Losing weight post baby...

lilbitsc89
lilbitsc89 Posts: 77 Member
edited December 1 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm 10 weeks post baby. Time to work on losing this weight. I'm 5'2" and 150 lbs. Wanting to lose 25 lbs. The app is saying to eat 1200 calories (I'm not very active right now but trying to start back) but 1200 makes me feel weak and like I can't do anythingm. What calorie goal would you think is more reasonable ? What successful things did you do to lose baby weight ? I'm ready to be
Back in normal clothes and not maternity !

Replies

  • megmo1985
    megmo1985 Posts: 127 Member
    Hi there! I've had two children and currently getting weight off from the 2nd one. So there are some follow up questions. Are you breastfeeding? If so, 1200 calories is probably too low.
  • megmo1985
    megmo1985 Posts: 127 Member
    Also congratulations on having a baby! Enjoy your time with your little one. Everything is not going to come off at once. It takes time for your body to recover but you can get back to where you were.
  • FitnessGirl11mfp
    FitnessGirl11mfp Posts: 232 Member
    edited May 2016
    Are you breastfeeding ? If so, you will want to stay above 1800 calories because any less could affect your milk supply. For exclusive breastfeeding, the body burns 500 calories so I would add in accordingly.
    As far as what is successful, use a food scale to weigh everything and use measuring cups to weigh liquids. Log everything & choose correct entries! Be sure to drink TONS of water if you are breastfeeding. Work out if you can, but it's not necessary for weightloss.
    Above all, listen to your body and don't over do it. Being that you just had a baby, it's important to ease your way into a fitness routine and make sure to rest as much as possible.
  • tlflag1620
    tlflag1620 Posts: 1,358 Member
    If you are breastfeeding, as others pointed out, going too low on calories will impact supply. Set you goal for no more than one pound per week loss (you only have 25 lbs to lose, and any faster loss than 1 lb per weeks is not advisable for nursing mothers). Start by eating back the appx 500 cal per day that breastfeeding burns. If you find doing that causes weight loss to stall, reduce your total intake by 100 calories a day for a week and see if that helps. Continue gradual reduction until you are losing at the desired rate (don't go below 1600 if you are nursing tho; too hard to meet nutritional needs).

    The most important things I've found (I've had four children and lost the weight after each, while nursing) are to reduce calories gradually (a sudden drop in calories can reduce supply), get plenty of water, eat for nutrition (yes you burn "extra" calories while nursing, but those are really supposed to be for feeding your baby; occasional treats are fine, but focus the majority of your diet on nutrient dense foods, and keep taking your prenatal vitamin), and make sure to get enough fat (baby's brain and nervous system depend upon it!), protein, and fiber (these three things will help keep you full, even on fewer calories). Also get regular exercise- an hour at the gym, a walk with baby in his/her stroller, some body weighted exercises while baby is napping, a bit of stretching or yoga before bed - whatever you can work in. This is very helpful not only for preserving muscle mass and allowing for a few extra calories, but for your mental health (exercise releases endorphins and makes you feel good - what new mom couldn't use a little boost, amiright?).

    Most of all, hard as it is, be patient and kind to yourself. You just made a person! Congrats and good luck :)
  • lilbitsc89
    lilbitsc89 Posts: 77 Member
    megmo1985 wrote: »
    Also congratulations on having a baby! Enjoy your time with your little one. Everything is not going to come off at once. It takes time for your body to recover but you can get back to where you were.

    Thank you ! Definately enjoying mommyhood! And no, unfortunately breastfeeding did not work for for us..we tried for 4 - 5 weeks and after 6 weeks had to quit.
  • lilbitsc89
    lilbitsc89 Posts: 77 Member
    tlflag1620 wrote: »
    If you are breastfeeding, as others pointed out, going too low on calories will impact supply. Set you goal for no more than one pound per week loss (you only have 25 lbs to lose, and any faster loss than 1 lb per weeks is not advisable for nursing mothers). Start by eating back the appx 500 cal per day that breastfeeding burns. If you find doing that causes weight loss to stall, reduce your total intake by 100 calories a day for a week and see if that helps. Continue gradual reduction until you are losing at the desired rate (don't go below 1600 if you are nursing tho; too hard to meet nutritional needs).

    The most important things I've found (I've had four children and lost the weight after each, while nursing) are to reduce calories gradually (a sudden drop in calories can reduce supply), get plenty of water, eat for nutrition (yes you burn "extra" calories while nursing, but those are really supposed to be for feeding your baby; occasional treats are fine, but focus the majority of your diet on nutrient dense foods, and keep taking your prenatal vitamin), and make sure to get enough fat (baby's brain and nervous system depend upon it!), protein, and fiber (these three things will help keep you full, even on fewer calories). Also get regular exercise- an hour at the gym, a walk with baby in his/her stroller, some body weighted exercises while baby is napping, a bit of stretching or yoga before bed - whatever you can work in. This is very helpful not only for preserving muscle mass and allowing for a few extra calories, but for your mental health (exercise releases endorphins and makes you feel good - what new mom couldn't use a little boost, amiright?).

    Most of all, hard as it is, be patient and kind to yourself. You just made a person! Congrats and good luck :)

    Thank you for all the advice ! I unfortunately am not breastfeeding but all your tips are very useful and will start trying them! I'm looking forward to getting the endorphins released again ! It's been too long !
  • victoria_1024
    victoria_1024 Posts: 915 Member
    What's your goal set at, like 1 pound a week or more? I am also short (5'2.5") and I had to set less aggressive goals so I didn't get stuck at 1200 calories a day. I also was very motivated to work out so I could eat more. :) I recently reached my 125 goal weight after having my baby last year.
  • chickybuns
    chickybuns Posts: 1,037 Member
    If you don't feel good at 1200 and are eating well I would up it a little (100 or so at time) and see how you feel. I personally cannot eat under 1500 with no exercise or I don't have enough energy.
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