Baby weight is frustrating. All those books that say breastfeeding melts away pounds, or that just lugging your baby around will do it - lies.

What will really help you lose the baby weight?

1. Eat protein: A little lean protein such as meats, soy, low-fat dairy, and so on at each meal, will help you to feel full, give you energy, and allows you to keep muscle while losing fat.
2. Exercise: Breastfeeding and carrying a baby is not enough. You’re going to have to make time for exercise. Learn about the exact exercises that new mamas need.
3. Eat more veggies: Veggies are filling, and are practically a get out of jail free card when it comes to calories. You can nibble cut veggies all day, with few worries about too many added calories or extra fat. Keep a tray of cut veggies and even a low-fat dip like hummus in your fridge, so it’s ready when you’re hungry.
4. Walk, run, or bike faster: If you’ve been doing light jogging, try a faster run. If walking isn’t moving the scale, try walking on the beach or uphill. Sometimes the only thing that will help weight loss is upping your routine. Not even by a lot. Just 20-30 minutes of extra faster exercise can help shed calories and boost your metabolism.
5. Write down everything you eat: Study after study shows that people who write down every single thing they eat lose more weight, and keep it off better than people who skip this step. Buy an inexpensive notebook, and jot all your meals and snacks down.