I'm finding myself in a similar boat. I'm a relatively new mom (my daughter is now 17 months) and am just finishing up my first 12 weeks tomorrow. I was a little surprised when I did the math and saw I was done with my first round. I actually committed to doing BFL for a year (or more!), so I wouldn't be as consumed with reaching all my goals in 12 weeks.
Overall, I've lost about 8-10 lbs and my body is changing shape. I can still comfortably wear the first pairs of pants I bought after my daughter was born (which is a little depressing... I was hoping to have to box those away until after kid #2), but I still feel good about my progress and direction.
I'm wondering how much nursing impacts BFL. I surprised myself when I discovered how much I've enjoyed the breast feeding bond. I probably wont do it for much longer, but I've heard mixed comments regarding breast feeding and weight loss from other mothers. On one side, I've heard it allows you to "eat anything" (yeah right) and magically sheds the baby weight. On the other side, which includes a very athletic mother, I've heard that until you stop breast feeding, your body likes to hold onto a little fat just in case it needs it to feed the baby. The athletic mother told me as soon as she stopped breast feeding, the last 5 lbs she had been holding onto dropped off.
Also with nursing, I'm afraid to take all the supplements, which may really help give my body the right balance it needs to let go of the weight.
I'm curious to know other mothers out there have experienced less dramatic BFL results while nursing. I'm also wondering if anyone has been crazy enough to stay on BFL after they become pregnant or if it's just a terrible idea... My calcium levels are definitely good on the plan with all the cottage cheese and yogurt I've been eating!
Hi everyone
I'm very late in checking in to report on my progress so apologies. We went straight off on holiday skiing in France when I finished my 12 weeks and then returned with sick baby and later sick friends who came to stay with us so it's been a bit busy!
So I finished my 12 weeks about 3 weeks ago now - I am thrilled to say that I am pretty much back to my pre-pregnancy size, shape and weight (probably could do with losing another pound or two but that's it). Now before you all groan and think 'that's okay for you then', I wanted to say to everyone who is finding it hard going, it was bloody hard work and very demoralising for a long time. I found weeks 5-8 the hardest and there was absolutely nothing to show for it - despite flogging myself in the gym and sticking to the nutrition side of things. Not helped by EAS withdrawing Myoplex from the UK so I had to find an alternative that tasted ok and did the job (although I find generally protein bars don't really agree with me).
I found it really hard mentally to not see any progress at all and I felt like giving up so many times. I (somehow) gritted my teeth and decided to stick it out for the 12 weeks and then look at alternative solutions if nothing had changed. I'm not sure when it happened but there was a gradual change from about week 8. It was very gradual though. I think one of the earliest posts talked about it being a fulcrum effect - it may take lots and lots of effort but then suddenly - bham - your metabolism gets going again. I think this is what happened with me.
I also took some steps to stop myself getting too obsessive about it and therefore down when I felt like I wasn't making progress. These were to stop weighing myself every week and to not step on the scales until the end of week 12 (I found my weekly weigh-ins were causing me to get really down) and to try and occupy myself with other things or projects. Hence the lack of posts from me. That didn't stop me being committed to the Challenge (I didn't skip a single workout throughout my 12 weeks) but it just helped me try and put my focus on a more even keel. Also to pick up on an earlier post, I think sleep is also key to helping your body rest and recover properly.
So I hope all you Mummies are encouraged by that - hang on in there - it feels like it's never going to happen but I promise it does (and believe me, I really doubted it was going to for a long time). It's lovely to look in the mirror and see yourself again (the old self you wistfully remember) and you have nothing to lose by sticking to the Challenge as you'll be eating healthily and getting super-fit as you get smaller. Best of luck!
If your breastfeeding that can sometimes make you not lose weight. I know everyone says that you will drop LBS if you bfeed but that isnt true for everyone. Dont give up though because your still getting healthier, it will catch up with you and you will start to lose.
Hello: It sounds like you are ready for a Cleanse. Check out this super soup diet. It's as thick as a stew. I lost 10lbs in a week. But go off it after the week is up. Too long on this will make you weak. It's meant to cleanse the body of toxins. You'll enjoy day 3 and 4-super energy days! At least for me. Good Luck! Sacred Heart Medical Diet..www.idiet4u.com/diets/sacredheart.html
ejb,
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! The Body-for-LIFE program was not specifically designed to meet the needs of breast feeding women. We recommend you check with your doctor to see if continuing with the program is right for you.
As for the products to use, EAS nutritional products (like AdvantEDGE Carb Control, Myoplex and 100% Whey Protein) can be used by pregnant or breast feeding women. However, generally your diet should not be carbohydrate or calorie restrictive, so as with any dietary change while pregnant or breast feeding, we suggest talking with your physician first. Another thing to keep in mind, EAS dietary supplements (our products that say "Dietary Supplement" on the front of the label) are not recommended for pregnant, women who are trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding women, unless otherwise directed by a physician. Feel free to call us if you have any other questions, 1-800-297-9776, Monday- Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.
~ Brooke @Body-for-LIFE