Weight gained from pregnancy can be lost with proper diet and exercise. Here are some tips on how to get back to your original weight without starving yourself. Remember, extreme dieting and exercise can be bad for you and your baby, specially if you are nursing.

Women can gain anywhere between 15 to a maximum of 35 pounds during pregnancy. Consult your obgyn if you feel that you are not gaining enough weight or if you are gaining too much. This is important and critical, especially if you are already overweight to begin with.

After the birth process, you will lose 10 to 15 pounds (excess water, baby weight, placenta, and other stuff). Weigh yourself before you give birth and also after giving birth. This will allow you to have a clearer plan when you start your weight loss program later on.

Consult your obgyn about activities you can do or food that you can (and cannot) eat. This will also help in choosing which simple exercises you can do. Especially important if you just had a C-section.

Start slowly and be realistic about your goals. You cannot hit the gym, for practical reasons. If you are to take care of your baby, you won’t have time to go to the gym. Don’t be frustrated if you can’t go back to your original weight as soon as you’d like it. Allow your body to rest for a bit.

Instead of avoiding food to diet, replace usual food with healthier options – like more fruits and vegetables instead of sugar and caffeine. This way, you can still eat regular portions without worrying about added calories.

Start with walking around the house. As you recover more, you can increase your time and speed. Once baby is old enough, you can even take him or her outside in the stroller for a morning walk. You can also include other exercises once you feel strong enough.