To ask for your weight loss & breastfeeding inspiration

[roweeena]

Yes I know there are some of you out there who the weight just dropped off when you were breastfeeding and that you have never eaten so much cake in your life but unfortunately that doesn't happen for me and I don't want to hear it (bitter)

DS1 I breastfed for 13 months and really struggled to lose the weight. In fact I got pregnant again when he was 15 months and I only lost all the weight through morning sickness with the second.

So now DS2 is 3.5 months old and I'm a stone over my perfect weight but I would settle for 10lbs. All this week I have done my fitness pal eating 1500 calories per day and I've put on a lb! I've felt hungry all week.

I've booked a holiday in 5 months and would really like to have hit my target weight by then.

People who have struggled with weight loss whilst ebf give me some inspiration and hope. This week I'm not going to eat any bread (I love toast). I also know I need to do more exercise but its so difficult to find the time as DH works such long hours.

If you are BFing you need more than 1500 calories.

The weight never dropped off for me either, but when I felt ready (DC were about 4 months) I went back to WW. The plan builds in the extra calories and each time I lost 1-3lbs per week fairly steadily without feeling hungry too often.

For me, I found I used my extra allowance on reasonably substantial snacks around 10am and 4pm. I remember my fav snack was 2x toast with choc spread on after the school run, would get me through to teatime. I also made sure I ate protein for breakfast and lunch- usually a yoghurt for breakfast and egg/ prawns for lunch.

there is a breastfeeding thread on the 5:2 board ...
several people have successfully lost weight over many months while raising bouncing babies

Hi roweena, sounds like we have babies the same age. I put on loads of weight this time (my second pregnancy too) eating everything in sight. I am now ten pounds heavier than before the pregnancy but would like to lose another stone on top.

I have been losing one to two pounds per week since the baby was born. No special methods - just trying to avoid overeating, choosing healthy snacks, walking where possible etc. I am now trying to up the exercise but it's so hard with a small baby! Walking is the easiest thing for me because I can just pop ds2 in the sling and off you go. I was thinking about getting a pedometer to motivate me a bit more.

I agree, 1500 cals is not enough if you are bfing. Also I hate being hungry so that wouldn't work for me! The only successful weight loss programme I have tried in the past is low gi and I try to apply the principles of that now although not following it properly. For me this means porridge for breakfast, lots of veg, avoiding carb-heavy meals in the evening and watching out for empty calories. I also agree it's important to get enough protein, almonds and dried apricots are my standby snack.

I also think you have to give yourself time. I want to get down to my goal weight by Easter but we'll see! Good luck to you. I think if the weight doesn't fall off, it's maybe more likely to stay off! Also some people say they don't lose the last half a stone or so until they stop bfing, your body likes to hang on to a bit of fat I think (o r that's what I tell myself, trying to ignore all the skinny bfing mums around me!).

Hi everyone, thanks for your help. I'm considering the 5:2 route but also could do with a bit advice - could you tell me your healthy snacks. When I'm at home I eat far too much bread so alternatives would be great.

Also empty calories - tell me what i need to avoid.

I know this is basic but I really feel I need a bit more motivation & knowledge. I never really needed to diet Pre babies

Empty calories: fizzy drinks, fruit juices, sugar in tea and coffee. Basically anything to eat that is calorific but doesn't fill you up: sugary breakfast cereals, biscuits, most cereal bars, etc.

Good snacks: fruit, yoghurt, nuts and seeds, hummus and carrots. Better to have something filling with a bit of fat in it, eg a yoghurt, than 'diet' products packed with sweeteners which don't make your body feel like you've actually eaten anything, I think, but it depends what works for you.

What is 5.2

even better : no snacks
save your calories for nice balanced meals

ja2013
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/fasting_diet
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/fasting_diet/1960167-Breastfeeding

What is 5.2

follow the links ....