Natasha Hamilton’s post-baby diet tips

Until you’ve been told by your doctor at your six-week postnatal checkup that it’s OK to gently start exercising, don’t even think about it! Those initial weeks are for bonding with your baby, not for stressing about weight loss. And, if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll most likely start losing weight naturally.

You have to set realistic goals – you’re an individual with a different set of circumstances and you don’t know what other mums are doing to look the way they do.I dropped one dress size in three months and I know I’ll keep that weight off because I did it sensibly. It’s been a lifestyle change, rather than a quick fix. If I’d told myself I had to drop two dress sizes, it would have been unhealthy and too hard to stick to.

’ve been trying to think more about what I’m putting into my body. I’ve been cutting back on starchy carbs like bread and pasta, and packing in nutrients by eating loads of veg, such as butternut squash and sweet potato.

I take Ella out in her buggy as much as possible and I like to walk fast up the hill where we live. By the time I’m at the top my heart is really pumping – it’s a great workout for building strength and stamina, firming your arm and leg muscles and burning fat, too.

I’m a huge fan of the slow cooker – it’s perfect for busy mums as you just pile in all the ingredients in in the morning and by the evening you have an amazing healthy casserole or a hearty soup. But buy double the amount you need, so you can have a meal and save time later by freezing a meal.

Eating well is about being prepared. If you’re having loads of veg like I am, prepare it in the morning. Boil or roast the veg, then store in Tupperware boxes in the fridge, so when it’s time to make your salad or evening meal, you are literally taking it out of the fridge and putting it on the plate.On days when I’m not organised and come home starving with nothing pre prepared, I definitely end up eating things I shouldn’t!

Even though I work out at home, somehow there’s always something more pressing to do. But don’t feel guilty about asking your partner or your mum to take the baby so you can spend some time on yourself. Ritchie will look after Ella for 20 minutes while I work out and that time is just for me, to close the door, put some music on and get rid of all that stress!