January 11, 2015
Slimming Down Without Hurting Your Milk Supply
I constantly get asked if I am STILL breastfeeding my 10 1/2 month old! Well, I am. I was able to get fit, build muscle, eat clean, and workout strenuously-all without hurting a drop of my milk supply.
When it comes to postpartum workouts and dieting, many woman are concerned about their milk drying up. I am so excited to tell you that working out or eating clean will NOT hurt your breastfeeding in any way. This is a huge myth that I am sooo sick of hearing about!
Here are the biggest things to remember when attempting weightloss (or muscle building) while breastfeeding:
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When it comes to postpartum workouts and dieting, many woman are concerned about their milk drying up. I am so excited to tell you that working out or eating clean will NOT hurt your breastfeeding in any way. This is a huge myth that I am sooo sick of hearing about!
Here are the biggest things to remember when attempting weightloss (or muscle building) while breastfeeding:
- You must eat enough calories. To find out how much you need, use my nutrition calculators by clicking the image at the end of this post! Then add about 500 calories to that number, if you are exclusively breastfeeding.
- You must stay hydrated. Here is a HUGE trick that has helped me drink more water. If you notice a dip in your milk supply after your workouts, that is your cue to drink more water!
- Pump or feed frequently.
- Eat more lactogenic foods. Such as the ones below and these here.
- Herbs help, too, such as Fenugreek and Mother's Milk tea.
I frequently get asked the most popular question of whether or not females can take protein powders while breastfeeding. I personally do because the protein powder that I take is safe and all natural. Always, always, always ask your doctor when in doubt. Take him or her the label to read over. I would stay away from any protein powders with creatines, additives, and preservatives.
For my supplements, I take a peanut protein powder, an all natural whey protein powder, a food based multivitamin, and krill oil daily.
One important note to remember: Due to the fact that you ARE breastfeeding, your body might hang onto or store a little excess fat (thanks to the hormones that are still allowing you to produce milk.) This is why you hear many breastfeeding ladies complain about how they are having the worst time trying to "lose these last 10 lbs."
You CAN overcome this, but it takes some time (sorry, won't happen overnight!) You just have to keep moving and exercising, eating clean as you can, and not giving up if results don't come as quickly as you would like for them to.
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One important note to remember: Due to the fact that you ARE breastfeeding, your body might hang onto or store a little excess fat (thanks to the hormones that are still allowing you to produce milk.) This is why you hear many breastfeeding ladies complain about how they are having the worst time trying to "lose these last 10 lbs."
You CAN overcome this, but it takes some time (sorry, won't happen overnight!) You just have to keep moving and exercising, eating clean as you can, and not giving up if results don't come as quickly as you would like for them to.
@BodyRockTV[/caption]