The Easiest Ways to Lose Weight After Having a Baby

Most women gain a significant amount of weight during pregnancy, no matter how much the try to avoid it. Many will have big plans of dieting and working out after they give birth, only to realize they are too busy. There are some simple exercises that will help you start sweating off those calories.

Medical clearance

Before getting serious about post-pregnancy weight loss, check with your doctor to ensure you are ready to exercise. Your physician will also be able to help you determine how many calories you should eat to help lose weight without compromising the nutrition of your breast milk. Breast feeding actually burns a lot of calories, so besides being good for your baby, it also helps you lose the weight.

Diet

When calories expended outnumber calories consumed, you will lose weight. During pregnancy you may have become accustomed to eating anything that satisfied your cravings. But to kick-start your weight loss, start eating healthy foods and less of them. Think about making small changes like eating smaller servings at every meal, replacing ice cream with frozen yogurt or skipping the butter on your toast in the morning.

Cut back to just enough calories that you feel satisfied all day. Cutting calories too drastically will leave you feeling hungry, and for a new mother, that's the last thing you need. Leave the calorie calculating to the professional: Purchase a pre-packaged meal plan like Nutrisystem or Weight Watchers, which can also save you time shopping for groceries or wondering what to eat.

Exercise

Get active. Once your doctor says you're good to go, start moving. If have only limited time between the feedings and the diaper changing, try adding just five-minute exercises to your day. While folding the laundry do some squats, or if you're folding it on the couch, sit on an exercise ball to strengthen your tummy muscles.

Other ideas: Time yourself while cleaning the house to see if you can do it faster each time, burning a sweat as you go. As soon as you can, get the stroller out for a daily walk, you and the baby. If you can move that walk into a run, you'll burn even more calories.