How to Lose Baby Weight Quickly

Weight gain in pregnancy is both normal and needed. The average woman is expected to gain between 25 and 35 pounds during the course of her pregnancy. The amniotic fluid, placenta and an increase in body fat all contribute to weight gain. After giving birth, all women will lose some of the weight. However most will still have at least a few pounds to shed. Getting your body back quickly and fitting into your pre-pregnancy clothes can be accomplished by following a few steps.

Instructions

1. Get the go-ahead from your doctor. Most healthy women who give birth vaginally will be allowed to start exercising 4 to 6 weeks after delivering. Women who give birth via cesarean section will usually have to wait 8 weeks before starting an exercise program. Check with your doctor to determine when you can start.

2. Set a goal. Be realistic about weight loss. One to two pounds a week is a good goal for most women. Weigh yourself once a week to check on progress.

3. Cut out the comfort foods you ate in pregnancy. You may have enjoyed ice cream and cookies during the 9 months of pregnancy, but after delivering your baby, its time to stop indulging. Take an honest look at how you are eating and change unhealthy habits.

4. Start moving. Exercise is essential to lose baby weight quickly. Do some form of cardio exercise five times a week. Jogging, rollerblading and aerobic classes are options. Consider getting a gym membership where there is childcare available.

5. Incorporate your baby into your workouts. Losing baby weight quickly is easier if you can take your little one with you. Join a mommy and me fitness class or enroll in a stroller fitness class.

6. Consider breastfeeding. Breastfeeding burns calories and can contribute to losing baby weight. Be aware a woman needs about an extra 500 a day when she is breastfeeding. Keep in mind this is not a license to eat whatever you want and still lose weight. Those 500 calories should be from healthy foods such as whole wheat grains, fruit, lean protein and vegetables.

7. Have a support system in place. If possible, have a workout buddy who will help you stay motivated. Find another new mom who is trying to lose baby weight and cheer each other on.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient, it takes 9 months to gain pregnancy weight and it may take 9 months to lose it. Keep in mind your body experienced a lot of changes during pregnancy and childbirth. You are also adjusting to being a mom.

• Don't beat yourself up if you have a slip up. If you eat something unhealthy or skip exercise for a few days don't stress about it. Tell yourself slip ups happen and get back on track the next day.