Larysa DiDio is a leading celebrity trainer and fitness expert. With pregnant celebrities being such a popular topic these days, Larysa DiDio is just the expert to talk to on losing weight after pregnancy. Fit Celeb got to talk to the very knowledgeable and beautiful, Larysa DiDio, about healthy ways to stay in shape as a mother and living a healthier lifestyle, post-baby.

Fit Celeb: Being a trainer to celebrities, are you currently working with any that are trying to lose baby weight?

Larysa DiDio: Am not working with anyone currently but I’ve worked w a bunch in the past. It’s actually the #1 reason/motivator for celeb women to get into shape. The quicker they get their baby back, the faster they get back to working and having the energy to put in long hours.

Fit Celeb: Celebrity moms losing baby weight fast is a hot topic, what’s your opinion on celebrities who are losing baby weight super fast these days?

Larysa DiDio: I comment on this cautiously. Listen who doesn’t want to lose weight fast? You can maximize your metabolism and the rate at which you lose weight but unfortunately due to pressure in the industry, many celebs turn to unhealthy eating and workout methods to drop weight quickly. Unfortunately this is a temporary fix. Cutting calories below 1000 cals/day, working out for over 2 hours/day and taking questionable supplements to boost your metabolism always backfire on you in the long run. Initially weight loss after having a baby may be quicker because you lose water weight and excess weight caused by the baby, but after a couple of weeks weight loss should stabilize to a consistent 1-3 lbs per week. This ensures that your body is healthy and the weight loss will remain permanent as a lifestyle rather than a fad.

Fit Celeb: Have you seen it affect any of your recently pregnant clients and their expectations to lose the post-pregnancy weight?

Larysa DiDio: Honestly weight loss shows that tout 7+ lbs lost per week have made the work environment of health professionals a bit tough because it portrays unrealistic goals and standards for the every day person that are unattainable, making them feel like they’re failing if their results don’t parallel. It’s my job to keep them focused, act as their cheerleader and keep their goals healthy, realistic and attainable.

Fit Celeb: Is there a general time frame that women can realistically expect to lose their baby weight?

Larysa DiDio: Typically women lose the weight and get into shape by 6 months post partem. The main thing that complicates and interferes with a new mom’s weight loss efforts is lack of sleep. It’s essential for weight loss to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep per night in order to maximize metabolism, keep cortisol levels down and boost motivation. As a new mom it’s nearly impossible to get that amount of uninterrupted sleep.

Fit Celeb: What fitness and diet regimen did you follow to lose your post-pregnancy weight?

Larysa DiDio: My hubby was pretty great and his schedule was a bit flexible so I could nap during the day which gave me the motivation and flexibility to workout whenever I needed to. I had my first child via C-section so I was allowed to do upper body exercises after 3 weeks, then start walking at 6 weeks. By 2 months post partem I was jog/walking 3 days/week and circuit weight training 3 days a week. I V-backed with my second child and it was a pretty big difference. After 10 days I was walking on the treadmill (albeit at 2.0 miles per hour but I was moving! ) and after 3 weeks I was jog/walking 3 days a week and circuit weight training 3 days a week. The key is to start slowly and increase the duration and intensity slowly, every week. I believe that it’s important for moms to strength train in order to regain lost muscle (and boost metabolism), keep strong and pain free (it can be rough on your back carrying a baby and all the stuff a baby needs all day) and to fill out extra skin that may have stretched during pregnancy.

Fit Celeb: Is there any type of exercise you find that helps the most with losing post-pregnancy weight, especially since most of it is carried in the mid-section?

Larysa DiDio: Interval training with cardio and strength training is great for moms because it’s efficient and effective. You can pack a lot of workout into a short amount of time. In addition I believe that Pilates offers the best core and ab exercises for moms.

Fit Celeb: What’s your fitness philosophy regarding kids?

Larysa DiDio: It’s a parent’s job to get their kids moving. Kids move more when they have a family that moves as well.

Fit Celeb: How does your fitness DVD for tween girls build their self-confidence and self-esteem?

Larysa DiDio: When your body is stronger you feel better about it and yourself. It’s as simple as that! You have more confidence and it translates into better sleep, better grades and a better outlook on life. I’ve had school principals tell me that my workouts for girls have done more for girls’ self esteems then a year of psychological therapy! It’s pretty rewarding.

Fit Celeb: Have you ever thought of or are you working on launching these fitness classes at schools?

Larysa DiDio: I’ve done a lot of work with kids in schools as extra curricular work. They love it because it’s non competitive and fun. I’d love to do them more and am working on it!

Photos courtesy of: www.larysadidio.com