Excess baby weight got you down? It happens to the best of us. Most women gain between 20 and 50 pounds during pregnancy, and then, when the baby comes, are left trying to figure out how to juggle motherhood and our new found exhaustion with returning to our pre-baby weight. Whether you need to drop five pounds or fifty, here are the most effective ways of losing weight and toning your muscles, post-childbirth. 

1. Nursing is Your Best Friend

The rumors are true, at least for many moms: Nursing burns up to 500 calories per day, as much as many forms of exercise. Of course, it's important to make sure you get enough calories to produce lots of milk for your infant, but there's something very satisfying about knowing you're burning extra calories, even while at rest. (If nursing doesn't seem to be your silver bullet, read The Skinny on Nursing: Will Breastfeeding Make You Lose Weight?)

2. Ramp Up Your Cardio and Weight Training

Lara J. is on her third pregnancy, and she's hoping to avoid gaining the 60 pounds she gained with each of her previous two. But if that doesn't work out, she has a weight-loss plan that she knows will work for her post-delivery. It's a big commitment — between 12 and 18 months of running and weight training — with, as she says, "no shortcuts." She also restricts her diet to only low-fat items, though she makes sure to get enough calories from healthy sources to allow her to nurse her baby healthily. A low-calorie diet of unhealthy food choices will make the weight come right back, as Christine D. notes.

3. Eat Frequently

The secret of Shannon F.'s success is to eat small meals frequently. This way, even though her overall calorie intake is being reduced, she doesn't ever feel hungry or deprived during the day. And she says, it's helpful to combine protein and carbs even at these small meals, as the right proportions will make the energy you get from them last even longer. A carb-only snack will burn off more quickly, and maybe even cause an energy spike, followed by the inevitable crash. Go for evenness throughout the day. There are many demands on your time, and you need your energy to be consistent.

4. Get Active with Your Baby

Amy V. wisely points out that most of us will not maintain an exercise program if we find it to be drudgery. Her solution? Put on some music and dance with your baby! Since this mom has never been a big fan of exercise, she looks for fun workouts, however brief, and involving her son is fun for both of them. And it's increasingly weight-bearing!

Another popular choice among moms is to seek out a stroller group in their neighborhood. Some speed-walk and some jog — and all are a fun activity that both moms and babies can enjoy outside together.

5. Tone Muscles, Especially Around Your Belly

Lifting your baby will keep your arms and legs toned, but the belly fat most women hang on to post-delivery is harder to address. Heather B.'s husband taught her a simple exercise that worked well for her, and was also convenient to do in short intervals during the day: Lying flat on the floor, legs together, pick up your legs about six inches off the ground, and hold them there for ten seconds. Increase the length of time in that pose, as well as your repetitions, as you get stronger. You can also do simple crunches for upper and lower abdominal muscles, as well as obliques. 

Keep in mind that even exercises designed to tone abdominals and obliques won't burn site-specific fat. But an overall exercise plan, combined with a healthy diet, will help you increase your metabolism and burn more calories overall. As Kellie B. reminds us, abs are ultimately made in the kitchen, not the gym!

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

It's easy for the holiday season to take a toll on your physical and mental health. Delicious treats tempt at every turn, and our already busy calendars become even more crammed with holiday parties, gift-shopping, and visits with relatives. To help you stay healthy amidst the flurry of food and festivities, we asked our savvy Health and Fitness Moms to share their best tips for holiday well being. Here's what they said.

1. Plan Ahead for Parties

“Holidays are a time to celebrate, but it doesn't mean you have to throw your health out the window with the crinkled wrapping paper. One thing that helps is that age-old mantra of 'everything in moderation.' If I know I'm going to a party, I will try to cut back on sweets and salt earlier in the day and up the veggies and fruit. A quick snack of protein, like a stick of string cheese, before venturing out to parties or shopping can also help curb binging.” –Gina Jacobs Thomas of Full of It…

2. Drink Plenty of Water

“Drink plenty of water. It is easy to mistake the feeling of thirst for being hungry. Water will help to fill you up so you won't want to eat that extra slice of cheesecake.” –Maria Fruscello of Is my motivation hiding under all these toys?

