Losing weight but apparently I’m “going the wrong way about it”

[Houghers]

So just had my 2nd baby. Well 4 months ago. 2nd time I need to shift around 2 stone. The weight is slowly coming off.

Last time around I ate salads, cut out carbs and survived off protein. It worked fine. I had so much more time to prepare lovely meals.

Now however I really don’t care too much about my macros etc. it’s all about the calories and making sure I’m under. And if that means my lunch as a coffee and a magnum then so be it. My dinners are all healthy aa I eat the same dh and ds. But my breakfasts and lunches have become really deplorable. I think I may be comfort eating.

The diet isn’t forever. I usually eat very well. But being at home with a toddler and a newborn is really exhausting.

Today I’ve eaten:

• magnum
• coffee
• apple
• cubes of cheddar and cornichons
• half a choc covered my son dropped and then refused to eat
• dinner will be lasagna and salad
• glass of rose

The fruit and veg has definitely slipped (normally o have well over 7 portions)

I just can’t be arsed

Husband who considers himself a health buff is aghast 😂. Apparently I will make myself sick. I’m just being pragmatic. I could eat a salad and make the mess and go through the hassle of clearing things up. Or just grab something and be done with it.

Im tracking calories and on average I’m getting around 1350

As long as you feel well, there’s not a problem! I’ve calorie counted my way to a 6st loss eating whatever I wanted, maintaining a calorie deficit and introducing some exercise.

have I eaten the chocolate? Yes, I have 😁🙌🏻

I wouldn't worry too much if your diet isn't the best at the moment. Especially if it's only short term (although maybe a good multivitamin might help?).
I've lost over 100Ibs the last couple of years and today I've eaten loads of crusty white bread with butter, cheesecake, crisps and chocolate! It's def not an everyday thing but realistically I'm not going to eat like a saint 100% of the time!😄

I mean technically you can eat anything and still lose if you're in a deficit. But you might feel hungry if there's not enough protein. I find tins of sardines are a quick and easy source or I have a hardboiled egg. If you feel fine energywise and not bingey though maybe you're getting enough.

I’m a self confessed health nut but I can’t get worked up about this. Maybe try to have eggs and veggies for breakfast at least half the time. But basically you are in survival mode, so just do what you can.

Doesn't sound too bad for a temp situation! I would love a glass of wine! In fact, I'm losing weight so I can earn one ha!

If your husband is so worried about your health then he could meal prep your breakfasts / lunches! Am 6 months pp and also have a toddler - it’s truly survival mode so sounds like you are doing great! Last night I managed salmon, sweet potato and broccoli instead of pesto pasta with my toddler for the zillionth time - I felt like a health goddess 🤣

You won’t make yourself sick eating like that, especially if your calories are in check, so I wouldn’t worry about that side of things. The only thing is you’ll probably get better results if you can up your protein a bit. It helps you hang on to muscle while you lose weight, which means more of the loss comes from fat. That makes you look smaller and your clothes fit better, rather than just lighter on the scales.

Protein also keeps you fuller, which makes it easier to stick with, and when you get to maintenance it helps you keep the results as your TDEE will be higher with greater muscle mass. Doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming, just little things like a yoghurt with fruit, boiled eggs or a shake if you don’t want to cook. That way you still keep it simple but get a bit more out of your efforts.

Maybe he could be helpful and make some salads for lunches for you??

I wouldn’t worry too much, I am in a similar situation (5-month old baby) and I definitely eat more crap than normally. I try to make sure that my main meals are healthy but my snack menu is similar to yours and currently centred around Magnum :-)

Not surprised you’re knackered with adding a calorie deficit to life with a 4 month old and small kid. But I’m sure you know it would be totally fine to not diet at this stage so it sounds like it’s more about low effort food and your husbands criticism?

+1 to him doing your meal prep!

If you’re wanting more veg I find the easiest for me is that chilled gazpacho in cartons. Sainsbury’s do the Alvalle one or Lidl do their own sometimes. It lives in the fridge door and gets me an extra portion for zero effort.

I have been eating exclusively white Buenos for breakfast for the last month. I wouldn't worry too much! X