Pregnancy is taxing on the body: a growing baby causes morning sickness, a craving for all things greasy, and a phobia of physical exercise as it relates to the baby's health. With all of these factors finally removed after labor (congratulations!), now comes the second hard part: losing the baby weight.
Replace the Nursing Bra with a Sports Bra
To lose weight fast, exercise is a must---especially cardio. Walking is a nice form of exercise, as is tai chi. Neither activities, however, drop pounds fast. If you are looking for quick results, choose a high-impact cardio workout like kickboxing (like your growing baby did for months) or running. For the number of calories burned by common activities, see the Resources below.
Consistency of exercise is equally important as the type of exercise. Try to exercise three to four days a week. Explain this priority to your husband or partner, so he may care for the baby during your workout time. Or purchase a kickboxing DVD and work out at home. While all mothers have difficult time getting "alone" time, it is ultimately your job to ensure you can get in some exercise.
Consider a Raw Diet
To jumpstart weight loss, a raw diet may be a good choice. Note: Thorough planning and research before embarking on this diet is advised, as is consulting a dietitian. New mothers who are raw foodists must ensure all nutritional levels are met while nursing their newborn. While you are transitioning to this diet, take supplements and get supervision from your doctor to check your nutrient levels.
Raw foodism is a diet that can shed pounds quickly because it includes consumption of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouts. The diet does not include processed food or any food requiring an oven, microwave or stovetop. This limits bread, cake, chips, meat and dairy---all culprits of weight gain (but also good sources of iron, protein and B vitamins). Benefits of a raw diet are outlined in the book "12 Steps to Raw Foods": clear skin, improved mood, fewer occurrences of illness, and rapid weight loss.
Start Craving Healthy Food
If you don't want to switch to a raw diet, find ways to make unhealthy cravings both tastier and healthier. For example, skip ordering pizza by making your own instead---use whole wheat dough and minimal amounts of cheese, and top with vegetables instead of sausage or pepperoni. Do not shy away from all fats: Jackie Keller explains in her book "Body After Baby" that mothers should eat heart-healthy and antioxidant-rich fats like dark chocolate (one or two small squares a day), nuts and avocados.
If you have time off of work to spend with your baby, then embrace this time to learn a few healthy recipes. Make a few new salads, experiment with broth-based soups, and work on fat-cutting techniques like steaming and baking instead of frying.
Consideration
Keep weight loss goals realistic. The book "Eating Expectantly" raises a fair point: It took nine months to gain the weight, and the authors report taking an equally long time to lose the weight.
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