Does Breastfeeding Actually Help You Lose Weight?

With all those extra kilos you put on while you were pregnant, it must have disturbed you a lot while breastfeeding your baby. Yeah…because that’s the time when you’re absolutely bored and you’re just lying down as your baby is basically feeding on your milk. Though you must have thought of all the possible exercises, snuggling and cuddling with your baby is the best and comforting idea!

But fear not ladies, science has proved that breastfeeding actually helps you shed some weight! You can practically lose weight by doing the bare minimum. So, basically, while you’re breastfeeding you tend to burn a lot of calories. Approximately 850 calories are burnt in a day just by breastfeeding!

On the flipside, breastfeeding is a strenuous task as you pour in all your energy into feeding your little one. So after that, you end up getting hungry and you begin having major food cravings. With all the carbohydrates you’ll end up eating, losing weight may become rather difficult.

Here are 5 every mommy’s trusted ways to shed those unnecessary belly rolls just by breastfeeding:

1. Watch what you eat

Instead of feasting on dozens of chips eat something in small quantities like popcorn. Gobble some flavoured oatmeal to keep your stomach full for longer hours. It’s a great breakfast for mommies who are trying to lose weight.

2. Prep yourself

Chop some fresh fruits and veggies and store them in the fridge. In case you get lazy and don’t feel like cooking anything, you can always grab a bowl of these healthy treats. You can also store frozen healthy meals and all you got to do is heat it up and enjoy a hot meal whenever you feel hungry.

3. Eat small meals

There’s a hormonal effect on the breast milk if a mother doesn’t eat for long durations of time. The reserve energy will end up getting used and this will have a direct effect on the thyroid levels in her body. This will, in turn, lower the levels of prolactin (the hormone which helps in the production of breast milk). So, consume smaller meals and eat often!

4. Calories are like your fake best friends

Too much is too bad and especially calories, they’re best if taken within the limits. Eat whatever you wish to in small quantities, but ensure you don’t consume more than 1,800 calories in a day.

5.Keep breastfeeding

Every woman’s metabolism is different and there’s no need for you to feel discouraged if you don’t shed weight instantly like those celebrity mommies. With a good diet plan, it is possible for you to lose a pound each week.

As long as you’re burning more calories than consuming, yes you will lose weight for sure! Eat that cheezy pizza too if you’re craving for it so bad but make sure you burn the extra calories with some extra walking and playtime with the baby.