How to Lose Baby Belly Fat

The appearance of their post-baby belly shocks many women. The saggy, squishy skin can make you look like you are still several months pregnant. You might also have other pregnancy battle scars, such as stretch marks and C-section scars. Although much of your abdominal puffiness will disappear within four weeks, when hormonal changes cause your abdomen to return to its pre-pregnancy state, you might still have lingering belly fat that you will need to burn off through diet and exercise.

Instructions

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      Add regular aerobic exercise into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that post-partum women get 150 minutes per week of exercise to firm up their bodies, burn fat and restore lost muscle strength. Most women can start exercising as soon as they feel up to it, but check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

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      Do exercises designed to tone and tighten your abdomen. Although crunches alone will not help you lose belly flab --- that takes a combination of diet and exercise --- they can help you firm up lax abdominal muscles, which can give you a flatter belly. Yoga also incorporates several positions that strengthen the core abdominal muscles.

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      Overhaul your diet. Stock your cabinets and refrigerator with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. Nutritious foods can help keep you feeling full for longer so that you eat less throughout the day. Avoid sugary foods and high-fat processed foods.

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      Eliminate the "extras" from your diet. The stress of caring for a newborn can cause many new moms to indulge in "comfort eating." According to the Ask Dr. Sears website, giving up just one cookie a day can cut 100 calories from your diet.

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      Incorporate strength training into your exercise routine. MayoClinic.com suggests that adding light weightlifting or resistance training to your regular workout routine might help you eliminate stubborn baby belly fat.

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