How to Lose Baby Weight: Find the Right Routine for Your Personality

Reviewed by Dr. Elisa Ross in September 2010

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Struggling to shed extra pounds post pregnancy? The key to successful weight loss lies in discovering the plan that suits your personality.

What's your weight-loss personality? If you're outgoing and gregarious—think Kirstie Alley—you might benefit from telling everyone you know (not to mention a few million television viewers) that you're trying to shed pounds. A more reserved person, however, might do better with a more mellow approach.

"The key to finding a successful strategy is being honest about your strengths and weaknesses," says Dr. Martin Binks, PhD, director of behavioral health at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center in Durham, North Carolina. "To violate your basic nature makes the already challenging process of weight loss more difficult."

Each of these four plans is targeted to a different personality trait, whether it's being goal-oriented, extroverted, shy, or spiritual. A little of this and a little of that? Combine the techniques to personalize your approach. It's soul-searching that—bonus!—slims you down.

"I'm Shy"

Even though we live in a tell-all culture, you'd prefer to keep your weight-loss plans to yourself. "Telling friends, family, and coworkers invites them to monitor your progress, which feels like added pressure to you," says Dr. Daniel Stettner, PhD, a clinical weight-loss psychologist in Berkley, Michigan. In addition, keeping your plans a secret saves you from any potential embarrassment if you fail to reach your goal within a specific time frame.