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Lose the Baby Weight! See How These Real Moms Did It

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Sally Farhat Kassab on Jan 10, 2011 at 3:16PM

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Lose the Baby Weight! See How These Real Moms Did It

Nutrisystem

Real Moms' Weight Loss Stories

What does it take to lose those pregnancy pounds for good? These new moms shared what ultimately worked for them, plus their dramatic before and after pics!

Margo McGirr, 45
Staunton, Virgina
Height: 5’6”
Pre-weight-loss weight: 185 Current weight: 125 Pounds Lost: 60
How she did it: Nutrisystem, cardio kickboxing and Zumba

Her top tips:
Let the downs bring you up. “My daughter passed away when she was three years old and I miss her every day. But I decided that if I was going to be sad for the rest of my life, I should still have jeans that I can zip up! There are certain things that are within our power to change and things that aren’t. Being healthier is something we can all choose.”

Plan ahead. “You already have enough things in that diaper bag, why not add one more thing? Always have an energy bar with at least ten grams of protein within reach in your purse, glove box or workout bag. This will fill you up and be a better alternative to a Snickers. You should never go longer than four hours without eating something healthy -- being ravenous leads to chaos in your diet.”

Make friends with exercise. “If you’re someone who hasn’t always been the biggest fan of working out, getting started can be difficult. So make amends -- nobody can make a habit of what they hate. Find something you enjoy and do it.”

Get on the scale. “Not weighing yourself or looking in the mirror won’t make you any thinner. Be brave and see what your stats are so you can improve them. You’ve got the power to change, it’s all up to you.”

Always sit down to eat. “As a mom, it's hard to find time to actually sit down to eat, but if you always take your time and enjoy your meal, you’ll be more judicious about what you consume. You’ll ask yourself ‘Is this really the last cannoli on Earth?’ before chowing down.”

Wear real clothes. “I'm calling out all the moms out there: stretchy waistbands won’t hold you accountable. Get dressed! When you feel good about your appearance, you’re less likely to overeat.”

Eat colors. “If your plate is an array of colors, your food will be more appetizing and nutritious.”