Week 1: Lose the Baby Weight

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Congratulations on taking the 12-week challenge to get fit and lose some weight after having a baby. We've got assignments and info for each week. Starting with week two, we'll be rotating the focus among the areas of exercise, diet, and attitude. For now, it's time to get to know yourself a little better, take stock of your goals, and get ready!

Exercise: Get Your Gear in Order

You're committed to making some new strides, right? Getting your equipment right will help make it a reality and inspire you. You don't have to go crazy, though. Click here to discover the four (yes, only four!) must-haves to get started, and see a gallery of nice-to-haves too.

Diet: Keep a Daily Food Journal

Your assignment in detail is in this article: Keep a Food Journal. What are you eating in a typical week? Write down everything you eat for five days and determine your average caloric intake. You can find a decent calorie counter here.

Attitude: Self Assessment

Losing weight involves your body (exercise), mind (willpower to make smart food choices), and heart (your attitude). If the heart is missing, you won't have long-term success. Take our quiz to determine your mental and emotional readiness to make a change.

Extra Credit

Write out a Make a Change contract, including your goals and commitment for 12 weeks, sign it, and post it on your refrigerator.

Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before embarking on a new diet or exercise program. Nothing contained on this site should be considered as, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.