Losing the Post Pregnancy Poundage

So you had a baby, and as a door prize you were awarded a few extra pounds to take home. Are you ready to get back to the, "old you." Well, here are some tips on how to shed the weight that helped bring your darling little one into the world.

1 - Realize that you are not Heidi Klum. I'm sorry. You most likely won't leave the hospital and slip in to your size 0 jeans. Celebs often give the world a fake perception of how easy it is to get rid of the post-pregnancy weight. You have to remember that more often than not, they begin activity before it is recommended, and they often times use unhealthy means to get back to their old selves. I wouldn't recommend it.

2 - Be Patient. It took 9 months for that weight to get there. It takes time for it to come off as well. This doesn't mean be lazy, and make excuses for yourself. But, in your working hard, give yourself a little credit!

3 - Eat Healthy. Try to surround yourself with good wholesome food. Don't kill yourself stressing over your diet. You already have enough to stress over at this point, but make available the foods that are going to help you in your process. Choose foods that are high in nutritional value and low in calories and fat. (Think lean meats, fruits, veggies, and whole grains.)

4 - Breastfeed. While studies aren't solid on whether or not breastfeeding helps you to lose weight or not, it does give you a little leeway in the calorie department. If you breastfeed you can eat about 300 more calories per day. Remember that 300 calories can go pretty quick, so don't use this as an excuse to eat whatever you want.

5 - Get Moving. With your doctor's approval, most women can get back to exercising 4-8 weeks after the baby is born. If getting to the gym seems impossible with your new little one get yourself some workout DVD's or a jump rope. Hand weights aren't that expensive and you can do your own circuit training or strength training at home. Increasing your cardio is going to make a big difference in shedding the extra weight, and increasing your muscle mass with increase the calories you burn at rest, so it's important to do both! Is time an issue? Split your workouts up, or do little bits throughout the day until you're able to get it all in! Every little bit helps :)

6 - SLEEP. This is a really important one. Although the baby upsets your sleep schedule in a big way, be sure to find time to get some rest. When your body is super tired Cortisol and other stress hormones are released that can promote weight gain. You also don't feel like doing much when you're exhausted and working out, and eating healthy are usually the first things to go. It's a scary ripple effect!

7 - Seek out a professional. If you are really having a hard time getting back to your old self find someone that can coach you along to get there. A personal trainer or dietitian can help you find the most effective way to get rid of the post pregnancy weight.