3. Don’t Make Excuses

“Don't make excuses: ‘I don't have time during the holidays.’ ‘I am too tired.’ ‘I need to relax during the holidays.’ ‘I'll start again after New Years.’ ‘I'll make up for it.’ Be true to yourself and the healthy lifestyle you are choosing! Sure you can have a piece of pumpkin pie after Thanksgiving dinner, but don't eat more than a slice.” –Kim Hall of spinningitall

4. Try Bite-Size Pieces of Treats

"The holiday season is defined by great food and festivities. We should enjoy it. For me I find that it is fun to 'try' things. Rather than engulfing a serving of high-calorie dessert I do bite-size pieces. I will get a dessert plate and put a tablespoon of three or four different holiday goodies on it. I always eat the healthy stuff first so I don't crave something sweet and over indulge." –Anita Harless of Running Against the OdDs

5. Substitute Ingredients

“Do a festive flip with your food! Switch the bad out and substitute the good into all the things you love! Use 1/3-less fat cream cheese instead of the full-fat version. Trade a cup of whole-grain flour for the bleached white kind. Use a little grape seed oil to grease your pans instead of butter. Chop some cancer-fighting kale into that salad! Look for ways to sneak stored sunshine and nutrition into all your holiday meals, and your families' health will thank you!” –Bethany Learn of Fit2Be Mama

6. Manage Stress with Me Time

“I demand some ‘ME’ time. It isn't always easy to carve out the time, but even 10 minutes makes a huge difference. That time can be spent doing just anything from working out to sitting and reading a book. For me, I spend my me time doing yoga or I meet up with my girlfriend for coffee very early in the morning while our families are still sleeping. Sometimes we are full of conversation and other times we quietly sit and sip our morning java. For me it is a great way to regroup before I start the day." –Carly of Chubby Chicks Run Too

7. Take Half Portions

“Take a half portion. When something is too tempting to pass up, halve what you would normally take. This usually satisfies your craving.” –Amy Rhoads of Push Play Fitness

8. Keep Expectations Realistic

“My expectations are realistic. I no longer cram my personal or family calendar with holiday activities. We make time for those events and outings that are truly special and meaningful. That way, I enjoy the season and savor the moments watching my children revel in the holiday magic. If we miss something, I don’t fret.” –Kate Cardon Parish of kateschannel

9. Don’t Leave Extra Treats Lying Around

“I DO NOT under any circumstances keep the treats IN MY HOUSE! This is key. If I am going to a party and am bringing treats with me I prepare them, at max, the day before to make sure I don't snack on them in the days leading up to the event. I leave leftovers with the host. And what happens when I'm the hostess? Brace yourself... I throw it out! Seriously. If I am going to be tempted to finish off a plate of deliciousness (aka brownies, etc.) ... I mean, not that I would, um, EVER do that... I just throw it in the trash. Stuffing it in my face for no apparent reason is much like throwing it in the garbage except that it sticks to my butt and thighs... Don't feel bad about doing this. If you just CAN'T bring yourself to throw it away, package it up and either take it to work or donate it to a food bank.” –Laura of Wife, Mother, Athlete

10. Sign up for a Race

“You can find a fun local race to do just about ever month of the holiday season. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's. Sign up early to take advantage of cheaper race prices, and put it on the calendar before it gets pushed out by other holiday busyness. You'll be amazed how much more you can enjoy that Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas turkey with a race under your belt! Don't forget to invite your friends and family to come train and race with you, or just cheer you on!” –Amy Nelson of Run Mom Run

Finally, remember to give yourself a break about sticking to a 100% healthy routine. As MCM Mama shares, “I cut myself some slack. That doesn't mean I go crazy not exercising and eating like crazy, but I don't stress when I do. Somehow, being able to do what I want helps me make healthier choices.”

