| | 9 / 10 The skinny on postpartum weight loss for real-life moms
The stars may have gotten back their pre-baby body in record time, but just how healthy are their slim-down strategies? Experts reveal what's realistic and what's not:
Keep it realistic
"Women can expect to lose the greatest amount of weight in the first 3 months postpartum, followed by a slower weight loss that can continue until 6 months," explains Eileen Behan, a registered dietitian and author of Therapeutic Nutrition. The first week postpartum, you can expect to lose four or five pounds of water which your body retained to support your baby. After that, the rate drops down to more like one to two pounds per week.
Keep in mind that it's going to take time to get back your pre-baby body: What you took nine months to gain can't be lost overnight! Have a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains, cut back on the desserts and exercise moderately with your doctor's approval. "In addition, work with your pediatrician to monitor your baby's weight as you
slim down," advises Anita Weil Bell, author of Get Your Body Back. You'll be about to see a difference in two to three months.
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