The Atkins diet is a low carbohydrate diet, developed by Robert Atkins. The purpose of low carbohydrate diets is to induce weight loss by restricting foods like bread, pasta, fruit and desserts. Instead, you are encouraged to eat high-protein foods like beef, chicken and eggs. Though some people are able to lose weight successfully by following the Atkins diet, it's not recommended for all people. Women who are breastfeeding should not do the Atkins diet, due to health concerns.
Rapid Weight Loss While Nursing
The Atkins diet can lead to quick weight loss, especially during the first few weeks of the diet, since dieters tend to lose water weight and eat fewer calories. La Leche League International explains that when a nursing women loses weight too quickly, the concentration of environmental toxins like pesticides in her body increases, which may be harmful to the baby. Rapid weight loss can also reduce a woman's milk supply, making it harder for her to continue nursing.
Risks of the Atkins Diet
Going on the Atkins diet may be risky for anyone, especially for nursing women, explains International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, Kelly Bonyata. She states that low carbohydrate diets are low in phytonutrients and electrolytes like potassium and calcium. The high saturated fat content of the Atkins diet may lead to health problems in the long run, according to Bonyata.
Healthy Carbohydrates and Weight Loss
Instead of doing a restrictive low carb diet like the Atkins diet, breastfeeding women can lose weight by eating complex carbohydrates instead of refined carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates like yams, fruits, vegetables and brown rice, are full of fiber and minerals. Refined carbohydrates such as candy serve very little nutritional benefit. Eating 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day and swapping out foods like white bread with whole wheat and cake with fruit salad can lead to healthy weight loss.
Breastfeeding More Often
Postpartum weight loss may be as simple as nursing more frequently. Breastfeeding itself burns calories so the more frequently a woman nurses, the easier it will be to lose weight. La Leche League International states that without diet or exercise, nursing women can lose an average of 1.3 to 1.6 pounds per month for the first four to six months of the baby's life. Instead of supplementing with baby formula, breastfeeding exclusively will assist a woman in her weight loss efforts, while keeping the baby as healthy as possible.
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