, soups, milkshakes, or smoothies.
How It Helps?
Avocado is a fruit that is rich in MUFA—monounsaturated fatty acids. These are good fats that have high satiety value and keep your snacking urges at bay.
4. Eggs
There are umpteen ways to have eggs—hard-boiled, sunny-side up, poached, omelettes, etc.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Optional: vegetables, cheese, herbs
Method
- Prepare eggs in various styles: hard-boiled, sunny-side up, poached, or in omelettes.
How It Helps?
The protein content of eggs makes it a perfect choice for losing weight and burning fat. Include at least 2 to 3 eggs in your daily diet.
5. Beans
Beans are another excellent choice to include proteins in your diet. They are also rich in iron.
Ingredients
- Assorted beans (kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, etc.)
- Salad ingredients (optional)
Method
- Create a nutritious bean salad for breakfast.
How It Helps?
Being high in protein and iron, beans will make you drop pounds faster. The fibre content of beans is also good to keep you feeling full at least 3 to 4 hours.
6. Cayenne Pepper (Laal Mirch)
Spice up your meals with cayenne pepper for its fat-burning properties.
Ingredients
- Cayenne pepper
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Sugar (optional)
Method
- Blend finely chopped cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.
- Add salt and optionally lemon juice and sugar.
- Serve as a chutney or dip with Indian bread.
How It Helps?
Cayenne pepper helps burn fat from problem areas in the body real fast.
7. Garlic
Incorporate garlic into your meals for its weight loss benefits.
Ingredients
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Vegetables (optional)
Method
- Add garlic to various Indian recipes or sauté diced vegetables with olive oil and garlic cloves.
How It Helps?
Studies indicate that raw or roasted garlic helps with diabetes. It also helps in weight loss. Garlic is an excellent fat burner and will make you drop a size in about a month’s time with regular consumption.
8. Greek Yogurt With Chia Seeds
Boost your metabolism with this protein-packed snack.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Blueberries
- Honey (optional)
Method
- Mix Greek yogurt with chia seeds. Also, mix in some blueberries.
- Optionally, drizzle honey for sweetness.
- Enjoy as a healthy and filling snack.
How It Helps?
Greek yogurt provides protein, calcium, and probiotics, supporting digestion and muscle recovery. Chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, promoting satiety and aiding in digestion.
DRINKS
Try these delicious drinks to reduce your belly fat.
1. Hot Water With Honey and Lemon
If you are looking for one solid answer to the question ‘how to lose belly fat at home’, this is it. Generations of women will swear by the benefits of this yummy potion.
Ingredients
- Water
- Honey
- Lemon juice
Method
- Boil water.
- Add honey and lemon juice.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Consume warm.
How It Helps?
This potion is one of the most potent home remedies for weight loss after pregnancy. On top of that, this drink has more than just weight-loss benefits. It also acts as a blood purifier and is good for skin and complexion too!
2. Ginger Cardamom Mint Tea
A flavorful tea blend with medicinal benefits.
Ingredients
- Water
- Fresh mint leaves
- Grated ginger
- Cardamom pods
Method
- Boil water with mint leaves, grated ginger, and cardamom pods.
- Steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy warm or chilled.
How It Helps?
Each of the ingredients in the above recipe is known to have medicinal benefits. Along with that, they also help in boosting metabolism and cleansing your digestive system, which improves food absorption and helps in weight loss.
3. Cucumber Watermelon Juice
A hydrating and refreshing juice blend.
Ingredients
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
Method
- Dice cucumber and watermelon.
- Blend without straining.
How It Helps?
Cucumber and watermelon are high in their water content. Moreover, watermelon also has a good amount of vitamin C. A juice made of these two fruits is a great between-meals drink to keep you hydrated and full.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is not something you will like right away. One needs to develop a taste for green tea—and it can happen.
Ingredients
- Green tea leaves
- Optional: cardamom, lemon, honey, cinnamon, ginger
Method
- Prepare green tea.
- Customize with preferred ingredients.
How It Helps?
Green tea is not only a good fat-burner, it also detoxifies your system, thereby improving digestion. It is full of antioxidants and contains caffeine which helps in weight loss.
5. Celery Parsley Juice (Ajwain and Ajamod)
A refreshing juice blend for weight loss and cooling effects.
Ingredients
- Celery
- Parsley
Method
- Blend celery and parsley together.
How It Helps?
Celery is less in calories; it is a very light food. Parsley is good for kidneys. Together, they will help you burn off the stubborn tummy fat in no time.
6. Bananas Almond Shake
Bananas and almonds make a really good combination. Banana almond shake is one of the most delicious home remedies for reducing belly fat after delivery. This milkshake tastes better than most foods recommended for weight loss!
Ingredients
- Bananas
- Almonds
- Milk or soy milk
Method
- Blend bananas, almonds, and milk.
