Honestly, should I increase my calories?

michelleepotter

I know a lot of people will want to just say yes based on the title alone, but hear me out.

Based on the facts that I only have a little to lose, and that I'm exclusively breastfeeding, I am eating 1900 calories a day, plus exercise calories (based on HRM), and trying to lose half a pound a week. I feel great, plenty of energy, making plenty of milk, and the baby is happy and thriving. (This is my 6th baby, all breastfed, so I'm pretty familiar with how it goes.) But, I'm losing at double the rate I expected. I've lost 3.2 pounds in three weeks.

Should I be concerned about that, or is it ok, considering that I seem to be otherwise healthy?

SunofaBeach14

You're not starving at 1900 calories but if you're losing faster than you want to, then you may want to up your calories by 200 or so and see what happens. You're also breast feeding so talk to your doctor (I assume that you have) and make sure you're getting enough calcium for your own bone health.

kethry70

You're not starving at 1900 calories but if you're losing faster than you want to, then you may want to up your calories by 200 or so and see what happens. You're also breast feeding so talk to your doctor (I assume that you have) and make sure you're getting enough calcium for your own bone health.

That.

You need extra nutrients while breast feeding so I'd be inclined to slow down the loss until you're done with that phase (esp with not much to lose to get to goal) but your doctor may have a better perspective

williams969

I'd be inclined to say, yes, increase a little bit (maybe 100-200/day--continuing to increase or maintain each week until you're at a pace with which you're comfortable) if you'd like. Your ticker indicates you're 7 lbs from your goal, so perhaps increasing calories a little bit will slow that down to closer to your 0.5lb/wk that you're looking for. Doing so might make for a "softer" landing as you approach your goal, making your transition to maintenance a little more seamless, calorie wise.

And, great work on your healthy weight loss, while nourishing that little baby of yours. Congrats and keep it up, it's obviously working for both you and baby!

michelleepotter

Thanks for the input. I think I will increase a bit, then. Especially since I recently figured out how to view the whole week at once in the app, so I don't feel like I need to keep a cushion for "just in case" I go over some days - I can adjust on the fly for that.

Agreed about the calcium, too. I have no interest in losing the traditional one tooth per child, LOL.