Post-partum weight loss stalled - I know it's normal but so depressing

[Janefx40]

I recently had a baby and was eating crazy amounts of snacks - I mean crazy! But I want to get back in control. I was 10kg overweight from before my pregnancy (still not my trimmest) or 1.5 stone.

I've cut out all snacks and am calorie counting and it went really well. I'm still having 1800 calories a day to be sensible and gradual. I lost 3 kg in 3 weeks but now my weight loss has totally stalled. The past 5 days I have fluctuated up and down .5kg.

The amount of judgement I have faced is significant - it's like everyone wants you to eat crap when you've had a baby. I've factored in breastfeeding so I'm not being extreme but I feel better about myself for not being out of control with my eating. I've no history of eating disorders or anything.

I just feel gross - and it would be nice to lose a little of the weight.

Will I get over this hump or would I have to cut more calories? Not sure I can sensibly do this with breastfeeding. I do also need to be kind to myself.

Any advice? I'm not experienced at weight loss.

3kg weight loss in 3 weeks is a lot, the recommended amount is about a pound a week so your are more than double that - what weight and height are you?

I mean you've done really well, but that may not be sustainable at that level. Your body is probably trying to adjust a bit.

Also if you have recently had a baby and are breastfeeding, your hormones are probably still a bit unsettled. I know it can be tempting to want instant results, but slow and steady is best for long term weight loss, I would say stick to what you are doing diet wise and give yourself another few weeks, you might have just plateaued for a while.

In the meantime you could increase your activity levels by walking more (I always find walking great because it doesn't give me an appetite, whereas when I do a gym class I am ravenous and end up eating more).

In terms of what you are actually eating, you could up your protein intake which will keep you fuller. Also make sure you are drinking enough water.

Also, try not to weigh yourself everyday, you will only become obsessive about it - we always fluctuate at different times of the month anyway.

What about only weighing in every week?

Thank you @Farmageddon I definitely need to drink more water. Yes I wasn't expecting to lose so much so fast but it was nice seeing an impact. Plus I feel hungry all the time and that's hard to swallow (excuse the pun) when I'm actually gaining weight!

I was avoiding saying the actual weight as I'm aware we are all different and what is heavy for me isn't for others. I was at a healthy but upper limit BMI and am now back into main healthy range so I should be happy with that I guess.

You're right about wanting instant results and I need to challenge that feeling. My weight loss plan actually gives me until December but that the original rate it would have taken me just 10 weeks!

So yes to walking, yes to water and yes to taking it slow

Thank you xxxx

Apologies OP, I understand some people don't want to disclose their weight. I was more thinking that if you were very heavy that 3kgs a week may not be extreme as there was more to lose so it tends to fall off quite quickly and then slow down over time.

But basically the advice is the same - try and be patient and just keep doing it in a healthy, sustainable way and you will get there eventually.

Also, if you're feeling hungry all the time, I would really focus on adding more protein where you can, and some healthy fats like nuts, avocados etc. (obviously still within your calorie allowance)