Read all the answers from our savvy Health and Fitness Moms here.

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Emily C. says she loves being a mom, but hates the sagging boobs she acquired after her third pregnancy. To get her pre-baby figure back she turned to plastic surgery. "I got implants," she says. "Mainly to balance out my butt in a bathing suit." 

Carol H., who also got breast implants shortly after finishing breastfeeding her daughter, says, "Now I want to go back and get a tummy tuck and some liposuction."   

Emily and Carol are among numerous Circle of Moms members who feel that plastic surgery is a perfectly acceptable way to deal with dissatisfaction over your post-pregnancy shape. In defense of "mommy makeover" plastic surgery, here they share seven reasons they went under (or plan to go under) the knife.

1. "My boobs were in my armpits."

Pregnancy and nursing can change a woman's breasts significantly. Carly H., who has been pregnant or nursing for much of the last five-and-a-half years, doesn't consider herself to be vain, but can't wait "to restore" her body. She feels that her case is extreme: when she lies flat on her back, she says, "my boobs are tucked in my arm pits." She emphatically adds, "I am too young to settle with the body I have left after having my babies. I want my body back."

2. "My stomach looks like chicken skin"

A bulging belly is a common, unwanted hallmark of giving birth, and one that most new moms are determined to banish. Valerie V., who had twins, says she wants to start her makeover with a tummy tuck: "I had twins...my stomach skin is what I call "chicken skin" and I HATE it and am very self conscious about it. And a boob job would be AWESOME I think."

3. "My stomach muscles separated and I still have the pooch."

Dyan B. is planning on using plastic surgery to get rid of the bulging belly and muffin top that have plagued her since pregnancy: "My stomach muscles have separated during pregnancy, and [the plastic surgeon] would have to repair those or else I would still have the pooch on the top like I do now. So that entails a lot more recovery time, and a lot more restrictions." She's saving up money so that she'll be able to take off the necessary six weeks from work, and pay for more help at home while she recovers.

4. "Exercise didn't work."

Christina S. is among many plastic surgery fans who say that exercise and diet didn't restore their pre-pregnancy bodies. "There was no uplifting bra uplifting enough," she says, adding, "I deserve the surgery. I love being a mom, but I don't want to wear my pregnancy body forever."

5. "It makes you feel better about yourself."

Many Circle of Moms members agree that getting back to your firm, fit, pre-pregnancy self is a big psychological boost. "I have fake breasts," says Christina S. "I had beautiful natural perky breast and then...they were flat...like pancakes. Getting my breasts done lifted my spirits and was the best thing I did to my body besides having my kids." She advises other moms, "Get them....you will love them! You will feel good about yourself. You will love the way you look in everything. You will feel complete."

6. "I abhor my stretch marks."

Laci W. plans to erase her stretch marks, among other things. "They have new treatments in the works for stretch marks. Sign me up! And if ever I have anything that can be tucked, tuck it. I never want to age physically." She adds that she'll also go in for a breast lift and other cosmetic surgeries as she ages. "When I get older, I will eliminate wrinkles by any means necessary."

7. "It was always part of the plan."

For some Circle of Moms members, mommy makeover plastic surgeries were always in the works. "I'm planning on having the 'mommy makeover' when I'm done having kids," says Rolee W. "If we can save up the money for it, a tummy tuck and breast lift/small implants. More for my own comfort than anything. My husband loves how I look. But a bunch of loose skin is not comfy."

Bottom line: no matter what your personal feelings are about going under the knife, numerous Circle of Moms members say that having plastic surgery after pregnancy is a very personal choice, one that all moms should be able to make without being judged by others. Feen N. points out that all women "want to look good, for themselves. Some work out, some buy clothes, and some have surgery. I have no problem with anyone [who] wants to use any of those options."