How It Helps
Bananas are perhaps the yummiest source of potassium for the body. Almonds, on the other hand, provide the body with vitamin E and are a good source of essential fatty acids. All these nutrients have a high satiating value, curbing your urge to snack between meals.
7. Water!
Drinking plenty of water reduces water retention, curbs false hunger, and aids in weight loss.
How It Helps?
Did you know that the symptoms of hunger and thirst are the same? You may be familiar with the way your tummy grumbles when you are hungry, but do you know it also grumbles when you are thirsty? Next time you feel ‘hungry’, have a glass of water and wait for about half an hour. You will notice that your ‘hunger’ has disappeared. Drinking plenty of water is one of the home remedies for a flat tummy that can actually start showing results within a week. The more water you drink, the less water your body retains!
What does this tell you? – Many of us misinterpret the body’s signal, and end up eating more than the body needs!
Make sure you drink at least 3.5-4 litres of water every day. Do not drink it all at once. Have a glass of water every couple of hours. Also, have a glass of water half an hour before your meal time – it will control your portion sizes.
Other Home Remedies You Can Try to Reduce Tummy After Delivery
After giving birth, many women seek effective home remedies to reduce belly fat and regain their pre-pregnancy shape. In addition to dietary adjustments on how to reduce weight after c-section home remedies, and specific drinks, various other methods can aid in postpartum weight loss. Here are some additional home remedies you can try:
1. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles in your abdomen and pelvis, promoting faster recovery and tightening of the abdominal area.
2. Belly Binding
Using a postpartum belly wrap or binder can provide support to your abdominal muscles, helping them heal and regain strength. Belly binding can also improve posture and provide back support.
3. Postnatal Yoga or Pilates
Engaging in gentle yoga or Pilates exercises specifically designed for postnatal recovery can help tone and strengthen your core muscles, including those in your abdomen.
4. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding not only provides essential nutrients to your baby but also helps burn calories and shrink the uterus, aiding in postpartum weight loss and reducing belly fat.
5. Adequate Sleep and Stress Management
This is one of the most underrated home remedies for weight loss after delivery. Getting enough sleep and managing stress levels are crucial for overall health and weight management. Lack of sleep and high-stress levels can contribute to weight gain and hinder postpartum recovery.
6. Gradual Weight Loss Approach
Avoid crash diets and extreme weight loss methods, as they can be harmful to your health and may negatively affect breastfeeding. Instead, focus on gradual weight loss through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to reduce belly fat after pregnancy?
The timeline for reducing belly fat after pregnancy varies for each individual. It’s important to be patient and focus on gradual, sustainable weight loss. Generally, it can take several months to a year or more to see significant results. Consistency with healthy eating habits, exercise, and other postpartum remedies can help speed up the process.
2. When should I seek professional help for reducing belly fat after pregnancy?
If you’ve been following a healthy diet and exercise regimen but haven’t seen any improvement in your belly fat or if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, it’s advisable to seek professional help. Your healthcare provider can assess your individual situation, provide personalized recommendations, and rule out any underlying medical conditions contributing to the belly fat. Additionally, if you’re struggling with postpartum depression or body image issues, seeking support from a healthcare provider or mental health professional is essential for overall well-being.
So, moms, ready to get started on your weight loss and fitness journey through food and drinks? 🙂 We sure are! Do let us know which of these home remedies for reducing belly fat after delivery you are going to try, and how your experience turns out.
References/Resources:
1. Yes, drinking more water may help you lose weight; Johns Hopkins University; https://hub.jhu.edu/at-work/2020/01/15/focus-on-wellness-drinking-more-water/
2. Healthy Weight during Pregnancy; Eatright.org; https://www.eatright.org/health/pregnancy/prenatal-nutrition/healthy-weight-during-pregnancy
3. Kapadia. M. Z, Park. C. K, Beyene. J, et al.; Weight Loss Instead of Weight Gain within the Guidelines in Obese Women during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Maternal and Infant Outcomes; PLoS One.; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26196130/; July 2015
4. Muna J. Tahir, Jacob L. Haapala, Laurie P. Foster, et.al; Association of Full Breastfeeding Duration with Postpartum Weight Retention in a Cohort of Predominantly Breastfeeding Women; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6520964/; April 2019
5. Changes That Come with Weaning; texashealth.org; https://www.texashealth.org/baby-care/Breastfeeding/changes-that-come-with-weaning
6. Jurgens. T, Whelan. A; Can green tea preparations help with weight loss? (Canadian Pharmacists Journal); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025876/; May 20104
7. Tucker. L; Bean Consumption Accounts for Differences in Body Fat and Waist Circumference: A Cross-Sectional Study of 246 Women (Nutrition and Metabolism); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7294352/; June 2020
Also Read:
How to Reduce Post Pregnancy Belly Fat?
Mother’s Apron Belly After Pregnancy
Effective Tips to Lose FUPA (Fat Upper Pubic Area)
Home Remedies for Postpartum Abdominal Pain