Post Pregnancy Weight

  I have been battling my weight since after I had Bentley, but this past month it's been bothering me more. I think it's because he's 4 months old and I haven't YET to get back down to pre-pregnancy weight. I keep saying, "OK, tomorrow-I am starting my diet..." and then nothing happens, I'm lazy. Then I started thinking, I can can't cut back on food because I am breastfeeding which includes MORE calories than what an average woman should be eating. Okay, so now that I know that I'm supposed to eat more, how do I prevent gaining and lose? Most-if not all of my friends formula feed, so they have lost most of their weight, but I feel like I am at a standstill. I feel selfish because I WANT to lose it, but I DON'T want my milk supply to go down because I am so focused on losing weight. Make sense? I'm very self-conscious and I know it won't change until I am happy with myself. I've been doing a little bit of goggling and I didn't find anything...except what I have jotted down below. SO I am making my OWN diet up which consists of vegetables, fruits, protein, and exercise (the basic diet plan). I need you guys to help me out-encouragement would be nice.  
  Breastfeeding burns calories.  Over 600 calories a day for breastfeeding women who don't supplement with formula.  600 calories!  That's like getting two hours of aerobic exercise each day.  A study published in the Journal of American Dietician Association shows breastfeeding melting off inches around your hips and buttocks. After you give birth, you probably want to lose your pregnancy weight as fast as possible. But in order to produce healthy breastmilk, you actually need to increase your caloric intake to about 2,500 calories a day and not worry too much about dieting. But there are some things you can do to lose your pregnancy weight and still breastfeed.

1. Remember, it took you about a year to put on your pregnancy weight, and it's healthiest if it takes about a year for you to lose all your pregnancy weight.
2. Breastfeed as much as you can. Try not to supplement a breastfeeding session with a formula feeding unless necessary. All the calories and fat in breastmilk come from you, from your fat and caloric stores. You will lose your pregnancy weight the fastest if you breastfeed your baby.
3. Check what you're eating. Motherhood can be difficult and getting a square meal may seem impossible. But making an effort to eat healthy, to eat whole grains, lean protein and fruits and vegetables will help you lose weight and keep your breastmilk healthy for your baby. If take-out and fast food seem easier, try to pre-cut your fruits and vegetables, buy premade foods, get some help around the house or consider ordering healthy take-out.
4. Start exercising about four to six weeks after you give birth, if you feel up to it. You may find it more comfortable to breastfeed your baby before you work out. You may also need the support of a well-fitted exercise bra. Sometimes babies will reject the breast after exercise due to the salty taste of mom's skin. Taking a quick shower after exercise but before breastfeeding may help with that.
     DO you guys have any plans for this weekend? This week has flown by! The Hubs is working a 48, so I am home until Saturday morning. I don't have any plans to leave the house, so my days will consist of hanging out with Bubs until Church on Sunday. 
     Day before yesterday, Bentley, had his 4 month shots...yes, it was bad. Not only did he scream, he has had a fever since then. It broke around 4 am this morning, but it has made its appearance again. I FINALLY got him back on his schedule and now the shots have ruined it again...lovely. 
   
   
     Well, I'm getting off the computer, Bentley is up from his nap. Ya'll have a wonderful hot COLD afternoon! 

Megan