Promote weight loss after pregnancy with healthy lifestyle choices - and plenty of patience.

If you're like most new moms, you're eager to hang your maternity clothes in the back of the closet. Your favorite jeans won't fit when you leave the hospital, but there's good news. There's no secret to weight loss after pregnancy. Success hinges on a healthy diet, regular exercise - and plenty of patience.

Weight gain in pregnancy is healthy and natural, but many women crave to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies. Always pair breastfeeding with other forms of post partum weight loss. Most women will lose anywhere from 10-14 pounds within the first 2 weeks of delivery. This weight may be attributed primarily to the loss of excess fluid in the body, the baby's weight, the placenta and amniotic fluid. Some women will hang on to the last few pounds they have to lose until they stop breastfeeding. Eat smaller portions. Don't skip meals or limit your intake of fruits and vegetables. Do not fret about weight loss or regaining your figure. If you focus on eating healthily, your body will respond by losing any excess weight.

Try not to be tempted by empty-calorie-foods like ice-cream. Most women will be back to their pre pregnancy weight within nine months of delivering IF they follow a regular exercise program and eat healthily after delivery. Weight loss will simply not be satisfactory if exercise is lacking. This is true for many reasons; including that exercise helps keep the body's metabolism from decreasing excessively while dieting. Weight loss while dieting is easier with exercise and very difficult without it.

Some women will hang on to the last few pounds they have to lose until they stop breastfeeding. Don't try starving yourself or skipping meals. Just cut back on the portions. Continue to avoid fish that are high in methyl mercury in your weight loss plan.

Most women gain at least 7 pounds of fat during pregnancy. A nutritious diet is more important than weight loss for the first six weeks. Pregnancy is a magical and mysterious time of life and many women worry about how to achieve weight loss after they give birth. Continue to avoid fish that are high in methyl mercury in your weight loss plan. Other foods, such as sushi, raw milk products, and deli meats, are less risky these days, but you should still take reasonable precautions to avoid food-borne illnesses. Avoid Temptation- Buy healthy foods at the grocery store and don't keep junk food in the house. Eat smaller portions - Don't try starving yourself or skipping meals. It is best to speak to your Registered Dietitian or healthcare provider to customize a healthy meal plan for any weight loss programs. Generally, try eating plenty of high-fiber fruits & vegetables as well as whole grains. Most women will be back to their pre pregnancy weight within nine months of delivering IF they follow a regular exercise program and eat healthily after delivery. That said some women will lose their pregnancy weight in as little as six to twelve weeks!

All you need are small changes here and there to become healthier and reach a desirable weight. Give yourself time and love, you'll make it to your goal.