Weight Loss After Baby

Ok, so the little bundle of joy has arrived.  You have gotten settled in at home and gotten into some kind of routine.  The discomfort has subsided and you are starting to feel like yourself again.  But one thing is for sure - you definitely don't look like yourself again.
Depending on your body type and/or your eating habits while pregnant, you may be dealing with a lot of extra weight that was not there before you got pregnant.
Although I have never struggled with being severely overweight, I have still struggled with body image issues.  (Remember, every woman has something about herself that she wants to change.  So please don't think that just because I have not battled obesity that the principles of what I share are not applicable.)
After I had my first son, I was not nearly as motivated to get the extra few pounds off.  But when I had my second son five years later, my idea of health and fitness had changed.  I had a c-section, so my body needed to fully recover before I began any heavy exercise.  (*Always ask your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen.)
I had just gotten a new Wii Fit system so I was highly motivated to begin melting the pounds.  But after many late nights eating brownie bites and sodas at 3am, I realized that the first place I had to start was with my diet.  I was developing VERY bad habits that needed to be broken.  I also realized, at 30 years old, that I needed to change some things - not just for weight loss, but for my overall health and my future.
In about 2 months or so, I dropped 13 lbs. of post-baby weight.  My fitness regimen was nowhere near what it is these days.  So how did I lose the weight?  No fancy diet plans, no organic foods and no meal replacement shakes.  I simply counted my calories.  Being aware of what and when you eat will change everything.
The formula is as follows:
A 35 year old, 5'5" woman who weighs 160lbs would need 1730 calories a day to maintain her current weight.  You may be thinking, "That's me!  And I eat like, 2000 calories a day!"  Wellllll, that's why you keep gaining weight, sista!
So, if you want to lose about a pound a week, you need to drop 500 calories a day from your diet.  So you need about 1230 calories a day to begin to lose weight.  However, if you exercise, you will need to add more calories in order to replenish energy and calories burned during workouts.  Rather than breaking all that down any further, allow me to recommend one of my favorite websites for counting calories, www.livestrong.com.  This site has an extensive data base of foods from both the grocery store and your favorite restaurants.  Once you enter in your profile information (gender, height, weight, exercise level and desired weight loss goals), it will tell you how many calories you need and track everything you eat.  You will be amazed at how much food we mindlessly pop into our mouths.  You can use this site on your computer or on your iPhone!
Counting calories may seem annoying at first, but like anything else, you will get use to it.  And then, eventually, you will become more educated about the food you eat and prepare.  At that point, you won't need to count anymore.  You will just know.

Come back again for some more practical tips on fitness and weight loss.  Keep in mind, I am a certified personal trainer with AFPA, so I my advice is sound.  I am here to answer any questions you may have. However, I am not a doctor.  Always check with your physician in regards to your fitness regimen and your diet.

You can do it!
Mindy