Losing weight can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be the impossible task that all the t.v. ads make it out to be. They try to make it seem harder than it is because they want you to believe that it is hard and the only way you will succeed is if you buy and use their products. Not true. Some simple diet tips that you can follow everyday is really all you need.

Before you start any diet and exercise program make sure you talk to your doctor. She will let you know what, if any, modifications you should make based on your current health situation.

Here are some easy to follow tips that you can start using right now!

1. Losing weight is a combination of eating a well balanced diet and getting your body moving. Don’t waste time looking for ineffective “quick fixes” just approach your weight loss from a place of reasonable expectations and you won’t be disappointed.

2. Understand that getting in better shape is a process and it will take time. If you have a big event coming up and you want to lose weight before the big day, don’t wait until the last minute, start now.

3. Losing weight and getting in shape is more about a lifestyle change (which is permanent) rather than a “diet” (which many people think of as temporary).

4. Eat a well balanced diet rich in lean proteins and very light on carbohydrates and fats (my personal opinion is that any eating plan that totally restricts fats or carbs is unrealistic and will be difficult to stay with forever. Remember, this is about lifestyle change so if the changes you make aren’t permanent your weight loss won’t be permanent. Instead focus on balance in your diet and you will have more success).

5. One point I have to make about what I said in step 4 is that if you are looking for some quick results just to jump start your weight loss efforts it is ok to use a restrictive diet. If you are planning on going carb free for just the first two weeks, and then add carbs back into your diet in moderation, just to give you a jump start, than by all means, do that.

6. It’s very easy to get focused on the outside of the body and forget that everything you see on the outside actually starts on the inside. Make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Add a multi vitamin to make sure.

7. Don’t forget about the benefits of getting enough sleep, quitting bad habits like smoking, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Most professionals recommend getting half your body weight in ounces of water everyday.

So, if you weight 125 lbs, you would divide that (or whatever your weight is) by 2 to get half. That is the number of ounces of water you should drink everyday. So in this example you would need to drink about 62 ounces of water everyday.

8. Find an exercise plan that you enjoy so you will stick with it. Not everyone wants to go to a gym, hop on a treadmill for 30 minutes and then lift weights. While this is a great workout plan, it may not be for you, so you need to find one that is.

Remember, exercise can be pretty much anything that gets your body moving. So, if you like to dance, then dance. If you enjoy the water; start swimming. If you love taking your dog for a walk, add a few more walks in everyday. Just find what you like to do, do it, and you will see results.

9. Even if you don’t want to join a gym, you should incorporate some weight training into your exercise routine. You can buy a few dumbbells and do some workouts at home but don’t neglect your muscle tone when you are working on improving your body.

Enjoy these diet tips and put them to work for you right away.

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Once your doctor gives you the all clear to start working out, losing weight after pregnancy is pretty much the same as losing weight at any other time. Get more exercise and eat a balanced diet and you will lose weight. I make it sound so easy, don’t I?

Many first time moms are astonished to go home and to take that first post baby look in a full length mirror. I know I thought that once I delivered my baby (all 10 lbs of her!) that the rest of the weight would be gone. Not so much, but it actually does go pretty quickly when you get home.

The fact is that after your baby is born, even before you are fully recuperated, your body will start to bounce back. Just the busy daily routine you are undertaking will start to make positive changes in your muscle tone.

Eventually, though, after you settle in to your new lifestyle, you will want to take your fitness and weight loss efforts up a notch. When that time comes, here is some good advice for you to follow:

1. Most women see the biggest difference in their stomachs and mistakenly think that doing thousands of crunches is where they should concentrate their efforts. Wrong. There is no such thing as ‘spot reducing’. If you want your waistline back you will have to lose weight and that happens with a balanced diet and a whole body exercise plan.

2. Stay away from quick fix cleanses and fad diets. You’re a mom and you have children depending on you. The last thing you need is anything that will make you feel tired and sluggish (after all, you just gave birth to something that can make you feel tired and sluggish, why add to it!).

3. With young children it can be a challenge to find the time to work out. Not to worry. You can make a huge positive impact on your body with 15 minute power workouts throughout your day.

If you don’t have time to spend 30 minutes straight on a treadmill, how about just 15 minutes of some form of activity? Something as simple as a few jumping jacks, a few minutes of jump roping, or even taking your newest addition for a walk in their stroller can be all you need.

4. Don’t forget to take care of yourself either. Get dad to take the baby at least for a few minutes every day to give you some much needed down time. Stress has a way of making you hang on to your excess body weight. Even a 15 minute soak in your tub, all by yourself, in peace and quiet can make a world of difference.

With some common sense, and realistic expectations, losing weight after pregnancy doesn’t have to be the daunting task it may seem. Just make sure to take good care of yourself and you will be better able to take care of your new (screaming and puking) bundle of joy!

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