After having a baby, new moms feel the urge to shed those unwanted pounds. The average weight that is gained during a pregnancy is about 25 to 35 pounds. During the birth, an average of 12.5 to 14 pounds are lost, leaving about 12 to 21 pounds of excess weight that can drive a woman crazy. The best way to lose weight after having a baby, is the ease back into shape by eating a healthy diet and incorporating a bit of gentle exercise.

One mistake that new mothers make when they are trying to lose weight, is to starve themselves and begin a crash diet. This is not only unhealthy for you, but can affect your baby as well if you are breastfeeding. When the mother does not receive enough nutrients; she is unable to produce the best breast milk for her newborn.

Tips on Losing Weight After Pregnancy

1) Increase your calorie intake to 1,800 to 2,000 calories per day. You should be eating foods that are low
in fat and are filled with nutrients.
2) Increase the intensity of your exercising. For example, you could try a bit of running instead of walking.
If you are unable to run, you could walk at a faster pace.
3) Add weight lifting two times a week to your routine. Keep in mind that muscles burn more calories than
fat. A muscular body also tends to have a higher metabolic rate.

Activities that Help you to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

1) Yoga : Great exercise, as well as relaxing
2) Aerobics : Good for increasing the heart rate and shedding pounds.
3) Running : Make sure you are ready.
4) Swimming : A less stressful activity on the body.

A new mom can start by strengthening her pelvic muscles by doing a couple of these floor exercises.

Kegels (Pelvic Floor Exercises)

1) Squeeze the pelvic floor muscle for three seconds
2) Relax the muscle for 3 seconds, then squeeze again.

You should begin with 10 three-second squeezes, up to three times a day. You can increase the repetitions when you feel up to it. Some people work up to 50-100 Kegels each day.

Ankle Circles

By doing ankle circles, you will improve circulation, which in turn helps you to slim down and lose weight.

1) Make 10 circles with your ankles clockwise.
2) Then make 10 circles counter-clockwise.

Try to do the ankle circles in different positions. Sitting and lying down are two of the most common positions. You can repeat the circular pattern 3-5 times.

The following exercises deal with stretches and movements from yoga. This can strengthen your muscles, which will lead you to have a leaner looking body.

For Tighter Abs and a Stronger Back

1) Lie on your back in a straight line.
2) Exhale, lowering the back, vertebra by vertebra.
3) Repeat sequence for 5 times.

Tighter Back and Abs

1) Sit upright, knees bent, with your feet flat on the floor
2) Keep your back straight with your arms forward at shoulder level.
3) Inhale, then exhale and lean back halfway.
4) Inhale again and sit up slowly.
5) Repeat five times.