Whether it’s the last ten pounds of baby weight or those skinny jeans that almost fit, mocking you in your closet, we’re always looking for easy ways to burn a few more calories. If you’re looking to get rid of those won’t-budge pounds, here are eighteen surprising strategies that helped these moms get slim again.
Fend Off Temptation
Kerri; Queens, New York
Lost: Twelve pounds in eight months
I’m a chronic snacker, so I’ve made a real point to keep my favorites out of the house so I’m not tempted as much. When I’m really craving something (like chips), I buy only a single portion size so I can eat the whole thing guilt-free.
Cutting Coffee and Cocktails
Emily; Brookline, Massachusetts
Lost: Forty pounds in ten months
I made a couple of small but significant changes. I stopped my daily Starbucks runs (I’d always eat some kind of pastry whenever I’d go there) and limited alcohol to no more than two cocktails a week. After a couple of months, my clothes became looser and I started getting those wonderful “You look awesome!” comments. Now, my smaller size keeps me motivated to stay that way.
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Step It Up
Megan; Highland Mills, New York
Lost: Twenty-five pounds in four months
I moved my daughter’s diaper changing station to the second floor. This forces me to go up and down stairs to the nursery every time I need to change my daughter’s diaper.
Walk It Off
Nicole; Chicopee, Massachusetts
Lost: Thirty-five pounds in nineteen months
I walked a little bit every single day, whether it was down the street, around the backyard, at the grocery store, or at the mall. I’d stroll for anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour a day.
Bust a Move with Baby
Elizabeth; Skokie, Illinois
Lost: Thirty pounds in five to six months
I was stuck inside all winter with my newborn, so I started a dance party tradition. I played my favorite cheesy ’80s songs and bopped around the living room with my son. Or I’d put him in his bouncy seat and let him laugh at my ridiculous moves. Not only did I get some exercise, but this really boosted my mood during those long, cold (and sometimes pretty dull) days.
My Number One Eat-Less Trick
Ivy; Temecula, California
Lost: Forty pounds in five months
Use your freezer! I started keeping yogurts there and would have those for dessert instead of ice cream. (Because they come in pre-portioned containers and take longer to eat frozen, you tend to have less.) I’d also freeze Twinkies or some other splurgy dessert for when I was craving something just plain bad—you’re much less likely to pound down four at once this way.
Lifting with Baby
Deanna; Atlanta, Georgia
Lost: Thirty pounds in two months
I’d use my son, Carter, during squats, sit-ups, and arm lifts. For the first few months, I’d add just a couple of sets a day as we were playing. Now that he’s almost a year old (and a lot heavier), it’s still a great way to get in an extra workout without hitting the gym.
Drink More Water
Danielle; New York, New York
Lost: Eighty pounds in six months
When I was down to the last ten pounds, I increased the amount of water I drank, sipping a glass before, during, and after feeding the baby. This helped to keep me full—and away from the snacks!
Cut Back, Just a Little
Ilana; Princeton, New Jersey
Lost: Forty pounds in two years
I decided to slim down for an upcoming wedding. Since I love eating, I knew I couldn’t handle a restrictive diet. I kept things simple with a few rules:
- No more cheese on the turkey sandwich for lunch, no more potato chips on the side.
