Weight Watchers While Breastfeeding: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that you can follow Weight Watchers while you’re breastfeeding? It’s true! In fact, there are a few things you need to know about how Weight Watchers works and how it can help you lose weight while breastfeeding. Keep reading for all the details.

You want to lose weight, but you’re worried about how it will affect your breastfeeding baby. 

It can be hard to know what to do when you’re trying to lose weight and you’re also breastfeeding. Do you need to stop breastfeeding? Can you still follow Weight Watchers?

In this article, we will answer all of your questions about following Weight Watchers while breastfeeding. You will learn about the guidelines for the program, as well as which foods are best for both you and your baby.

What is Weight Watchers while breastfeeding and how does it work?

Weight Watchers is a weight loss program that helps people lose weight by making small, sustainable changes to their diet and lifestyle. The program is based on the points system, which assigns a certain number of points to each food based on its calorie content, nutritional value, and portion size.

The Weight Watchers program also encourages participants to exercise regularly and make other healthy lifestyle choices, such as drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep.

They have had various plans over the years, but currently, they promote their “PersonalPoints” plan. This plan is customized specifically toward your goals and favorite foods:

1. It implements Weight Watchers “zero point” foods, which allows for more flexibility with eating
2. It takes into account your favorite foods so you don’t feel like you are giving anything up
3. You can add additional points to your day by eating starchy foods, drinking water, and for physical activity. This is the first time they’ve added this.

Weight Watchers is a safe and effective way to lose weight, and it can also be done while breastfeeding. In fact, Weight Watchers has a specific program for nursing mothers that includes extra points for breastfeeding.

To participate in Weight Watchers while breastfeeding, you will need to join the Weight Watchers program and attend weekly meetings. You will also need to purchase a breastfeeding-specific Weight Watchers book, which includes information on how to calculate your points and which foods are best for nursing mothers.

What are the guidelines for Weight Watchers while breastfeeding?

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are following Weight Watchers while breastfeeding. First, you will need to make sure you are eating enough calories to support both your weight loss goals and your milk supply.

The Weight Watchers program for nursing mothers includes an extra 10 points per day, which can be used to add more food or snacks to your diet. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water and get enough sleep, as these are essential for both weight loss and milk production.

In addition, you will need to pay attention to your baby’s cues. If your baby is fussy or not gaining weight, it may be a sign that you are not eating enough calories or that you need to adjust your Weight Watchers program.

What are the best foods to eat while following Weight Watchers while breastfeeding?

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are choosing foods to eat while following Weight Watchers while breastfeeding. First, you will want to make sure you are getting enough protein and calcium. These nutrients are essential for both your health and your baby’s health.

You can get protein from lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and beans. Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy green vegetables.

In addition, you will want to focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are packed with nutrients and fiber, which will help you feel full and satisfied.

Finally, you will want to limit your intake of sugary foods, processed foods, and alcoholic beverages. These foods can sabotage your weight loss efforts and may not be the best for your baby.

What are Zero Point Foods?

There are quite a few foods on the zero point food list, but in general, they fall into these categories:

• Non-starchy veggies
• Potatoes and starchy veggies
• Fruits
• Low-fat or fat-free yogurt and cottage cheese
• Brown rice and whole grains
• Avocados
• Fish and shellfish
• Oats and oatmeal
• Poultry
• Whole-wheat pasta and noodles
• Tofu and tempeh
• Corn and popcorn
• Beans, peas, and lentils
• Eggs

How to calculate your points while breastfeeding on Weight Watchers?

When you signup for Weight Watchers, they have an app that allows you to easily calculate your points. Under your settings, you can indicate that you are breastfeeding and the frequency.

In general, the following points will be added:

• Exclusively breastfeeding – 12 SmartPoints extra
• Partially breastfeeding: 5 SmartPoints

You can track your points in the app or the desktop app. I would recommend following their point recommendations for a few days and closely monitoring your milk supply and baby. You can always adjust if needed.

Food choices that are best for you and your baby

When you are following Weight Watchers while breastfeeding, you will want to make sure you are choosing foods that are best for both you and your baby.

Protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and beans, are essential for both your health and your baby’s health.

You should also focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are packed with nutrients and fiber, which will help you feel full and satisfied.

Finally, you will want to limit your intake of sugary foods, processed foods, and alcoholic beverages. These foods can sabotage your weight loss efforts and may not be the best for your baby.

How much weight per month should you lose on Weight Watchers while breastfeeding?

Weight Watchers recommends that breastfeeding mothers don’t lose more than 4.5 pounds per much. Most health professionals recommend around 1 lb per week for sustainable weight loss that will have less impact on milk supply for breastfeeding moms.

Tips for staying on track with Weight Watchers while breastfeeding

There are a few things you can do to make sure you stay on track with Weight Watchers while breastfeeding.

• First, you should make sure you are prepared. This means having healthy snacks and meals on hand so you don’t give in to cravings.
• You should also find a support system, whether it’s a friend, family member, or online community. These people can help you stay accountable and motivated.
• You should make sure you are staying active. Exercise can help you lose weight and boost your energy levels.
• Don’t go too overboard with zero point foods. They are there to allow you to feel fuller, but if you eat tons and tons of them with no limit, the calories do add up.

Weight Watchers while breastfeeding is possible with a little planning and effort. By following the guidelines and tips above, you can lose weight safely and effectively while still

What if I can’t lose weight?

If you find that you are not losing weight while following Weight Watchers while breastfeeding, there are a few things you can do.

First, you should check with your doctor to make sure there is no medical reason for your weight loss plateau.

If your doctor gives you the green light, you may need to reassess your diet and exercise routine. You may need to increase your activity level or make changes to your diet.

If you are still struggling to lose weight, you can talk to a Weight Watchers leader. They can offer support and give you tips for success.

What if my baby isn’t gaining weight properly?

If you have started Weight Watchers and you are finding that your baby is fussier than usual, few diapers, or a drop off their growth chart, you may want to re-evaluate if Weight Watchers is the appropriate weight loss solution for you.

Sample meal plan for a day on Weight Watchers while breastfeeding

Breakfast:

Puffed Egg White Omelete with Vegetables – 1-2 points

Whole wheat toast – 2 points

Tropicana Light’n Healthy Orange Juice – 1 points

Snack:

Greek yogurt with berries – 3 points

Lunch:

Chicken, Grape, and Walnut Salad – 6-11 points

Baked sweet potato – 2 points

Snack:

Apple with 2 tbsp peanut butter – 5 points

Dinner:

Farfalle with Shrimp and Pesto – 10 points

Sample Goal: 35 Points

Total points for the day: 33-36

Conclusion

Weight Watchers while breastfeeding is a great way to lose weight safely and effectively. By following the guidelines and tips above, you can make sure you are successful in your weight loss journey.

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Will Breastfeeding Help You Lose Weight? Survey Says…
• Can you drink Slim Fast while breastfeeding?
• 100+ Breastfeeding Snack Ideas for New Moms