OK to start dieting?

  • I know you are not supposed to cut calories too much while nursing. My daughter is 13 months now and I'm weaning. Is it okay to go ahead with a 1500 calorie a day diet?
  • How many calories are you eating now? 1500 sounds awfully low..especially during a time (weaning) that may be a little stressful anyways. Why so low?
  • I really depends on how much she is still nursing. You mentioned she was weaning, but is she still nursing 1, 2, 3, or more times per day?

    I would probably try to stay closer to the 1700-1800 range if she is still nursing a few times a day, and wait until she is fully weaned before moving down to 1500.
  • My DD is 13 months and while I do not count calories, I am dieting. DD eats really well during the day and mainly nurses at night (about every 2-3 hours). She is doing very well and I am losing weight I would say proceed with caution and watch your LO, if she continues to do well then go ahead.
  • She still nurses a lot. As much as 8 times a day (but usually only 4 - 6). I guess I should maybe just eat healthier (no sugar or junk food) until she is weaned and save the real dieting for later?? I live a pretty sedentary lifestyle. (Stay ar home for now).
  • If she is still nursing up to 8 times a day, then I would recommend staying in the 1700-1800 range. La Leche League recommends nursing mothers not dip below that amount, or it can affect your milk production. Because of the calories burned through nursing, it would be equivalent to you eating about 1500 a day (what you wanted) if you were NOT nursing. Does that make sense?

    I would also recommend that you try to eat as healthy as you can, and to start SOME form of exercising. it makes a world of difference in your body, and in the way that you feel. If time is a factor, there are many dvds out there called "Quick Fix" or "10 Minute Solution" and the like, that have short 10 minute workouts on them. It may not seem like a lot, but if you did one three times a week, that is a half hour over the course of the week that you were not doing before.
  • Yay! More food for Crazed!
    I do work out, 30 minutes a day (that's all I can fit in). But other than that I do a whole lot of nothing until it's warm enough to take the baby out.