Is image everything in today's society? Image represents money and power. Image represents status and privilege. Image represents youth and beauty. It can represent many things but for the Mom who is looking to lose weight after giving birth, striving to fit into a Hollywood image can keep her down in the dumps with a good dose of self-loathing. Losing pregnancy weight is about going beyond the "image" and embracing wellness.

We gain and lose weight throughout our lives. This is due to the fact that our eating habits are regulated by a variety of factors such as our moods, stresses, cultural and family history, lifestyle and schedules to name a few. Some of these factors can have a strong influence on how you perceive food and hence how it affects your ability to lose weight after giving birth. The best way to address weight management is to do so in the most holistic way possible.

1. Find a lifestyle weight loss program.

A good lifestyle program will take into account the physical, behavioral and psychological components of weight management. Therefore, it will be better able to equip you with the necessary tools to achieve permanent weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. It is continuous because it will address your ever-changing needs as you make the gradual transition towards health and fitness. There are Mom-based lifestyle programs available that are both convenient and practical for you to trim your tummy and get healthy.

2. Exercise to minimize your time and maximize your calories.

Our muscles are the fat-burning factories of our body. And if you don't use your muscles, you will lose them. Therefore, if your goal is to lose the pregnancy weight fast, you need to do the exercises that can re-build your lost muscles. Muscles will burn the baby fat in the most efficient way possible.

Studies show that resistance training done at maximum effort and in short intervals will increase your resting metabolism and burn more fat for the long term compared to a cardio workout. Therefore, burning the baby fat does not require you to waste huge chunks of time at the gym doing cardio. You can do it all in a few minutes at home.

3. Fuel your body with Fat Burning foods.

There is no silver bullet when it comes to the perfect diet to lose your tummy. However, there are foods that you can incorporate into your daily diet that will be beneficial for your body. An integral part of getting lean and fit is eating right. There are foods that can help you minimize fat storage and maximize the energy used to digest them. These are called fat burning foods.

Foods high in fiber and protein such as bran and wild salmon are said to be "fat burning foods" because your body expends more energy to digest them, than the calories they provide in return. These foods also aid in providing your body with the necessary nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are required for proper body function. Remember: the less processed the food, the better it is for your body.

4. Make it a Family affair.

There is strength in numbers. What better way achieve a healthy lifestyle than to include your family? A Mom will do anything for the health and well being of her family. Thus your hubby and kids can help to keep you at least externally motivated to lose the pregnancy weight and get lean and fit. But the buck doesn't stop there. You can involve your family by planning healthier menus and introducing healthier snack options for them. More family time doing physical activities can also help encourage and maintain your healthy lifestyle and that of your family.

Image is irrelevant when it comes to a better quality of life. Image is irrelevant when it comes to defining who you are as a Mother and unique individual. Image is irrelevant when it comes to needing to feel and look great. What is important is connecting with whom you are and spending time with your loved ones. And living a healthy lifestyle is time well spent.