Week 2: Lose the Baby Weight

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Now that you've taken stock of your situation and your goals, this week it's time to take action toward getting fit and losing the baby weight.

Exercise: Get Moving

Lace up your shoes. Tug on the jog bra (lock and load, baby!). This week's goal: one hour of exercise for three days a week. You can do this in smaller increments—20 minutes here, two hours at once. Walk briskly with a friend while pushing a stroller. Follow an exercise tape or exercise program on TV. Take a class at the gym. What and where aren't important. Just move! Break a sweat whenever you can.

Read How to Start Your Exercise Regimen for all you need to know.

Diet: Make 500-Calorie Dinners

Your task this week: Find six dinner recipes (via the Web, cookbooks, magazines, or friends) that have fewer than 500 calories per serving, and serve them this week.

Click here to find out why and how!

Attitude: Get Focused

Find a quiet moment and sit still, whether in prayer, meditation, or just with your eyes closed. Focus on the positive things in your life. These may be children, home, friends, family, community, job. What feels positive may change from week to week or day to day. The great things in your day today can be as simple as getting an unhurried shower, having the dog come when you call, or achieving six nights of uninterrupted sleep in a row. Count your blessings!

Extra Credit

Add in one more hour of exercise. Tip: Swap child care with a friend to exercise.