How to Lose Belly Fat After Kids

Having children changes your lifestyle, and, if you are like most women, your body as well. The biggest weight loss concern many moms have is how to lose belly fat after having kids. This is true of women who have had several children and those who just had their first. Exercise routines in beauty magazine and DVDs encourage abdominal crunches. However, many moms become frustrated after doing thousands of crunches, only to find the belly pooch persists.

Things You'll Need

• Fruits and vegetables
• Lean protein
• Low-fat dairy products
• Whole grains

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Eat three small meals and two or three snacks a day. This jumpstarts your metabolism, increases your ability to burn fat and helps you get a slimmer mid-section. Break your diet-busting habits, like finishing your kids' leftovers.

• 2

  Prepare meals that include plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy products. In addition to limiting weight gain when eaten in moderation, these foods provide vitamins to nourish your body. Feed your children the same diet. It will help them build healthy bones and muscles and teach them healthy habits.

• 3

  Shun white bread and pasta. A study published by the American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism indicated that replacing white bread and pasta with whole grains in conjunction with a low-calorie diet reduces weight around the belly.

• 4

  Perform cardiovascular exercises at least three times a week. As you lose weight all over your body, your belly will automatically start to slim down. Play tag and baseball, or ride your bike with the kids. Take a brisk walk whenever possible. Keep your abdominal muscles pulled in and your spine straight. If you have a toddler, carry him in a backpack baby carrier. The extra pounds intensify results from walking.

• 5

  Do exercises that target the abdominal muscles, but skip crunches. Michele Olson, PhD, professor of exercise science at Auburn University says that crunches primarily target the rectus abdominis, which is only of several abdominal muscles. As a replacement, do exercises like leg circles, leg planks, curls and toe taps