What's Up With Your Belly? Seriously!!

Okay, you have just delivered OR maybe it's been a while...and you are wondering what's up with your belly?!? As the old saying goes, it didn't get there overnight, so it's not going to disappear overnight either. And everyone is different. Some women lose it fast, some slow and some never.

The overall goal is to tighten your tummy back up...since it has been stretched beyond all recognition of its former self. Here are some general tips to win the Battle of the Bulge:

1. Look 5 pounds slimmer without losing an ounce or doing a single crunch. Does that statement pique your interest? If so, the secret to a flatter belly may lie in how you hold yourself. Now repeat after me...back straight, head up, tummy in!!

2. Find out what Health Type you are. Through extensive consumer surveys, the health and wellness research firm, Natural Marketing Institute, found that Americans typify five distinct health personalities. Find out what club you belong to...The Eat Drink and Be Merrys, The Health Seekers, The Magic Bullets, The Why Bothers or The Foodies. Or maybe better yet - you might have a split personality!! If you want to take things an extra step, you can find out your Exercise Style to find out what best suits your personality.

3. If you aren't breastfeeding, take a look at what you are eating. Now that your baby is on the outside, you don't have the same needs for calories. Again, this may take a little while. Your mind may still be saying yes, but if you give in, you might as well say "get on my hips tortilla!".

4. Work out! Better yet, build a support system and find a friend. With each other's encouragement and help, you can work out together and say goodbye to flabby abs and tone your tummy. With some work, hopefully both of you will be showing a little belly (literally!) in no time - Good Luck!!

Additional Information:
According to a BabyCenter poll, almost 60% of women who responded said breastfeeding helped them lose weight after pregnancy.  Hundreds of comments have been left addressing this poll.

More Reading for New Moms:
Belly, Back and Bottom - Your Postpartum Restoration Plan
Fitting Exercise into Your Busy Schedule
Exercising with Your Baby Indoors