2B Mindset for the Breastfeeding Mom
There are many weight loss plans for breastfeeding mothers out there and I have found that the 2B mindset is made for breastfeeding moms! I have been following the principles laid out in the 2B Mindset program for a few months now and have not only lost almost 20 pounds but there has been little to no change in my milk supply, I constantly feel full, and have transformed the way that I see the scale, food, and my body!
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What is the 2B Mindset Program?
2B mindset is a nutrition program from Beachbody, the creators of many home fitness programs, and nutrition plans. The main focus of this program is mindful eating and helping you lose weight without feeling boxed in and restricted. I’ve been following the Beachbody programs for 6 years now and have been able to lose 70 pounds before I had my daughter and subsequently have 2 healthy pregnancies where I’ve been able to continue to exercise, eat healthily and drop the baby weight within a year.
2B Mindset was created by a registered dietician, Ilana Muhlstein, who herself has lost 100 pounds with this program! (and honestly, there’s just something about following a program from someone who is in the trenches with you that makes it so special). With the 2B mindset exercise is ‘extra credit’ and the focus is more on developing a healthier relationship with food. When I heard about this part of the program, I was sold. I knew that even though I exercised 5x a week, there was something missing nutritionally that was standing in the way of my results. The program comes with digital access to over 40 videos that you have lifetime access to. You can watch them in chunks, binge them all at once, or just go back to the ones you need when you might be struggling with a craving or need a refresher.
You also get access to an iOS app where you can track all your food, a journal to use if you’re more of a paper/pencil type of gal, and a water bottle to help you always be ‘water first’.
2B Mindset for Breastfeeding Moms
I truly believe that 2B Mindset is the perfect program for a breastfeeding mom. I nursed my daughter until she was 19 months old and am currently still nursing my one year old AND have been able to lose weight at the same time. There are a lot of misconceptions about postpartum weight loss and breastfeeding and many times women either don’t eat enough or hold onto somebody fat while they are nursing. This doesn’t mean though that it’s impossible to lose weight! 2B mindset is 100% set up to help you have weight loss without feeling deprived.
One of the core principles of 2B Mindset is ‘water first’. This means that you are fueling and filling your body with all of the water it needs (and more) which is perfect for breastfeeding. I know that on days I don’t have enough water, my supply is down and my son is fussier. By following the 2B mindset, you are ensuring that you have enough water to make your milk AND lose weight. (though I want to toss a disclaimer right here… I am NOT a doctor and every woman is different so make sure you check with them if you have questions and follow your baby, and milk supplies, lead!) Another struggle I had when trying to lose weight while breastfeeding was that I was hungry ALL THE TIME. I felt like I constantly was eating and many times, I wasn’t eating the proper foods for my body. Because of this, I was either gaining weight or stuck in a weight loss plateau. And while it’s true that you burn calories while breastfeeding, everyone’s body is different and, if you’re just eating unhealthy foods to feel full, you won’t lose the weight anyway. The 2B mindset teaches you how to fuel your body the right way AND how to go back for more food if you still feel hungry! This was a game-changer for me when it came to pushing passed my last plateau. I finally felt like I didn’t have to feel deprived but could still lose! One of the toughest principles to follow (but I’m working on it!) is the ‘dinner and done’ principle. Most of my night time snacking is a habit and I’ve found that on the night’s that I don’t eat after dinner, I almost always have a weight loss the next day. But, I also notice that on those nights I may wake up less engorged and just ‘flatter’ than normal. I nurse on demand so I don’t have a number to share but I can definitely notice a difference. If you find you need something to eat or your supply needs a little boost, adding in some veggies with a higher fat dip like hummus or guacamole might be an adjustment you make! Listen to your body and milk supply and feel it out!
2B Mindset Results
In the few months that I’ve been doing the 2B Mindset I’ve dropped nearly 20 pounds and can fit comfortably now in my pre-pregnancy clothes. I feel a HUGE difference in my mindset and have inspired my husband to start the program too! I also have started making my kids plates similar to mine and I know that they are eating a TON more veggies and a lot less processed snacks. They are also filling up on water and I’ve noticed asking less for a snack after snack after snack!
2B Mindset FAQ
The scariest part for many women when jumping into the 2B mindset is that part of it is to track your weight and use the scale daily. I struggled in the beginning because I really had ‘broken up with the scale’ during my last pregnancy. The 2B mindset has allowed me to change my mindset around the scale. I no longer see it as ‘the enemy’ or something that will make me sad, but rather a tool to help me see what foods my body prefers. I’m not obsessing over the numbers but rather adjusting course as need be. This allows me to drop my “I’ll try again Monday” mentality and actually create lifestyle changes! I also wanted to share what Beachbody itself says about this program and breastfeeding moms… “La Leche League International advises breastfeeding moms to wait at least two months before making any drastic effort to lose weight, allowing their bodies to recover and to ensure a steady milk supply. However, the 2B Mindset can help you get in the right frame of mind to make healthy decisions for you and your baby so you can ultimately shed the baby weight. Remember, everybody is different, so you should consult your physician before starting this nutrition plan. Keep in mind that breastfeeding women may naturally lose 1 to 4 pounds per month simply due to the amount of energy required for nursing. You may notice a slight reduction in your milk supply at the start of this program, but it should quickly rebound so long as you continue to nurse frequently, drink plenty of water, eat according to the plan, sleep when you can, and keep your stress low. Some women may also see a decline in milk supply as their baby begins to transition to more solid foods, but that is to be expected for any nursing mother.”
2B Mindset Costs
2B mindset is an incredible program and completely worth the cost! Starting at $99 you can get the entire system with the videos! If you’re looking to incorporate exercise in as well, you should definitely get the package where you get a year to stream Beachbody on Demand AND the 2B Mindset access! This way you can have all the tools at your fingertips! If you decide to sign up for 2B Mindset with the link below, you’ll also get access to me as your personal coach to help guide you through! I run private support groups full of women doing the program with similar goals to be in each other’s corner! If you have any questions about which option is right for you, I’d love to set up a 15-minute FREE consultation so we can chat! Just head over here and fill out this form! If you’re ready to get started, go and grab it now! Email me once you do at coachingwithcara@gmail.com so we can get you into our health support group ASAP! And if you have any other questions, just leave them in the comments below!
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