Calorie help please!!

chickybuns

I am 29 years old, 5'8" and currenlty weigh around 190lbs. I am breastfeeding my 4-month old son and produce around 40-45oz of milk per day. I am lightly active (per bodybugg). I am trying to figure out how many calories I should eat. Before I ate around 1700-1800 and lost weight in the past with eating back most of my exercise calories. I have mine set at 2500 and don't subtract out breastfeeding. I am not gaining nor losing. One week I ate aroudn 2700 a day and it had no effect either. I would like to lose a little without compromising my milk supply. Any advice is welcomed. If you look at my diary i know I do not eat the healthliest, but nothing in this department has changed. My pre-pregnancy weight was 155. I am also exercising about 3xs per week but am hoping to increase that to 5xs soon.

chickybuns

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healthygreek

I don't know how many calories you need as a breastfeeding mom and if your baby is getting all his nourishment from you, I would imagine you would need a substantial amount of calories and water but you eat an awful lot of fast and processed food. I would really make an effort to eat a lot more home prepared meals with loads of veggies and lots of protein like fish, chicken, beef, eggs, nut butters fruits including banana and avocados. Try also whole grain breads, pastas and rice. I think you will start see a difference with these foods. They are more nutritionally satisfying and great for milk making. Try to gradually eat better and reduce the soda you're drinking.

chickybuns

Anyone else? Like I said I know I need to eat better, but this is how I ate before and it worked. I just want advice purely on a calorie number. I've heard you burn 20 calories per ounce of milk made....which would equal 800-900 for me.

bevmcarthur

hi i am not sure when it comes to how much you should be eating when breast feeding . BUT i do know that you really need to change your diet as far as what you put in your body you eat a lot of bad fats and sugars and what ever you put in your body in return you are passing that back to your baby you should be eating HEALTHY food so he is getting the right nutrition from the food you are eating. So maybe you should consider what you are putting into your body first then worry about the calories

chickybuns

hi i am not sure when it comes to how much you should be eating when breast feeding . BUT i do know that you really need to change your diet as far as what you put in your body you eat a lot of bad fats and sugars and what ever you put in your body in return you are passing that back to your baby you should be eating HEALTHY food so he is getting the right nutrition from the food you are eating. So maybe you should consider what you are putting into your body first then worry about the calories

I am working on getting more fruits and vegetables and trying to eat less fast food. AFter 12+ hours days I turn to processed foods because they are fast. I do sometimes prepare a few meals on the weekend, but that only lasts a few days.

bevmcarthur

oh i have heard that so many times Processed food is fast well really its not
every sunday i make about 10 Organic Chicken breast if i am having a busy week i will cook them up and then package then in 3 or 4 oz packages and freeze them
also do the same with rice or quinoa and pack them in 1/2 cup servings and freeze
Beans and légumes i will do the same and then if i am having a night or lunch that i am running behind on i open the freezer and i have a full meal right there
Also my fridge is never with out salad and egg
freezer always has fish in it and it takes no time at all to cook
i hope some of these ideas will help you
also go on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/229613280972162946/
and look for meals in Jar i LOVE these

chickybuns

oh i have heard that so many times Processed food is fast well really its not
every sunday i make about 10 Organic Chicken breast if i am having a busy week i will cook them up and then package then in 3 or 4 oz packages and freeze them
also do the same with rice or quinoa and pack them in 1/2 cup servings and freeze
Beans and légumes i will do the same and then if i am having a night or lunch that i am running behind on i open the freezer and i have a full meal right there
Also my fridge is never with out salad and egg
freezer always has fish in it and it takes no time at all to cook
i hope some of these ideas will help you
also go on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/229613280972162946/
and look for meals in Jar i LOVE these

thanks for the ideas, but it really is faster. I have trouble finding too many things I can eat cold while at lunch. I have to eat in my car while I pump.

bevmcarthur

meals in the Jar are great for eating on the run my Husband is a vey bust guy and he always grabs the jars on his way out the door we put them together on Sunday and we also do the overnight Oatmeal in the jars .

wahmx3

Hate to say it but it sounds like you are making excuses. Sandwiches can be healthy and easy to make before leaving for work. Tuna, chicken or turkey, roast beef, cheese, peanut butter, egg etc are all great sources of protein....use whole grain bread, add lettuce, tomato etc....veggies and dip or fruit, milk or yogurt and you have a healthy, well balanced meal....much less sodium and fat. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for a change. Pretzels and dip are also good for a change to along with it.

chickybuns

Hate to say it but it sounds like you are making excuses. Sandwiches can be healthy and easy to make before leaving for work. Tuna, chicken or turkey, roast beef, cheese, peanut butter, egg etc are all great sources of protein....use whole grain bread, add lettuce, tomato etc....veggies and dip or fruit, milk or yogurt and you have a healthy, well balanced meal....much less sodium and fat. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for a change. Pretzels and dip are also good for a change to along with it.

I do take sandwiches, but that's the only thing I can really take cold, and I get tired of them everyday. PLUS I'm asking about a calories number, I indicated that I knew my eating habits were not great. I am not entirely ready to change that at the moment. And I have done lots of reserach and know that my breastmilk will be just as good to him regardless of what I eat. I may suffer, but he won't. I also take vitamins, so I know I'm getting most nutrients I need.

chickybuns

meals in the Jar are great for eating on the run my Husband is a vey bust guy and he always grabs the jars on his way out the door we put them together on Sunday and we also do the overnight Oatmeal in the jars .

I will have to check that out, about how many calories are they? I find that even when eating healthly now I have to eat at least 2000 to not be hungry.

bevmcarthur

i all depends on what you put in the jars
I put salads in mine and chicken so you control how many calories you put in them