Lose your baby weight in 2013

Drop Your Baby Weight In The New Year

If your baby is six months or six years old, resolve to drop that baby weight once and for all in the New Year.

Happy woman eating salad

Do it together

Having a partner in crime to keep one another motivated during a weak moment can be crucial in your weight loss journey. Team up with a mom friend who wants to lose weight, too, or enlist your hubby join you in your quest to drop those baby pounds -- chances are he's gained a few "sympathy pounds" he'd like to shake, too.

Pencil in your workouts

Resolving to work out five times a week is all well and good, but it might be better to start slow and map out a plan for how you can actually squeeze in that time to exercise. Get out your calendar and slate in at least three 30-minute time slots weekly for exercise, to start. As you get acclimated to working out, increase that amount.

Eat at home

Eating out on a regular basis can wreak havoc on your waistline -- due to portion sizes and temptations like never-ending bread baskets or chip bowls, appetizers and desserts. Avoid pig-out pitfalls by avoiding dining out too often. By making your meals at home, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes.

Eat more greens...

And reds and yellows, too! Resolve to fill your plate with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. One easy trick? Switch out your usual lunch for a fresh salad loaded with veggies and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a spritz of fresh lime or lemon juice.

Don't deprive yourself

Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate or a small serving of ice cream every now and then so you don't freak out and eat a whole sheet cake after three days of dieting. (I am not at all speaking from experience here... I've just heard about things like that.)

Reward yourself

Make mini goals and reward yourself for each one, but not with food! A new nail polish, a day at the spa -- whatever your pleasure. Make sure you recognize your successes, forgive the pitfalls and keep going!