quick clicks

moms today articles

moms today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Fine Tuning

Carnie Wilson on Pregnancy, Weight Control and Postpartum

By Donna Smith

Wilson says though losing the weight is hard, you have to be dedicated and structured – and you have to get those meals in. "That's why everything is balance after a baby," she says. "Because baby comes first. But you have to keep up your health, and you have to keep it up because you have to be healthy for your baby, for you to be the best mom. But then again, having a baby is not being selfish; you become unselfish, so it's really like a contradiction. It's really strange, but it's all about balance."

And meal planning is key, she says. "Try to cook for three days at a time and freeze your food or have it ready for you," she says. "If you can afford to do something like The Zone, do that. It's only temporary. Hopefully you didn't gain more than 30, 40 pounds. It will come off; just know you don't have to do it in a month."

Wilson tries to eat healthy every day. "I try to eat protein first, keep carbs to a minimum, snack on protein or some fruit," she says. "Try not to drink soda. Try to drink a ton of water. And try to walk. Take the baby on walks."

Walking is Wilson's favorite exercise. "Get that stroller out, get that baby in the stroller, talk to the baby," she says. "If you're the busy type, maybe the baby will sleep and you can make your phones calls when you're walking. Walk fast. Burn calories. Get your workout in."

Does Wilson want another baby? "Yes, we would love to," she says. "I would love to give Lola a sibling." So stay tuned!

Getting Help Wilson credits a particular nurse for helping her learn the fundamentals of motherhood. "I had a nurse for two weeks and she taught me everything," she says. "Her name was Debbie and she was from Trinidad and we had the best time. Some of the most wonderful talks at 2 in the morning I spent with her. We were so lucky to have a nurse. And she was amazing. She's this tall, big lady with big hands and she just held Lola in one hand. I didn't know how to change a diaper. She taught me everything." Wilson even thanks Debbie on her albums. "She's a sweetheart and so loving. She'll just be in my heart forever."