It has only been a month since the birth of her daughter Blue Ivy Carter on January 7th 2012, but Beyonce has been spotted twice around New York City looking fabulous.
On February 6th, the 30-year-old singer wore a red-rouched Alice by Temperly dress to husband Jay-Z’s benefit concert at Carnegie Hall. The concert benefits the United Way of NYC and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund. At an after-party at the 40/40 Club, US Magazine notes she ate salad and “barely sipped” a martini and sucked lemon wedges.
Beyonce was also seen last night in a gorgeous sequined Monique Lhuillier dress, notes Just Jared. Her stunning photos can be seen on her website BeyonceOnline.com.
No word yet on how Beyonce is getting back into her pre-baby shape, but prior to becoming pregnant she focused on lower body workouts with climbing stairs, sprinting on a treadmill and doing yoga three to five times per week. Her diet consisted of high protein foods such as scrambled egg whites and salmon. Women who are fit prior to becoming pregnant often have an easier time losing weight afterward.
While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, Blacktating, a support site for black women who breastfeed, suggests that Beyonce is nursing her baby. Breastfeeding burns more calories and can help new moms lose weight faster. When you breastfeed, you draw on the body’s fat stores, says Megan McCrory PhD, a researcher in human nutrition at Tufts University. Women see the most benefit within the first three to six months.
So how early is too early to start working out after having a baby? If you were fit beforehand, there is no reason for you not to gradually return to a regular exercise schedule – with your doctor’s approval, of course. After a vaginal birth, slowly working abdominal muscles through diaphragmatic breathing (abdominal tightening on outward breath) can start toning your tummy. Remember also that good posture not only makes you appear thinner, but also strengthens the core muscles. Later, as your abdominal muscles return to normal position, you can try exercises such as bridges and curl-ups.
After Cesarean births, your movement will be a little less strenuous. Diaphragmatic breathing and pelvic tilts can begin to get you back into shape. Leg lifts/lowering while lying down can also help guild strength.
Remember also that diet is essential. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to get adequate calories for optimal milk production. A balanced, varied diet of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and lean protein should give you all the nutrition you need without excess calories.
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