How to Use Nutrisystem While Breastfeeding

Nutrisystem is a diet plan that helps you lose weight by controlling portion sizes and calories through the purchase of prepared meals. When you buy into the program, Nutrisystem will send the meals directly to your address. This can be a lifesaver for new moms, who may not have the time to prepare healthy meals. However, if you are going to use Nutrisystem while you are breastfeeding, you need to make sure you are eating enough calories to feed both you and your baby.

Instructions

1

Talk to your doctor about Nutrisystem and breastfeeding. Before you buy into the Nutrisystem program, you should discuss the idea with your doctor to be sure that she feels that it is right for you. She may suggest some calorie guidelines that may be different from the traditional person following a Nutrisystem diet. This is because you need approximately 500 extra calories a day to produce breast milk.

2

Choose the Nutrisystem plan that's best for you. Consider the Nutrisystem options and choose between the regular and vegetarian options, based on your dietary preferences. Understand that while these meals will form the base of your diet, you'll also need to supplement with other healthy foods.

3

Order the food to be delivered to your door. Nutrisystem offers pre-selected packages or allows you to custom order the foods that you like.

4

Eat a Nutrisystem meal at breakfast, lunch and dinner. For each of your main meals, microwave a Nutrisystem meal. These meals are healthy and pre-portioned, so you can get a quick meal that you know you can trust. This is perfect for breastfeeding mothers, who may need to fix a meal quickly.

5

Supplement your meals with other nutritious foods. Don't eat the Nutrisystem meal on its own. If you do, you will not be getting enough calories to produce breast milk, and your baby may not gain enough weight. Follow Nutrisystem's suggestions for healthy supplemental foods, such as salads or fresh fruit.

6

Have a snack every time that you breastfeed. This will help you keep your energy up and remind you to eat at regular intervals.

7

Drink water to help keep you hydrated. Water is also essential for breastfeeding women and dieters alike. Keep a water bottle with you all the time so that you always have something to drink.

8

Track your calories when breastfeeding on the Nutrisystem diet. Be sure that you are eating in the calorie range that your doctor recommended.