Although many moms find that breast-feeding boosts weight loss, others find that it has little effect on their lingering fat deposits. The Nutrisystem diet plan, with its full range of pre-cooked, ready-to-eat breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees, appeals to many breast-feeding moms searching for a convenient way to lose the extra pounds. The Nutrisystem program might not provide the nutrition that nursing moms need to maintain a healthy milk supply, however. Check with your doctor before beginning Nutrisystem or any other type of diet program to ensure it is right for your situation.
Nutrition While Breast-feeding
Nursing moms need 200 to 500 calories more than non-nursing moms, which means that the average woman must consume 2,000 to 2,700 calories to maintain a healthy milk supply, according to the Babycenter website. Your exact caloric needs will depend upon your activity level, the age of your baby, the frequency of feedings and the speed of your metabolism. Registered dietitian Goulda Downer writes on the Consumer Affairs website that the Nutrisystem diet plan typically provides women with 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day. Consuming too few calories can cause a drop in your milk supply that might lead to premature weaning. To follow the Nutrisystem system safely, most nursing moms will need to add extra calories to the regular Nutrisystem program.
Rapid Weight Loss
La Leche League International recommends that nursing moms lose no more than 1 lb. a week. Women can safely lose this amount without harming their baby's growth or their milk supply. Nutrisystem users, according to the Nutrisystem website, often lose between 1 to 2 lbs. a week.
Overly rapid weight loss might also force environmental contaminants and PCBs stored in body fat into the nursing mother's bloodstream, where they can increase the level of contaminants in her milk supply.
Convenience Foods and Breast-feeding
Pre-packaged Nutrisystem meals contain high levels of sodium and other chemical preservatives, which convenience foods rely on to extend the shelf life, texture and taste of foods. Breast-feeding moms can pass these extra chemicals on to their infants through their breast milk.
The Babycenter website urges nursing moms to limit their baby's exposure to chemicals as much as possible by choosing organic fruits and vegetables, and by drinking filtered water during pregnancy. As of 2011, Nutrisystem does not have any certified organic products in their product line.
Safe Weight Loss
The Nutrisystem system involves three small meals a day, sensible snacks and a daily dessert. A home-made version of this model utilizing home-cooked meals and snacks can help nursing moms fight the constant hunger that can make it difficult for them to lose weight. Keep your refrigerator stocked with healthy, but convenient snacks such as pre-cut fruits and vegetables, containers of low-fat yogurt and string cheese.
Spend a weekend afternoon cooking large batches of simple, freezable entrees such as vegetable lasagna, roasted vegetable and chicken quesadillas or turkey meatballs and whole grain spaghetti. Freeze individual servings so you can reheat them throughout the week.
References
- Nutrisystem: Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Kellymom; Can I Diet While Breastfeeding?; Kelly Bonyata
- Babycenter: Diet for a Healthy Breastfeeding Mom
- Nutrisystem: Nutrisystem Meal Averages; 11/18/2010
- Consumer Affairs; NutriSystem Leaves a Bad Taste in Many Mouths; Joseph Enoch; 11/2006
- La Leche League International; Weight Loss While Breastfeeding; Mel Wolk; October-November 1997
