by Marsha Sigman

Created on: September 20, 2008   Last Updated: November 26, 2008

It had only been a few months since the birth of my son and while it was more work than I had expected, it was wonderful. Can there be anything more special than this tiny person that is suddenly the center of your world? Not a chance.

However, now that the birth was over and some time had passed I could no longer convince myself that the weight I was still carrying was due to swelling. If you are like me a part of you was hoping you would lose 60 pounds during the birth. This apparently never happens. You cannot fit into your skinny jeans the day after you come home from the hospital, no one does.

Do not obsess about your weight too soon. I tried very hard not to. I kept telling myself that it took 9 months to gain the weight so it cannot come off overnight. Do not give in to fad diets! Coffee and lintel beans are not a healthy weight loss plan. This can be hard if you are normally a size 5 and you're still wearing your maternity clothes. You must take a sensible approach to weight loss if you want to remain healthy and keep the weight off.

I started by controlling my diet. While you are pregnant you can eat whatever you want, one of the best perks of pregnancy. Now its over, let it go. No more late night ice cream binges, no more double fudge cake, and most certainly no more chili cheeseburgers. That may have just been my craving but it haunts me still. Get back to basics and follow these simple rules:

1) Drink Water: A lot of water is the only magic to any diet. It multiplies and you lose more weight in water that you can possibly drink. I was already used to going to the bathroom 20 times a day so that wasn't a problem.
2) No fried foods: Nothing fried and I do realize that this means no fast food as well. If you must go through the drive-through then skip the fries and soda. Stick with grilled chicken.
3) Reduce starches: Cut out the beans, potatoes, and rice. If you cannot cut them out completely then reduce your intake.
4) Snack Healthy: Eat fruits and low fat snacks to curb your appetite and keep up energy.

This will work, even with a slow metabolism such as mine. Begin with your diet and then add an exercise routine. I know it's a dirty word. I for one have never liked to exercise and this did not change even after the birth of my child. I never had to exercise before pregnancy and the realization that I would have to start was painful.

Trick yourself into exercising. By a beginner dance tape and learn to hip-hop dance. It is hilarious fun, you will feel young and hip, and you won't even realize that you are actually exercising.

Imagine the amazement of your friends when you bust a move the first time you go out dancing. This worked out well for me. My son was also entertained and did not seem frightened at all watching his mother cavort about the house.

Another option is pack up that stroller and take the baby out for long walks. If you are especially energetic buy a jogging stroller. This is an activity that lets you spend time with your baby and get that much needed exercise, not to mention fresh air.

If you follow these tips like I did you will have your old pre-pregnancy body back, maybe even better than before. It will be hard work and you may slip once in a while but don't be too hard on yourself. You have just given life and what better excuse to have a few extra pounds on? Enjoy your new baby; follow a good diet and exercise routine and those pounds will melt off. You will be the sexiest momma at the playground in no time.

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