When you have a baby, it can be very difficult to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy. Exercising while pregnant and breastfeeding are both good ways to burn off excess calories, but it can be hard to find the time and energy necessary to do so—especially if you’re breast-feeding exclusively and your body still feels the effects of pregnancy. In order to get back into shape after pregnancy, follow these 12 tips that will help you lose weight safely after pregnancy.

1) Set Realistic Goals

It is important for women who have just given birth to set realistic goals. It is possible to have a flat stomach again, but it may not happen quickly. A realistic goal could be getting back into your pre-pregnancy clothes in six months or less. If you are breastfeeding, then your goal may be six months after you stop nursing.

2) Breastfeed If You Can

Breastfeeding is a great way to get back into shape after having a baby. It boosts your metabolism, burns calories, and it also helps you have a flat stomach again. If You Can’t: If breastfeeding isn't an option for you, pumping will give the same benefits. But don't worry if it's not possible; there are still many things that can help with weight loss.

3) Get Moving

The best way to start losing weight after pregnancy is by getting moving. It's also important to have a healthy diet and reduce stress in your life. Have a flat stomach, not a pouch! Do you want to have a flat stomach? These twelve tips will help you lose weight after pregnancy.

4) Cut Back on Calories

If you're looking for a way to have a flat stomach, the best way is to cut back on calories. Eating healthy and exercising are of course important too, but if you want a flat stomach quickly, don't eat as much. Once you start eating healthy and exercising again, your body will be thinner and there will be less of an opportunity for fat cells.

5) Eat More Slowly

If you want to know how to lose weight after pregnancy, there are a few tricks that you can try. One of them is eating more slowly. This will help you feel fuller and it will also prevent overeating. Sit down and enjoy your food before digging in. Another way is to avoid eating out too much by cooking at home instead. That way, you know exactly what ingredients are going into your meal so you don't have to worry about those pesky additives that might be lurking in restaurant food.

6) Avoid Fad Diets

Eating a healthy diet and exercising are the best ways to lose weight after pregnancy. Fad diets may help you lose weight, but they will not help you keep it off because they don't have a healthy foundation. You have to have a flat stomach for life! If you have children then that is especially true! You need to start eating right now if you want your body back in shape and have a flat stomach again.

7) Eat More Protein and Fiber

It is important to eat protein and fiber-rich foods like legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains and vegetables. These types of food will help with digestion and will also help you feel full. By eating a variety of these healthy foods you can have a flat stomach in no time.

8) Drink Plenty of Water

Drink plenty of water. Starting with the very first step, drink at least 8 glasses of water per day for optimal hydration. Water helps your body flush out all the toxins you were exposed to during pregnancy, and will also help you have a flat stomach again!

9) Avoid Alcohol and Sugary Drinks

When you have a baby, your body goes through all the changes necessary to provide milk and nurture your baby. One of these changes is storing fat around your abdomen, which can cause problems when it comes time for weight loss. To have a flat stomach after pregnancy, avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.

10) Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep is important for everyone, but during pregnancy it's vital. Not only will you have a better chance at maintaining a healthy weight gain, but you'll also have an easier time staying awake and alert when your baby needs you. Aim for eight hours of sleep each night, and take naps as needed throughout the day.

11) Manage Stress

It can be hard for new moms to manage stress, but it's important. Exercise and meditation are great ways to release pent up energy and feel more grounded. Plus, having a flat stomach is awesome! For your waistline, use these three exercises: Do planks, which target the core abdominal muscles that wrap around the spine. Do crunches to work those muscles on the front of your body. And do side planks to strengthen the sides of your body and improve balance. Once you've done all three exercises in one set, repeat two or three sets with 10 repetitions each time.

12) Don't Skip Meals

It's important to eat frequently after giving birth, as your metabolism has slowed down during pregnancy. A healthy diet will have you feeling energized and have you have a flat stomach before you know it.