All that glitters isn't gold. It's hard not to be jealous of those superstars who shed massive amounts of postpartum pounds in a matter of months, while the rest of us are left battling the bulge for at least a year. However, when it comes to celebrity weight loss after giving birth, results are not typical. Many of these stars engage in strenuous workouts with a personal trainer while a chef busily prepares their meals. Your best bet is to follow a healthy meal plan, exercise regularly and find a support system. You'll have just as good of a chance of losing weight at a rate of one to two pounds a week - plus, you have a better chance of keeping the weight off long-term. Many celebrities claim that the pounds just melt off as they breastfeed, but we all know it's not that simple. If you are nursing, then you do need a few extra calories, but it's important to make them quality calories, not just on-the-go snacks or fast food. Question everything that comes in a package.
Opt for fresh, whole foods whenever you can - it's the best way to ensure that you're getting the right nutrition to keep your body fueled. Try to eat several mini-meals throughout the day that consist of vegetables, fruit, protein and a little healthy fat, like that found in nut butters. A good rule of thumb is to eat when the baby eats. Take the baby on walks or join a postpartum exercise program like Stroller Striders, which incorporates the baby into your workout. Most of all, it's important not to beat yourself up about weight gain and allow yourself time to make lasting changes to jumpstart your healthy lifestyle.
