How to Lose That Baby Fat

All women yearn to lose the weight they gain after giving birth, but some more than others, have problems losing the weight they gain after they've had a baby. For me it wasn't too hard, I weighed 115 pounds before I got pregnant and 165 in the 9^th month of pregnancy. Plus I was 18 when my daughter was born, and I felt like doing more than just sitting around the house. Here are some pointers to help you get through this difficult time.

1. Your body needs to heal. This is not the most difficult time you will have, yet is probably the most depressing time you will have after you've had a baby. Use this time to get to know your baby, relax and rest as much as you can, all of your dedication will go towards your newborn baby at this time. He or she needs you most right now, and all the diapers and baths and feeding you will be doing is enough exercise for right now.

2. After your body has recuperated, think out a plan that works with your schedule. You may already have previous kids and they may be taking up some of your time too, as well as going back to work. Figure out what your body can handle and what it can't. You'd be surprised at what you can handle right now, whether it be the treadmill, riding a bike, or participating in a yoga program, you will find the right way to get started back on your way to what you looked like before you got pregnant.

3. Whatever you choose, do it for 30 minutes a day. You may feel like you can't do it for 30 minutes, but your body can. I would take my daughter in a stroller and walk around the block for 40 minutes every 3 days. I started seeing results in about a month. Remember before you walk or run, always stretch out your muscles.

4. Take some time and tone up your mid section. This is important to help you maintain your figure and build muscle mass. Try about 25 sit ups and crunches once everyday, you can even alternate between sit ups one day and push ups the next. Either way you are toning your muscles associated with that baby fat. If you can afford it, join the Curves club or the Bally Total Fitness Club, or any club you choose, and they can also help you with toning your muscles.

5. You have to watch what you eat! Of course you will probably not be as hungry as you were when you were pregnant, but you can get the blues at times which will lead you to think you are hungry, when you actually aren't. Be able to distinguish real hunger and boredom. Vegetables and baked or grilled fish is a good diet to stick to, not cookies, doughnuts, cakes, or pies. The occasional treat should always be necessary though, but only if you are rewarding yourself for doing well. I stayed away from bread after I had my daughter and stuck to the vegetables and chicken or turkey, grilled or baked, not fried. Stay away from fried foods!

6. Time is of the essence, you will not see results right away. As with anybody trying to lose weight, it will definitely take some time to do. Don't lose your patience, and don't rush into it.

You should definitely take the time to be with your newborn baby. The baby comes first, and when he or she gets a little older and starts crawling and walking, I'm sure you will have more exercise you ever dreamed of. Get him or her to walk with you every night after dinner, or go to the park and play with him, show him new things and fun things. You will have a blast at losing the weight you put on, and whatever you do, when the baby gets old enough, you can share your story of all the things you tried to do to lose the weight after you had him!