Real Life Nutrition Questions Answered

Real Life Fitness Questions Answered

Emma Brown
Nutritionist

Janet Aylott
Nutritionist

Kelly Marshall
Fitness Consultant

Q.

Still breastfeeding - is it okay to diet?

1. Hi there
I have just signed up for the free trial based on the weight loss of my friend from this site. Whilst I have filled in my profile and it's calculated I need to eat 1,400 calories a day to lose the weight I want, if I click on "I am breastfeeding" it tells me I need to consult a Dr and it won't save my profile, or adjust the calories.

My daughter is 9 1/2 months now, so I am only breastfeeding her 3 times a day, sometimes 2 if she happens to miss the midday feed. Do I need to add 150/200 calories, or will 1400 be OK?
Many thanks
Tracy

A.

Our expert says...

Hi

We have to follow official recommendations which mean that even in your situation (baby beyond 6 months, no longer relying on milk as a main food source), you will still be requiring around 240 calories a day extra to maintain that milk output. Please do check with your GP, but on the information you have given me and presuming you are healthy, I would suggest you would be okay to eat 1650 cals a day and to expect gentle, healthy weight loss on that amount. However if your BMI is NOT above 25 to start with, it would be my advice for you not to restrict your calories at all. I hope that helps, and if you do end up joining us, good luck!

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