Another person with a calorie question

eponine1976

Maintenance for me is 1900 calories. However, I'm also exclusively breastfeeding the little cherub in my avatar which is supposed to add another 500 calories on top of that for a total of 2400 calories/day. Back when I was eating a lot of junk food I could easily go over that and still be hungry. However, these days I'm trying to eat healthy nutritious calories and I'm finding I'm feeling full and satisfied long before I get to 2400. In fact, 2000 calories seems to be the max I can stand to eat without feeling completely stuffed and other days I'm honestly happy and satisfied at even less than that.

Obviously for health reasons (I'm prediabetic and have borderline-high cholesterol) I shouldn't just go back to eating all that junk food that gave me lots of extra calories but was hurting my body, but I know I can't hit 2400 with healthy foods and not feel too stuffed to walk. The only days I get that many calories are the days I eat foods that I shouldn't.

Any advice?

kcfaber

I think just do the best you can to get as close to that goal as possible with mostly good stuff. I think I "eat clean" about 80-90% of the time but that still leaves me some calories to play with for wine, ice cream, chocolate etc. You don't want to cut nutritional content or calories in the setting of breastfeeding. One thing too is when I was breastfeeding I was ravenous and really thirsty all the time so make sure you are getting enough to drink and small frequent meals which will keep you going without making you too full. Also maybe you are sleep deprived too so it is nice to have some treats now and then when juggling an infant. Anyway, hope that helps and welcome.

laurarpa

Aw, congratulations she's just BEAUTIFUL!

I would think if you're hitting about 2100 calories a day that should be good, no? esp if it is mostly nutritious food.


I've read something that said use the 90/10 rule... if you eat 10% "junk" you can still be healthy and can avoid all kinds of issues you may face if you feel deprived. So perhaps use 200 cals on something not so healthy and don't feel guilty about it

I can't see your diary so I don't know what you're eating but avocado, nuts, dried fruit, 2% greek yogurt are all good things that are higher in calories and may help you reach your goals without feeling too full.