Having a baby doesn’t mean you will never fit into a slinky dress again. It may take awhile, of course; you did take 9 months to put the weight on, so give your body some time to take it off.

• Healthy eating

If you are breast feeding, you require a few additional calories to maintain production and quality of breast milk. Experts recommend about 1800 calories a day. Of course, this may vary depending on your body weight and level of daily activity. The best course of action is to talk to a doctor or a nutritionist.

Your body has been through tremendous ordeal and it needs time to heal and return to normal working order. So, don’t embark on fad or extreme diets – even though you will lose weight quickly, it will harm your system in the long run. To make up your calorie-intake, rely on fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, and foods low in fat, and high in protein and fiber. Avoid junk food and alcohol. Teach yourself to eat smaller portions. Don’t skip meals or starve yourself because that will only lead to eating more than you need at your next meal.

• Exercise

If you had a normal pregnancy without complications, experts recommend waiting six weeks before starting to exercise. If you had a c-section or other complications, it’s best to check with your doctor. Always check with your doctor before embarking on any exercise program.

It takes anywhere from three to six months for your body to completely heal from a pregnancy. So during the initial months, it is best to stick to exercises that are not too strenuous such as walking, stationary cycling, swimming, or yoga. Start exercising for short periods, even if it’s as little as five minutes. Gradually increase the length of your workout. Even low-impact exercise can help you shed the fat, tone muscles, and prevent post-par tum depression. As your stamina increases, increase the intensity of your workouts and introduce aerobics or weight training in your program. If you feel pain, or experience dizziness, stop immediately.

Set realistic goals. If you lose 1 – 2 pounds a month, you are doing very well. Just maintain a healthy diet and a regular exercise program and your body will do the rest.