How to Use Nutrisystem While Breastfeeding
Nutrisystem is a weight-loss program that offers prepared meals and snacks delivered right to your door. The meals and snacks are very flavorful yet small in portion size; so many people are successful in losing weight by eating Nutrisystem foods. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed a baby, according to La Leche League. It is very possible to lose weight while breastfeeding a baby, though breastfeeding does change a woman's nutritional requirements somewhat.
Order all of the Nutrisystem meals and snacks that you will need for one month online at www.nutrisystem.com. You can pick and choose the meals and snacks that look good to you and then have them delivered to your door. Be sure to choose a variety of meals and snacks that contain different food groups. La Leche League recommends that breastfeeding moms eat foods from the protein category (meats and beans), dairy category (cheese and milk), healthy fats category (oils), and fruits and vegetables category every day.
Safety of Taking B12 While Nursing
Learn More
Eat often, about every three hours on average. According to Consumer Affairs, a diet that entails eating only Nutrisystem meals and snacks is about 1200 to 1500 calories a day 1. Breastfeeding moms need to eat about 500 extra calories each day so that they can produce breast milk for their baby, according to La Leche League. To eat 500 more calories, you can eat about three extra Nutrisystem snacks, one extra Nutrisystem meal and snack, or you can eat 500 extra calories of fresh foods from your own kitchen, such as almonds, cheese, fruits and vegetables.
Add fresh fruit and veggies to your meals and snacks throughout the day. While Nutrisystem meals are easy and healthy, Consumer Affairs states that many of them do not include any fruits at all, and the ones with vegetables use vegetables only sparingly 1. La Leche League states that breastfeeding moms need to eat fresh fruits and vegetables often so that their milk is rich in nutrients. Try eating an apple for a mid-morning snack, some celery with peanut butter for an afternoon snack and a fruit salad as a bedtime snack.
Eating Plan for a 15-Year-Old Girl
Learn More
Drink plenty of water so that your breast milk supply will be adequate. La Leche League states that if you do not drink enough water throughout the day, it will be difficult to make enough milk for your baby's needs. The exact amount of water you need varies based on how often you breastfeed, your activity level and your height and weight. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water with every meal and snack that you eat.
Related Articles
References
- Consumer Affairs: NutriSystem Leaves a Bad Taste in Many Mouths.
- Gudzune KA, Doshi RS, Mehta AK, et al. Efficacy of commercial weight-loss programs: An updated systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(7):501-12. doi:10.7326/M14-2238.
- Martínez Steele E, Juul F, Neri D, Rauber F, Monteiro CA. Dietary share of ultra-processed foods and metabolic syndrome in the US adult population. Prev Med. 2019;125:40-48. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.05.004
- 2015—2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Gudzune KA, Doshi RS, Mehta AK, et al. Efficacy of commercial weight-loss programs: an updated systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(7):501-12. doi:10.7326/M14-2238.
Writer Bio
Sarah Davis has worked in nutrition in the clinical setting and currently works as a licensed Realtor in California. Davis began writing about nutrition in 2006 and had two chapters published in "The Grocery Store Diet" book in 2009. She enjoys writing about nutrition and real estate and managing her website, RealtorSD.com. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition from San Diego State University.