Give me some helpful advice before I start..?

[OrangeMochaFrappucino]

I'm currently breastfeeding 4wo DS2 and have a 3yo as well. I plan to start trying to lose weight in two weeks, when my baby will be six weeks old. I don't dare approach the scales but aim to fit comfortably into last summer's size 14 dresses, which are currently straining (though I may not get my boobs into them whatever I do!).

I've low-carbed successfully in the past and want to take this approach again as breastfeeding makes me too hungry for any other diet to seem appealing! Also, nine months of pregnancy where I couldn't stomach coffee or alcohol means I've already broken those habits! However, I've got a few concerns:

1. Carb-flu. I'm already sleep-deprived and not sure I can handle feeling less than 100% on top of that. I remember feeling pretty shit with this when I low-carbed before - any tips? Maybe if I cut carbs down gradually over the next fortnight this might help?

1. I was very nauseous throughout pregnancy and could only keep down refined carbs pretty much the whole time! I have had such an unhealthy diet for months now - mainly crisps, toast, lemonade and sugary tea! Fat or protein made me puke. Since giving birth, cake and chocolate have featured heavily also! So am worried about cutting it all out - I don't know if I have the willpower!

1. Exercise! I used to go running but due to a foot condition (neuroma) that's now out. I can't easily get to a gym or go swimming. I really want to tone up my arms and legs - any suggestions for what I could try? I walk a couple of miles a day to take toddler to pre-school and back but that's it atm (and going at toddler speed doesn't really give me a workout).

Any advice much appreciated!

Anecdotally, carb flu is supposed to be less sever second time round, so you may get away with it, Jelly. It may even be hard to notice on top of the general newborn fug!

Other breastfeeders have been advised to start with Bootcamp Lite rather than the full on version. Would the prospect of a bowl of berries & cream or a bit of dark chocolate each day stave off the carb cravings?

For exercise Dr Briffa recommends some lunges and stretches that are as good for weight loss as 'proper' exercise, if not better. They can all be done in 15mins at home, while the baby naps. I'll try & remember to C&P them next time I wrestle my ipad off a passing child.

If you have the pennies to spend it might be worth getting john briffa's book, the diet trap, as the diet is a but less full on than bc, and is similar to bc lite, nuts and dark choc are allowed! And as mentioned above he also advocates not so intensive exercise. Congratulations on your new arrival btw!

Ooh, thank you, that's all very welcome advice! I have the Briffa book, I will dig it out. It will help me get in the mindset!

Definitely would find berries and cream/dark chocolate would ease the pain! And the exercises sound good - thanks!