There's a reason most Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place 30 minutes after Mommy and Me group. "Many mothers find a glass of wine or two -- or more -- at the end of the day to be relaxing," says Melinda Johnson, MS, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "But what they may not realize is that alcohol gives you extra calories fast, without helping you feel full." Even worse, those extra calories from alcohol tend to end up around your middle. (Hence the term "beer belly.") The solution? Stick with water. Not only is it calorie-free, but staying well-hydrated helps beat abdominal bloat.
Photo 0/6
Take advantage of "tummy time"
During a baby's first months of life, her mother will subject her to a special kind of torture known as "tummy time." That's when we flip Peanut over onto her belly to help her strengthen her neck and prevent Flat Head Syndrome ... and when she proceeds to scream like a howler monkey. To help the time pass when my daughter was younger, I'd do "tummy time" too: I'd get into Plank position and hold it for a minute at a time. It helped me recoup some abdominal strength post-C-section and get my pre-pregnancy abs back a little quicker.
We live in a society where new moms are pressured to lose their baby weight before checking out of the hospital and where supermodels chastise us for turning ourselves "into garbage disposals" when we eat for two. (Thanks, Gisele.)
And it sucks.
So, we're not about to bully you into slimming down by your bambino's six-week checkup. But once the post-partum dust has settled and you're ready to start working out again, there are some relatively simple secrets to help pave the way.
Remember, your target doesn't have to be as punishing as "fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans." In fact, it can be as simple as "get moving three times a week for 30 minutes" or "eat less sugar." Let these mommy-tested tips help you.
