Diet/calorie questions!

Flugelblues
Flugelblues Posts: 19 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm new to MFP and calorie counting in general. I had a baby 6 weeks ago and, due to a c-section haven't been exercising (apart from daily walks). My wedding is coming up so am hoping tracking what I've been eating will help!!

For the last week I have kept track of what I've been eating but not really tried to eat well...we are still adjusting to life with a newborn! I've not gone over my calories all week (esp when I added breastfeeding) but have only lost a pound. :(

Do I need to eat all of my calories every day...it seems a lot, especially when I add in breastfeeding. When I start back exercising I'll have way too many to eat!

Should I just not log my breastfeeding calories (500 a day seems high...I had read it was 300).

Obviously when I start properly I will try to have a more balanced diet (I normally wouldn't eat biscuits daily!!) - if anyone has looked at my food diary, what are my 'worst' meals and where do I need to make the biggest changes?!

Thanks!!

(Submitted too soon & had to edit)

Replies

  • jeffpettis
    jeffpettis Posts: 865 Member
    Losing one pound a week is ideal. Depending on how much you have to lose that is exactly what you should be aiming to lose a week. I would keep going for a couple of weeks and adjust if needed.

    Maybe I read it wrong but are you saying you burn 500 calories breastfeeding or that is the amount of calories contained in the milk? That's a new one for me. I'm sure someone else can help more with that.

    Good luck!
  • Flugelblues
    Flugelblues Posts: 19 Member
    Thanks for response! I have over 50lbs to lose...so, a lot!! Breastfeeding burns up to 500 calories a day...you add it in as a food at -500 calories and it increases your daily calorie allowance. I have 1550 a day but if I add breastfeeding I have 2050. I just think when I add exercise on top of that I will never be able to eat all those calories - esp if eating healthy!!
  • jeffpettis
    jeffpettis Posts: 865 Member
    For most people who have "a lot" to lose, trying for 2 pounds a week is ok, but since you are nursing I would imagine that you would want to take it a little slower to make sure that you are still getting the nutrients required for you and the baby. That's just my best educated guess, like I said I'm sure someone else could help you more with that. You may even want to see what your doctor suggests while nursing...
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Hi FlugelBlues....your diary is closed right now.

    Go to My Home.....and then Settings to open your diary.

    I don't have any specifics on breastfeeding, but I know you definitely need to replace those calories to keep production going. I'm sure there are groups on here for new mothers.....see the Groups heading next to Message Boards.
  • Flugelblues
    Flugelblues Posts: 19 Member
    Thanks! Have changed settings and will look for new mums group :)

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