Getting Your Body Back After Baby

How to lose pregnancy weight the right way.

Why Us? - There’s a range of reasons why we are disproportionately impacted by low birth weight. Age, poverty, family history and lifestyle choices all play a role. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images)

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Your Post-Baby Physique - Giving birth is an amazing thing, but for many women, the worst part about pregnancy is the weight gain. Not to mention all of the pressure to lose that weight. But relax: Here are realistic tips on eating healthy during your pregnancy and losing the weight afterward. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images)

Don’t Listen to All of the Celebrities - Celebs are paid to be fit. So when you see or hear about how some celebs like Kim Kardashian tried fad diets or worked out weeks after giving birth like Evelyn Lozada, please don’t believe the hype. Be smart and safe about how you lose your baby weight. (Photo: TNYF/WENN.com, Splash News)

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Don’t Listen to All of the Celebrities - Celebs are paid to be fit. So when you see or hear about how some celebs like Kim Kardashian tried fad diets or worked out weeks after giving birth like Evelyn Lozada, please don’t believe the hype. Be smart and safe about how you lose your baby weight. (Photo: TNYF/WENN.com, Splash News)

Is a Vegan Diet Safe During Pregnancy? - The American Dietetic Association says that eating a balanced plant-based diet is perfectly healthy for pregnant and nursing women and their children. A variety of healthy vegan foods should include all the vitamins, minerals, protein and other nutrients that you need. (Photo: JGI/Getty Images)

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Try Not to Pig Out During Pregnancy - Here’s the thing: You’re not really eating for two. During your pregnancy, you should consume only 300 extra calories a day, especially towards the end. Yes, that’s it. Now, it’s OK to give in to some of your cravings, but try to make sure the majority of what you eat is nutritious and be mindful of how much you are eating. (Photo: GettyImages)  

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So How Much Should I Gain? - Everyone is different, but if you were of normal weight before you got pregnant, it’s suggested that you only gain 25-35 pounds. If you are overweight prior, it’s recommended that you gain 15-25 pounds and if you are underweight, 28-40, says Web MD.  (Photo: GettyImages)  

Exercising While Pregnant Is Dangerous - Some women just cannot exercise during their pregnancy and that’s one thing. But despite what you’ve heard, if your doctor gives you the OK, you should stay active during your pregnancy. Keep it low-impact if you are not used to working out and always stay hydrated. (Photo: Terry Vine/Getty Images)

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If You Can, Exercise During Pregnancy - Thinking ahead and working out during your pregnancy is key to losing weight after you give birth. Just don't push yourself too hard and always stay hydrated. Once again, talk to your doctor about exercising, what you can do and which workouts are best for you. Photo: Terry Vine/GettyImages)

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Calling Girls “Fat” May Increase Their Risk for Obesity - Telling girls that they are “fat” can increase their risk of obesity. Researchers found that girls (both Black and white) who were ridiculed were 1.66 times more likely to be obese by the age of 19. It’s believed that this negativity can help foster feelings of despair and usher in even more unhealthy lifestyle choices, HealthDay writes.(Photo: GettyImages)

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Go for Gradual - Rapid weight loss after giving birth is not a good look and it isn’t safe. Opt for taking your time and letting your body heal from having a baby. Don’t go on any diet, but opt for eating healthier and including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats into your meals. (Photo: GettyImages) 

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How Many Calories Should You Consume After Baby? - It’s important that even if you are trying to lose weight do not eat less than 1,800 calories a day, especially if you are breastfeeding. Your body needs these extra calories for your baby and for your body. (Photo: GettyImages)

Wear Light, Loose Fitting Clothing - The key to staying cool when working out is partly about what you are wearing. Make sure to wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes. Also, opt for workout gear made from a polyester/cotton blend — it will help you cool off easier. 

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Get to Sweatin’ - Eating right isn’t enough. So once you have been given the OK from your doctor, start working out for the recommended 150 minutes a week. If you are not ready for boot camp or the gym — that’s fine, too. Just start walking or work out in your living room. Also, don’t forget to add weights. (Photo: Dexter Browne/Getty Images)

Weight Wonders - Did you know that losing one pound a week is equivalent to four sticks of butter? For realz. And it’s easier than you might think. (No crazy fad diets needed.) Here are some healthy and easy ways to achieve this goal. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: JPM/cultura/Corbis)

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Try Yoga and Pilates for Your Tummy - Yoga and Pilates are great for new moms who want to work on that getting that pooch to disappear. These workouts focus a lot on the core (your abs) and can strengthen and lengthen these muscles and your entire body. Celebs such as Halle Berry and Tia Mowry both claim these workouts helped them lose their baby weight. (Photo: JPM/cultura/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: JPM/cultura/Corbis

Obesity and Sleep Apnea - Sleep apnea is a serious sleeping disorder that blocks a person’s airway while they sleep, causing really loud snoring that can stop a person’s heart from beating and cause low blood oxygen levels, Health Central writes. People who are obese are more likely to develop this disorder. (Photo: B2M Productions/Getty Images)

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Get Some ZZZs - Easier said than done. But moms who sleep less than five hours a night are more likely to keep their pregnancy weight. Not sleeping can zap your energy, plus the stress can release hormones that make you gain weight. Catch as many naps as you can and go to bed early if you can.  (Photo: B2M Productions/Getty Images)

What’s Important to You - What do you value? Your job? Your family? Your freedom? Identify it, then act accordingly, and you can’t go wrong. (Photo: Zack Seckler/Corbis)

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Ask for Help - It ain’t easy for Black women to ask for help. But when it comes to wanting to lose weight, baby or not, you cannot do it alone. You need support and guidance. So ask your mate or family members to help babysit so you can work out, or talk to your doctor about how to eat healthier. Just speak up. (Photo: Zack Seckler/Corbis)