There's a misconception about breastfeeding and that the pounds automatically starts dropping once you start breastfeeding. Yes, it is true that breastfeeding mamas do shed the pounds while breastfeeding, a whooping 850 calories a day! Yep, you read that right - 850 calories a day but don't forget this cold hard truth. As you lose calories, your body tends to need more energy to replace the calories you are losing. That means, your body would crave energy boosting foods like carbohydrates and you know what happens when you stock up on carbs right? It turns to fat but doesn't fret. There are some creative ways to lose weight while breastfeeding without putting extra pressure on yourself to shed the pounds.
Simple Tips To Help Lose Weight While Breastfeeding
EAT RIGHT
Breastfeeding moms need 500 more calories than those who aren't breastfeeding and when you get hungry, you tend to want to eat everything in sight. Remember the flip side to that too. If you eat poorly, it might affect your milk production so that means making smart choices when you choose to eat or snack. Refrain from grabbing that bag of popcorn and substitute it with healthy snacks such as carrots, apples, yogurts, cheese, avocados, protein bars and low-fat crackers. Eat small portions and regularly every day.
PACE YOURSELF
Don't expect the pounds to roll off as soon as you begin breastfeeding. It took a bit of time to pack on the pounds, it will take a little time for it to come off. The recommended time to begin losing weight is six weeks or even longer. Relax and do not stress because stress can affect your goal in losing the weight. Enjoy having your baby home with you and plan your meals ahead of time to give you a healthy head start.
WATER
Water should become your BFF! Why? Well, the answer is simple. Breast milk is 50% water so it would make sense for you to replenish your body every time you nurse your baby. Water is also very important in keeping your metabolism active.
EXERCISE
With a combination of a healthy diet and exercise, you should see results. Before you begin your exercise routine, be sure to consult with your doctor first. After he/she has given you the go ahead, it's best to start off slow then gradually include some of your pre-pregnancy work outs. Do cardio and strength training to help you improve your core. Make exercise fun by including your little one in the fun. Use the stroller to go jogging or baby wear and go walking around the mall.
SAY NO TO HUNGER
When you deny your body the nutrients and energy it needs, your body goes into starve mode and begins to store every thing you eat as fat so it can use it later. The trick? Listen to your body and eat when it tells you it is hungry. Since you are breastfeeding, your body will burn calories frequently so eating mini meals throughout the day should will help boost your metabolism rather than slowing it down. Be mindful though that losing too much weight too drastically can decrease milk production and if you want to continue breastfeeding, you must find a healthy balance.
DIETING
If you want to go the dieting route, it's perfectly fine but does NOT over do it. Your calorie intake should never go below 1,800 throughout the entire day. As long as you eat healthily and a bit more frequently without going ham on extreme dieting, you should see results.
What did you do to lose the baby weight while breastfeeding?
Leave a comment