Is the 5:2 diet compatible with breastfeeding.

[Dinnerfor1]

I have done the 5:2 diet in the past and found more success with it than with other diets. However, I lost my way with it and then became pregnant with dc2, who is due in the next couple of weeks.

I desperately need to lose the weight again once the baby is born, and I feel I'm most likely to achieve this with the 5:2 diet. However, I will almost definitely be breastfeeding dc2, and I'm not sure if it would be suitable? Has anyone breastfed and followed the 5:2 diet? Did you wait until breastfeeding was properly established, or adapt it somehow (say 1000 calories on fast day rather than 500)?

I really want to get on with losing weight as soon as possible but I don't want to disrupt breastfeeding. I'm wondering whether to just try and get into healthier habits until baby is about 6 months and then start on the 5:2 diet?

[BigChocFrenzy]

Hi there, Dinner

Many 5:2ers have BFed without problems, including EBF and tandem feeding, while losing weight.

We recommend BFers wait at least 3 months, until they have fully recovered from the birth and BFing is well-established. Give yourself as much time as you want.
Then have 1000 cals on FDs instead of 500 cals.

We look forward to seeing you on the main thread in a few months.
Best wishes

[Dinnerfor1]

Great, thank you, that's really useful. It sounds similar to what I was thinking. Thank you!

[twolittleboysonetiredmum]

Sorry to reanimate a zombie thread but I'm struggling to find much on this! I want to start the 5:2 and am breastfeeding. What I can't figure out is how many calories to aim for on non fast days? I've calculated my tdee and its 1904 per day if not breastfeeding. So do I add 400 ish to that? Seems a lot...

[BigChocFrenzy]

On NFDs, you aim for TDEE, which is not affected by BFing.
So, you calculate the same way as everyone else, via the calculator, which uses only age, height, weight & activity level - BFing does not count as exercise.

The only difference for BFers is on FDs, when you should start at 1000 cals and optionally reduce gradually to 700 cals for as long as you continue to BF.

[BigChocFrenzy]

So, 1900 for you on NFDs

[ICJump]

Do you think the blood sugar diet would be ok for breastfeeding? Would you increase the daily calories ? DS is one but feeds round the clock

[BigChocFrenzy]

Mosely's BSD site FAQs say BFers shouldn't do BSD

If you have insulin resistance / blood sugar issues, I suggest you try the 5:2 BSD, which is 800 cals on only 2 days per week.
Every day, FD or NFD, should be his Low Carb Mediteranean, i.e. standard low carb (no starchy carbs, grains etc, no sugar or sugary treats, max 2 portions low sugar fruit - no bananas, mango, dried fruit) plus have plenty of beans, lentils, peas. Wine within nhs safe limits, no beer.

If you have no particular blood sugar problem, but just want to lose weight, then do the standard 5:2 for BFers - normal food with 2 x 1000 cal FDs.

[ICJump]

Oh the second one is kind of temping.
Would splitting it into two meals work best? Like a brunch and early dinner

[BigChocFrenzy]

For either the 800 or 1000 FDs, 2 or 3 meals, as you prefer.
Aim to drink 2litres water per day.
No alcohol or sugary treats on FDs, just concentrate on healthy low GI meals, with plenty of veg.