Related Reading: 4 Reasons Not To Get "Mommy Makeover" Plastic Surgery

Do you want plastic surgery?

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

With so much coverage of celebrity moms who shrink back to their svelte pre-pregnancy dimensions just weeks after giving birth, Circle of Moms members say they're feeling like expectations are becoming unreasonable for the rest of us. Sure, many of us wish we could have our pre-pregnancy bodies back, but is there now also an expectation from others that moms look like we've "never had kids," as Angela B. puts it? While she empathizes with the many women who go ahead and have "mommy makeover" plastic surgery after having children, "for the extra skin, boob lift, or a tummy tuck," she is one of many members who say they'd never do it themselves.

Members' reasons for shying away from surgery run the gamut, from the high cost, as Angela's comment underscores, to wanting to avoid unnecessary risk. Here, Circle of Moms members who would never go under the knife explain why. 

1. I Prefer to Look Natural

While their bodies changed after giving birth, many Circle of Moms members say they are fine with their new mommy selves – rippled tummies and all. Fiona prefers "to embrace the changes in my body over time and... natural approaches like exercise to moderately alter my appearance if I am not content." Liz. B. likes to joke about getting breast implants but says it ends there: "I don't think I would...I don't even care for makeup because it [can] make women look fake."

These moms believe that getting plastic surgery would be a betrayal of their values. As Fiona explains, "I don't look down on [women who've had plastic surgery], but I do think they must just have different priorities and different body image ideals than me."

2. I Want to Model Self-Acceptance for My Daughter

Many members say that getting plastic surgery to get rid of natural changes communicates the wrong messages to their children. Amie T., who has three daughters, thinks it would be near impossible for them to develop positive body images if she went in for a mommy makeover.

Others say that kids whose moms get plastic surgery learn that it's okay to cave in to peer pressure. Feen N., for one, wishes "society would stop putting so much pressure on mothers to look like they did at 18. For most of us, it's not going to happen. I swear, the peer pressure on new mothers is just as intense as on teenagers. When we should be focusing on our new babies and finding our feet as mothers, we are being bombarded with these idiotic expectations to lose nine months worth of weight in a matter of weeks." Angela B echos this perspective: "At first I felt really inadequate when [friends] looked so great after two or three kids. But I resent the peer pressure."

3. I'd Rather Spend the Money Elsewhere

Cost is also a major factor in dissuading many moms from seeking cosmetic surgery. Feen N. "certainly wouldn't pay for cosmetic procedures," and Becky F. asserts that "it's a lot of money to spend on what is essentially just vanity." Angela B. thinks of it in terms of priorities: she'd really rather use that cash to "go on a real nice vacation, [or] put it towards a retirement home or a new car."

4. I'm Not Vain Enough to Justify the Risk

Finally, many Circle of Moms members say they want to avoid surgery at all costs. Birth is painful enough! "Personally, I would never in a million years have plastic surgery that is purely a cosmetic enhancement (breast implants, liposuction, or a face lift)," says Erin H. "For me, the risk, pain and time off for recuperation would just not be worth it."

Becky F., who is tempted by the idea of liposuction or a tummy tuck to achieve "a nice, flat tummy, which I haven't had since I was a kid," doubts it would actually make her feel better about herself. And Angela B. is also skeptical: "Just for vanity I can't justify...risking my life."

Laurelai H. seems to sum it up best: "It's just unnecessary."

On The RoundUp next week: Mom Confessions: "I Had Plastic Surgery to Get My Body Back"
 
If cost was not an issue, would you have a mommy makeover?

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

How do you find time to exercise when you're a mom? Circle of Moms member Stephanie L. is one of many who says it's almost impossible: “We have one child, and there are days when I feel like it's impossible to exercise because he might 'act up.' We live in a small home and there is only one room that I can work out. Also my husband is often out of the country and it's only me, so there just never seems to be the time.”

