Hi I put on a lot of weight since having my son 2 years ago and am finding it hard to loose the weight, I am just wondering if there is any exercises I could do from home that will help and if there are any natural things I could take to boost my metabolism, also any foods which can encourage weight loss, thank you

There is no magic secret. You already know that you need to be more active. Try climbing the stairs as often as possible, taking your son for as many walks or runs in the park as possible. Limit the amount of television you watch, and watch it standing up. Sitting down turns off the emzyne for fat burning.

The best exercises are the whole body ones like squats, lunges, step-ups, press-ups, dips etc. Also, do something that makes you sweat and gets your heart rate up. I like putting on some loud rock music and dancing to it.

Diet: Again, no magic secret. Watch portions sizes and cut out the junk. Try to replace junk food and white carbs with lean protein and green vegetables. Aim to eat at least five portions a day of green vegetables, and that's apart from what fruit or other veg you eat. Make sure there is a quality protein and a healthy fat in each meal. Try to avoid sugar, white flour and processed foods.

Make sure you are taking a fish oil supplement and getting a good multi-vitamin every day.

Eileen G is right there is no magic formula for weight loss. But all the little things you do can add up.

Simple things like not skipping breakfast. Cutting out refined sugars, eating a balanced low fat diet and participating in seem cardio.

A good trick for cardio is to involve your 2 year old son, this will keep you motivated. Teach him to get excited when you go for a walk, his sheer enthusiasm will boost your energy.

Recruit another mother and plan to meet for a walks, having someone else depend on you is also motivating.

Resource: How to lose belly fat

Hey,after I had my last child I hit the scales at 17 and a half stone.. yeah,big girl,I tried every diet and fad out there,but today I'm 10 stone and healthy and have kept the weight off for 3 years,and guess what worked.

I took my head out of the fridge.

I ate normal portions of food,3 meals a day.

I went for a walk,I ran up and down the stairs I got down on the floor and tried to do situps.. I tried everyday to do something active.

In a nutshell... eat healthy,exercise more.

Goodl uck!