It is hard to find time to work out and eat right when you are so preoccupied with the new baby. You will be too busy juggling breastfeeding, diaper changing and not to mention adapting to your baby's sleeping pattern. However, once you have settled in with your baby, you should start working on the weight you have gained during pregnancy.

Step 1

Have practical expectations. One of the worst things you can do, however, is fall into the "new mum trap" - having impractical expectations of your body weight. While it may seem like celebrities get their bodies' back only days after giving birth, keep in mind that it took nine months to put that weight on, and it may take another nine to drop it.

Step 2

Keep a food journal. Just because you are home with your new infant does not mean you can eat whatever you want, whenever you feel like it. Make real food for yourself. While you may be pressed for time, make a habit of eating good and balanced meals. To help form the habit, try keeping a food journal. Everything you eat must be written down, including the few spoonfuls of ice cream you may sneak from the carton now and then. Once you see how much junk food you are actually consuming, you are more likely to change bad habits.

Step 3

Don't starve yourself. You cannot survive on celery and water alone. New mums need their energy, so you should keep your blood sugar at a steady level. Do your best to have a small snack every two to three hours. This prevents your blood sugar level from soaring or plummeting, depending on how long it has been since you last ate. You also risk overeating by not eating often enough.

Step 4

Choose to breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding mums find that they lose the baby weight quickly due to the calories burned at each feeding.

Step 5

Make time to exercise. New mums often find that it is difficult to fit daily exercise into their hectic schedules. Get a babysitter or let the newborn spend some time alone with Dad while you work out.

Step 6

Find a mum and baby fitness class. If you are having a hard time leaving the baby, take her with you to your workout. Mum and baby fitness classes are offered at many gyms and feature physical activities that you can perform with the infant.

Step 7

Keep healthy foods in the house for snacking. Instead of purchasing cookies and chips, have fruits and vegetables handy for snack cravings.

Step 8

Take long walks with your baby. Make it an evening ritual to take your baby for a long brisk walk through your neighbourhoods. Ask your friends or family members along to make it a fun activity.