The challenge of fitting fitness into a mom’s already heavily subscribed life is a tough one. And sadly, as many Circle of Moms members report, the lack of exercise can pack on the pounds. A new study published in Social Science and Medicine finds that moms gain significantly more weight over time than women without kids. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that by age 55, the average parent in their sample reached a BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 30, which is considered to be obese! In contrast, those without children had lower BMIs of between 25 to 29 at this age, which is considered overweight but not obese. Basically, being a mom makes you fatter.

So how do all those moms on the fitter end of the spectrum find time to exercise? Here are their secrets. 

1. Utilize day care at the health club

Health clubs and YMCAs often include childcare for moms while they are onsite and exercising. “I live in a small home too and money is super tight for us right now,” says Kelly M.  “So I ended up joining a local gym that is super cheap and now I am taking my son there with me and leaving him in the childcare room.” She admits it took some adjusting on her son’s part, but that it's been worth it. “It took him about a week and a half to adjust, and thankfully the childcare aide was patient and kind with him. I now take some aerobics classes there three times a week, so that’s now my time to exercise."

2. Exercise with your kids

If you can’t go it alone, figure out how to squeeze in some exercise – a walk, playing in the park, anything that gets you moving – with your kids. "I lift my kids and use them as weights to stretch and hold and it is fun for all of us,” says Shenna J. “Even just to get the strength in my arms is good for me, or I get out our stroller and go for jogs pushing my baby.”

Bethany E. also exercises with her kids in tow, in her stroller. "We have a footpath near our house that is good for walking, and I go about two miles one way then turn around," she says. "In the middle, there is a shopping center with a library, so we can stop in there if we need the loo, or need a break or a snack or a change. I don't like organized exercise anyway, and she learns all the colors and names of things and songs etc., along the way." 

3. Find ways to motivate yourself

Trying to exercise when you’re busy taking care of kids and juggling work and home responsibilities requires a lot of motivation! "You have to work extra hard to find creative ways to motivate yourself," says Dawn D. “It is so easy to want to rest when you have some free time. But I find when I really push myself, I feel better.” She says she tries to walk every other morning with her son in his stroller. She also says she has found ways to motivate him for this too.”We are lucky to have a small church swing set nearby so it gives my son a reason to stay in the stroller without acting up.”

4. Work out at home during naps and school times

Moms who can’t make the break from the house – and the kids – to exercise should consider setting up an indoor gym, exercising to DVDs or purchasing some equipment for home. “I was lucky to get a treadmill for my birthday,” says Adrienne E., a mother of twins whose husband is in Iraq. “Everyday I put the babies down for their nap at 11 am and I run 5.5 miles on the treadmill (I didn't start at this, I had to work up to it). This takes me exactly 63 minutes to accomplish. Then I do abs on a big workout ball for 10 minutes, then a quick shower. By 12:30 I'm done with my workout and feeding the babies their lunch. I have lost 30lbs in the last three months by doing this routine, and [I am] completely happy because I am back to the weight I was two-and-a-half years ago when I met my husband. I know treadmills aren't cheap, but if you think about a gym membership being about $50 a month compared to a $400 treadmill, plus the convenience of it being in your home, it is well worth the money."

Many Circle of Moms members say they try to make the most of their children’s nap and school times, and try to be ready to swing into exercise action the second a baby nods off for his afternoon nap. When Megan L.'s daughter was still napping, she would do her workout during her longest daytime nap, which was in the afternoon.

5. Exercise at night

It’s tough to find the energy after a busy day with kids, work and other responsibilities, but some Circle of Moms say they carve out exercise time for themselves at night. “I'm considering joining the cheap gym and going late at night once my son is asleep and my husband is home with him,” says Faryn B., mom of a 17-month-old. “It’s not the preferred way, but might be my only option. I haven't worked out since my son was born and I’m feeling awful. Plus i want to get back into shape (as much as possible) before I get pregnant again."

