Alisa shares the post-baby diet that helped her lose 40 lbs in 3 months

At one time I was very overweight at 200 lbs. Slimming down and losing those pounds was an emotional process for me as I was also, as part of that, figuring out what was wrong with my hormones and creating the protocol that has become the foundation of the Flo sisterhood.

When I got pregnant I was absolutely overjoyed that my 17-year-long investment in eating a pro-hormonal diet allowed me to beat the prognosis of infertility and naturally conceive on the third try! However, when the second trimester hit and my scales started edging higher and higher towards those bigger numbers and my previous weight, I must admit that I got triggered.

Even though I knew the science, I’ll be honest, I got really worried that my body wouldn’t bounce back.

Losing the baby weight without losing out

A few days before I gave birth I hit 210 lbs. That was more than I’d weighed at my heaviest before I changed my lifestyle and my life. By that time I had made peace with the process and I trusted my body to do what it needed to do to give me a healthy baby girl and keep me healthy too.

Post-baby girl, at the end of the fourth trimester (3 months after I’d given birth), I was 40 lbs lighter already. And now, six months after giving birth, I have lost all of the baby weight - all without having to deprive myself of good and tasty foods (or do any significant exercise!). I’ve been feeding my hormones well and the weight has just melted off.

‍The same diet that got me pregnant is the one that has helped me recover post-partum. I love the elegance and simplicity of that!

‍If you’re breastfeeding as I have done you’ll find you burn 300-500 calories a day as a consequence, which certainly supports the weight loss.

My first six months with baby were spent in the very snow and very cold New York city and so I had the best excuse to create quality time and not worry too much about working out. Cuddling and carrying your baby is really the best strength training you’ll ever need at this time!

Right after you’ve had a baby is the worst time to try and deprive yourself of food or force yourself to workout.  Why?  Because those choices spike up cortisol and program your fat cells to stick around.  Instead, you need to be nourishing your body, your baby, and enjoying your time together. By following the Flo living meal plan you can trust in the innate process of your hormones and know your body will bounce back.

‍A Pro-Hormonal Sample Meal Plan post-baby for easy and healthy weight loss

‍Remember that when you’re breastfeeding you won’t be having your period, especially if you also nurse at night, but you will still be able to ovulate and so you are fertile. So, at this time you’ll be less focused on eating for your hormonal phase and more focused on just getting in lots of super nourishing foods that are rich in amino acids, vitamins and EFAs. Everything you put together should be cooked and warming and organic.

‍Breakfast - Steel cut oats with black sesame seeds, coconut oil, goji berries

‍Snack - Hard boiled egg

‍Lunch - Salmon and quinoa with steamed kale and olive oil

‍Snack - Avocado on black rice bread

‍Dinner - Bison burger with broccoli and sweet potato baked ‘fries’

‍Snack - 2 Dates with 3 Squares Dark Chocolate with Mother’s Milk Tea