Hi everyone.

My name is Teria and I'm having a really hard time losing the baby weight. I gained about fourty pounds and only lost fivteen after having her. I've been working my butt off running a mile a day and doing my post-natal pilates workout for about two months. And my weight has been bouncing up and down between a series of ten pounds. I'm starting to get really frustrated. I just need some support and maybe some diet and exerise tips.

Thanks so much! And I'm really excited to get to know you.

Well you came to the right place, there is even a sub forum for mothers working on post pregnancy weight.

I welcome you to the community, and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask!

Hi Teria! I too recently had a baby. I gained a total of 48 pounds. After deducting the weight of the baby and the experts' estimated weight of water, womb, etc, I had about 20 pounds of fat left to lose. I find calorie counting very effective. It can be done, just persevere and don't give up! Good luck.

You mention running and pilates yet make no mention of food.

Controlling food intake is going to be the driving factor of success. Exercise is there to make this control easier.

That's one of my major problems. I tried cutting carbs out, but there are so many hidden carbs that it's hard to keep track. I just need to find a diet and stick to it, but thre are so many to choose from, I don'nt know which one.

Why are you trying to eliminate carbs?

I'm not saying you are right or wrong.... that's all dependent upon your answer to the above question.

Also, why do you feel the need to pick a prepackaged diet plan?

I think more people would do better simply eating how they want, abiding by a few broad rules, with limited hurdles. The more prepackaged you get, the more hurdles there are and the more likelihood of tripping and frustration.

Very basic rules to abide by:

*monitor and control caloric intake
*eat adequate protein
*eat adequate healthy fats
*avoid highly processed foods as much as possible
*eat your veggies and fruits