Pregnancy and breastfeeding create many concerns for women because everything they eat can directly impact the life of the developing fetus and the newborn child. The Slim-Fast program helps to replace meals and control calorie intake. According to Slim-Fast, its products can be used safely by nursing women.
Program Description
Slim-Fast is a diet program that requires participants to replace two meals a day with Slim-Fast shakes or meal replacement bars and eat three snacks each day. Individuals participating in the Slim-Fast program also eat one balanced 500-calorie meal per day. Slim-Fast products do not contain medications or chemicals used to alter the appetite or promote weight loss. This enables nursing mothers to use Slim-Fast products without worrying about harmful substances passing into the breast milk.
Modifying Slim-Fast Plan
Slim-Fast shakes, snack bars and meal replacement bars can be used to decrease calories in the diet. Breastfeeding burns 200 to 500 calories per day, requiring additional calories to be included in the diet. If your caloric intake drops below 1500 to 1800 calories per day, production of breast milk can decrease. When using Slim-Fast products, you may need to alter your plan to make sure you take in at least the minimum recommended number of calories. Your doctor can help you decide the amount of calories that your body needs based on your height, weight and activity level.
Weight Loss and Breastfeeding
Losing weight after the birth of a baby is important for many women. But breastfeeding mothers have an additional concern about maintaining milk supply. Losing 1 lb. per week is the recommended rate of weight loss while nursing a baby. If Slim-Fast is a program that works for you and you can stick with it, you can safely use it while breastfeeding. Just make sure that you clear any diet and exercise program with your doctor prior to starting.
Tips and Warnings
When breastfeeding, it is important to listen to what your body is telling you. If you cut your caloric intake drastically and ignore hunger cues to eat more, you could jeopardize your milk production. Increase your caloric intake by eating healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water throughout your day as well to help maintain milk production and provide your body with the hydration it needs to function properly.
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