Celebrities like Heidi Klum, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, and Victoria Beckham grace the Red Carpet just weeks after giving birth, looking enviably lean and trim. One would never guess that they gave birth just weeks earlier! A perfect example is Heidi Klum, who was seen strutting the catwalk in a thong just two months after giving birth.

Their secret? They have weapons at their disposal that the average non-celebrity mom doesn’t, like personal fitness trainers, chefs to prepare healthy meals, and nannies to care for their baby while they are getting back into shape.

But is it healthy to lose weight so rapidly? Most experts say “no”. Neither crash dieting nor excessive exercising is healthy, especially for moms who are nursing their babies or who had a caesarean section birth. The body requires time to heal from pregnancy and the birthing process.

What is the best way to lose weight after childbirth? Slow and steady wins the race. The weight is more likely to stay off if it is lost in a steady and slow fashion. A moderate exercise program combine with a sensible diet will allow the weight to come off gradually.

It is not wise to eat too little while breastfeeding. Mothers who are breastfeeding require a well-balanced diet and enough calories to produce quality “meals” for their babies. Mothers who are nursing should aim for 1800 to 2000 calories per day for the first several weeks after birth to ensure an adequate milk supply.

It is difficult not to look at celebrity moms in their “skinny” jeans and bathing suits just weeks after giving birth and not feel a pang of envy. However, by eating properly and exercising in moderation you are guaranteeing your baby a great start in life, and that is what is really important in the grand scheme of things.

Related Links:

· Video: Diet Tips from illumistream health

· Get Your Body Back After Pregnancy from MedicineNet.com

· Diet for a Healthy Breastfeeding Mom from BabyCenter.com