Most new moms feel an immense amount of pressure to shed their extra baby weight fast. Hollywood celebrity Heidi Klum lost an astonishing 48 pounds just eight weeks after giving birth by following a rigorous diet and exercise program. By eating sensibly and working out twice a day with a trainer, she got her body runway-ready for the Victoria's Secret lingerie show. Though Heidi's diet and exercise program is extreme, new moms can benefit from her weight loss strategies to help lose the extra pounds, improve body composition and increase energy levels.
Nutrition
Heidi eliminated high-fat processed foods and ate four to five small healthy meals a day. Her diet included protein shakes, plenty of fresh vegetables and lean sources of protein like skinless chicken breast and egg whites. She stayed away from processed carbs like bread and pasta, opting instead for high-fiber choices like lentils and kidney beans. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps keep energy levels up and allows your metabolism to continuously burn off calories and fat.
Following a similar diet program requires some effort, so take the time to plan weekly menus in advance. When Heidi gets hungry, she reaches for an apple. Follow her lead and make sure to have plenty of low-calorie, healthy snacks on hand.
Exercise
Heidi worked out twice a day with a personal trainer to get her physique toned and ready for the runway. She incorporated lunges, core-strengthening moves, yoga and boxing into her morning regimen. In the afternoons, she opted for cardio to increase her heart rate, doing 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer or incline treadmill. For a modified version of this program, try 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise four to five times a week. The goal is to get your heart rate up and burn calories to stimulate weight loss.
Stick With It
A diet and exercise program is useless if you can't stick with it. Heidi stayed fiercely committed to her diet and workout plan at all times. She stuck with it even when she went for a weeklong visit with family in Germany, packing ankle weights and workout DVDs to stay active and fit. She stuck with her diet, saying no to rich desserts and indulgent foods. Set specific goals for weight loss and stay focused to achieve the results you want. Because she kept at it, Heidi's reward was walking down the runway looking slim, toned and fabulous.