6. Or try early morning

Some Circle of Mom members say they set their alarm early, before the family wakes up, to try to squeeze in some exercise time. “I do my best to get up before my husband and daughter,” says Jenny K..”That means 4:00 am! When I do, I'm able to get in a 30 to 45 minute workout, shower, and get lunches ready all before my 17 month old wakes up. I also try to do a 45 to 60 minute workout after she goes to bed but that depends on the time and if my husband and I have had some catch up time.”

7. Enlist help

 Another approach is to ask your spouse or significant other (if you have one) to give you an hour away from the kids to exercise. "I have my husband watch her when he gets home from work while I work out," says Kimberly C.

How do you squeeze in time for exercise?

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

Supermodel Karolina Kurkova is back to work and, I might add, looking pretty darn good in a new photo spread with W magazine. The former Victoria's Secret angel gave birth to a baby boy six months ago, opting to do a home delivery at that! While it may have been a little bit easier for Karolina to get back to her prepregnancy body — she is naturally lean, after all — she certainly didn't slack off either. Karolina shared with W that she kept her diet "annoyingly healthy" and relied on another working mom — trainer Tracy Anderson — to help get her back in shape. Here are the highlights:

• On losing the baby weight: "I didn't gain much weight, and I think the secret was really staying active throughout my pregnancy. I did Pilates, a lot of weight training, I walked a lot and I traveled. I lived my life, you know?"
• On her pregnancy diet: "I was eating really healthy, taking good supplements and vitamins, drinking green juices and just making sure I was putting the best stuff in my body. I didn't eat much junk, and I was lucky I didn't really crave it, either. So I'm all about listening to your body. But obviously you want to try to give it more natural foods, and fruits, good vitamins, fish oils, fiber. Lots of fiber when you're pregnant!"

To find out what it's like working out with Tracy Anderson, read more

Emmy-award winning actress Jaime Pressly is all smiles on the cover of this month's Health. The My Name Is Earl actress, 32, is in the throes of newlywed bliss (she's been married to lawyer Simran Singh for eight months) and being mom to her 3-year-old son Dezi. Jaime shared with the mag how she stays healthy. Here are the highlights:

• On her workout: "I get bored easily, so my trainer, Mike Jones, introduced me to TRX. It’s two handles you can attach to a bar or a doorway. You use your body weight for resistance. We also do abs, plus 150 to 200 squats. We work the inner and outer thighs, the quads, the hamstrings. I enjoy feeling the burn and pushing myself."
• On which workout she won't do: "I am not a yoga person. They say it would be good for me because I’m a Type A person, and it would relax me, but I like action. Yoga’s too Zen for me!"
• On the pressure to look perfect in Hollywood: "I've never felt that pressure. Part of that is because I know myself. I'm someone who likes to be in shape because it makes me feel good. But I eat junk food, too."

Find out what Jaime said about plastic surgery and the cabbage soup diet when you read more

Pregnancy weight gain is no laughing matter. Recent studies have linked pounds packed on through pregnancy with everything from large babies to gestational diabetes. So it is no wonder that some women's fear of gaining weight will color their views of pregnancy.

In the May issue of Women's Health magazine, The Biggest Loser's tough-as-nails trainer Jillian Michaels discusses her plans to add a baby to the family without adding to her waistline. She says:

I’m going to adopt. I can’t handle doing that to my body. Also, when you rescue something, it's like rescuing a part of yourself.

Though the Institute of Medicine recommends that the average weight women gain be between 25 and 35 pounds throughout pregnancy, 55 percent of LilSugar readers remained heavier after pregnancy than before. Would postbaby body concerns have you consider adoption?

If a pregnant woman works out and stays physically fit, most people assume she'll deliver a lean tot. But then there are ladies who gain a lot of maternal weight during the expectant stage and still deliver a babe on the smaller side. Genetics, diet and many things factor in, but we're curious how much weight you gained during pregnancy and how big your baby was at birth?

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