Having a baby is one of the most wonderful times in a woman’s life. But, after pregnancy, it can be difficult to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight (or at least close to it). Often, new mothers find themselves caring for their babies, but not for themselves. While this is great for the babies, it can cause mothers to become depressed, because they can’t lose the baby weight. Here are 10 tips for new mothers to help them lose that post-pregnancy weight.

1. Forget about Dieting

You may be online, looking at loads of different post-pregnancy diets. Stop looking at them now. The best type of diet is simply one that involves eating healthy foods. As long as you are not loading up on junk foods, and following a healthy, well-balanced diet, losing weight will be easier.

2. Eat Super Foods

There are certain foods that are known to help people lose weight, and they are quite popular in post-pregnancy eating plans. These foods are loaded with nutrients your body needs, and if you are breastfeeding, it is even more important to have these nutrients. Some super foods include milk, yogurt, salmon, tuna (light, not albacore), lean chicken, and beans.

3. Enjoy Healthy Snacks

Just because you are trying to lose weight, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy delicious snacks. You just need to find healthy snacks, and there are loads to choose from. Some of the most delicious healthy snack options include figs, raisins, whole wheat crackers, veggie sticks, cheese, nuts, and yogurt.

4. Breastfeed

Some studies have shown that women who breastfeed lose their post-pregnancy weight easier than those who do not breastfeed. Not only is it good for the baby, it allows you to have a higher caloric intake without gaining weight.

5. Start Exercising

Everyone needs to get exercise every day. You may think that you just don’t have the time to exercise with a new baby in the house, but you can get creative. For instance, pick the baby up and dance around the house. Take the baby for frequent walks in the carriage. Every little bit of exercise you do is better than doing nothing at all.

6. Try Waist Training

While you are trying to lose that weight, wearing a waist trainer can speed up the process and help make you look slimmer. Using one of these garments can cinch in your waist by up to three or four inches. It also works great as a supplement for your workouts speeding up the resourcefulness of most exercise routines. You will feel better about yourself, and have more incentive to get back into shape.

7. Start Lifting Weights

You can speed up your metabolism more when you are lifting weights. You can even bring the baby into the routine, using it as a weight. You will get into great shape, and have plenty of fun mommy and baby time. If you don’t know how to get started, hire a personal trainer to help create an ideal workout just for you.

8. Drink Lots of Water

Drinking water keeps you from becoming dehydrated, but it also helps to make you feel full, longer. This is going to help you eat less, which in turn is going to help you lose weight.

9. Ask for Help

If you have been trying everything you can think of to lose weight and nothing is working, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your physician, a dietician, etc. They can help create a plan that is going to work for you.

10. Get Your Sleep

While we all know how difficult it can be to get much sleep when there is a baby in the house, it is something that you can’t go without. Not only are you going to be too tired to do anything, you will end up eating sugary foods and caffeinated drinks for energy. Find time to sleep. When the baby naps, lay down and take a nap yourself.