Jessica Simpson’s Post Baby Body “Not Bouncing Back Like a Supermodel”

I didn’t realize it (the weight) didn’t all come off with the baby.

So Jessica Simpson told USA Today about the weight she gained (much due to unlimited mac and cheese) during her pregnancy.

I let myself indulge in everything I wanted because it was the first time I was ever pregnant, and I wanted to enjoy it. I wanted to be happy and eat what I wanted.

Nine pound 13-ounce daughter, Maxwell Drew, was born on May 1, and the singer, actress and fashion designer is having a hard time losing the weight: “I’m not a supermodel. My body is not bouncing back like a supermodel. I’m just your everyday woman who is trying to feel good and be healthy for her daughter, her fiancé and herself.”

Simpson has become the latest in a string of celebrities who have become spokespeople for weight loss companies. She is currently on the Points Plus® program of Weight Watchers.

She is also trying to be more active. She works out with personal trainer and author of The 5-Factor Diet Harley Pasternak four or five times a week. And she is using walking for cardiovascular fitness because “My boobs are way too big to run at this point.”

15 Tips for Losing Baby Weight

“An Ounce of Prevention”

1. Try to stay within the recommended weight guidelines during pregnancy. You can use the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Weight Gain Calculator to determine what would be right for you. Being pregnant should not be an invitation to throw out all your healthy eating habits. “Eating for two” will only come back to bite you in your now more than ample bottom!

Most women lose more than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) during childbirth. This comes from the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. You will also lose some extra water weight over the next week or so. BUT- the extra fat will stay unless you take actions to get rid of it.

What to eat (and not eat)

2. Eat small frequent meals. Don’t skip meals.

3. Meals should be based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables as well as lean protein sources. The USDA has set up a Daily Food Plan for Moms to help you choose the right amount from each food group.

4. Add “superfoods” to your diet. Fish is packed with DHA, an essential omega 3-fatty acid which helps baby develop a healthy brain and nervous system. Milk and yogurt are good sources of calcium, which is important to keep your bones strong.

5. Cut out “empty calories”. Empty calories are the calories from added sugars and solid fats, in foods like soft drinks, desserts, fried foods, cheese, whole milk, and fatty meats. Alcohol is also included in this category.

6. Drink plenty of water. It helps fill your stomach and keeps you from becoming dehydrated.

7. Breastfeed your baby. According to the USDA, women who breastfeed exclusively for more than 3 months tend to lose more weight than those who do not. Those who continue breastfeeding beyond 4-6 months may continue to lose weight.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial source of nutrition and provides the healthiest start for an infant. In addition to the nutritional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a unique and emotional connection between mother and baby.

Lets Get Physical

8. Exercise as soon as you feel comfortable physically (and is OK’ed by your physician). This is obviously going to be different for each woman. Aerobic exercise and weight training are necessary to burn calories and to keep muscles and bone strong. But in any case, START SLOW! You don’t need a gym to exercise, brisk walking or lifting light hand weights can help.

9. Include abdominal exercises in your routine to strengthen your abdominal muscles. Some women notice that their abdominal muscles (rectus abdominus) have become thinned and separated over the course of the pregnancy (called diastasis recti). Exercise can help bring left and right sides of your rectus abdominus back together.

10. Include baby in your exercise routine. Take your infant on a daily walk in the stroller. Or use the baby as a “weight” in strength training by lifting him/her over your head as you lay on the floor.

11. Find other new moms to exercise with. Many gyms or community center have “Mommy and Me” classes for new moms. Besides being a good way to exercise, you’ll meet other women going through through the similar experiences, and can act as an excellent support group.

12. Get plenty of rest. Although this can be particularly difficult with a new baby in the house, ask your friends/family/spouse to look after the baby for short periods. Nap when the baby is napping.

Make an Attitude Adjustment

13. Make your goals realistic and obtainable. Start with 10% of your weight as a first goal.

A healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. It could take 6 months or more to lose the weight. And even if you do lose all the weight, it may be distributed in differently.

14. Don’t be hard on yourself. As Jessica said, most women are not going to “lose weight like a supermodel.” Give yourself permission to love the new shape of your body.

15. Don’t be afraid to ask for help- from family and friends, from your physician, or from a local dietician.