After a few months of nursing, I frequently found myself wondering how much and what to eat to lose baby weight without compromising my milk supply. I had a hard enough time finding answers that I just gave up on any kind of diet, conceding that I’d hold onto my chub for the good of my baby.
I was pleased by this Jillian Michaels’ podcast in which she provides some direct answers based on her own research and rookie parent experience.
While Jillian doesn’t seem completely on board with my creampuff-or-cocoa-whenever model of eating, I still found myself nodding in agreement.
It’s a tough one. I haven’t listened to the podcast yet (as my 3yo is heading this way) but I just wanted to respond to your post- I found myself hungrier after giving birth than when I was pregnant! I was very surprised as no-one had ever mentioned that to me but it did in fact make sense once I thought about it, since I was single-handedly nourishing a rapidly growing human. Ha! I found that it was easy to snack on junk food unless I made sure to have plenty of fresh fruit and veg on hand that I could just wash and munch. I was motivated, of course, as I wanted to provide the best milk I could for my baby.
A nurse informed me at the hospital that it takes more calories to feed a baby than it does to make a baby. That must be the reason why I ate an entire box of girlscout shortbread cookies in a day and a half. I have not listened to the pod cast yet either as I am sitting with my 2 month old, but, I do find that my appetite is the same as when I was 16 years old and running track. I haven’t gained additional weight with this diet, but it would be nice to start shedding them instead.
I do know that oats will increase your milk supply. Almonds, cashews, and macadamia nuts will make it richer. Obviously drinking plenty of water is key. I love to snack on baby carrots when I feel like eating the whole house. They are good for quite awhile and very healthy. When I get home from the store I break the package down into individual snack bags. That way I can grab one from the fridge and carry it in my pocket as I chase after my preschooler or nurse my 5 mo old.
I actually joined Weight Watchers after I had my 2nd son – not trying to push anyone in an organized direction but they have a plan for breastfeeding mamas & it’s worked a treat for me. May not be for everyone but I’m able to eat as much as I need (a lot) & they make sure you’re set to only lose what’s safe each week. I’ve dropped about 35 pounds since December & could have done much better if I’d bothered to exercise regularly too. Seriously not trying to be an advertisement & if you’re capable of portion control & sensible eating on your own, you don’t need it anyway but I’m a big fan!