Emma Bunton’s post-baby diet tips: be realistic and dance

Emma Bunton has said she’s pleased she lost her baby weight in a healthy way instead of rushing to get back into shape like some celebrities do.

The Spice Girl gave birth to son Beau in August last year and even though the girl group were set to start their reunion escapades in November, she told the News of the World recently: “I didn’t feel any great pressure [to slim down].”

“I breastfed for four months, which helped [but] I did everything in moderation.”

“I went to the gym three times a week, not seven - being stuck on a running machine for hours on end is so dull.”

“It takes a while to lose the baby weight, but I didn’t feel I had to starve myself. I wanted to do everything naturally without going on a strict diet. I made sure I got the right nutrients, just in smaller portions. If I felt hungry I snacked on fruit.”

She added that she was also keen to include treats in her diet: “A diet without chocolate was never going to work. There are some things you can’t deny yourself. As much chocolate as possible, please!”

But she admits the rehearsals for the Spice Girls comeback did help somewhat: “Before I fell pregnant I was doing Strictly Come Dancing, so I went into my pregnancy feeling very fit.”

“[But] dancing’s definitely my hot tip for post-baby weight loss [too].”

“I always say dancing is the very best way to lose weight.”

“Mel B did [Dancing with the Stars in the US] and agrees that you almost don’t notice you’re toning up.”