Are meal replacements safe for breastfeeding mums?

A meal replacement shake can be a safe option to lose weight when breastfeeding. But only if it is high-quality and doesn’t contain the artificial nasties that pollute so many of the supermarket shelf meal replacements.

If you find a good-quality shake and make sure you're still consuming sufficient calories throughout the day, meal replacement shakes are a fantastic and convenient way to lose weight while breastfeeding. 

It’s important to differentiate between a protein shake and a meal replacement shake. A protein shake is just that – it’s only protein. Whereas a meal replacement shake contains the nutritional value of a meal including protein plus a minimum of 25% of your recommended daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals.  

When you’re breastfeeding, you need to ensure you are consuming enough calories throughout the day to sustain your milk supply. Therefore, you want to make sure you find a meal replacement shake that will provide you with the energy and nutrients you need to support you and your little one. 

The most important thing to remember is that not all meal replacement shakes are made equally.

Most shakes in the supermarket are full of artificial nasties and chemicals which are not safe and may be passed on to your baby through breastmilk. Choosing a shake that is made specifically for breastfeeding women is essential.

The In Shape Mummy Health Shake for Breastfeeding Mums uses natural and organic ingredients and keeps the artificial nasties out.  In Shape Mummy is a scientifically formulated meal replacement to help breastfeeding mums get the vitamins and minerals they require. It's also formed with organic vegan protein and is enhanced with galactagogues, herbs that have been used for centuries to boost milk supply.  

So, how does the In Shape Mummy Health Shake Help You Lose Weight?   

1. Reduces temptation 

Mums are undoubtedly some of the busiest people on the planet. And when you're so incredibly busy, making convenient choices is often simpler than making healthy choices. For example, nipping through the McDonald's drive-through is easier than preparing a salad. But that's why In Shape Mummy is so good; its' convenient, quick and healthy. You can make a smoothie with one hand in under five minutes, and with the right ad-ins, it will keep you full for hours. 

2. It sets you up to be in a calorie deficit

Weight gain and weight loss are determined by the energy we consume versus the energy we burn. So if you consume more energy than you burn, you will gain weight. And if you're burning more energy, you will enter what we call a 'calorie deficit' and lose weight. 

However, breastfeeding women need to be careful when restricting calories, as if you cut your calories too drastically, you risk affecting your milk supply. Additionally, consuming too few calories can trick your body in to thinking it needs to hold onto weight to produce milk. So, while breastfeeding, it's best to take a steady approach and slightly reduce your calorie intake. Slow and steady wins the race! 

3. Prevents sugar cravings 

Another factor that sets In Shape Mummy aside from other meal replacements is the taste. The delicious chocolate brownie, caramel fudge and vanilla shakes taste like a sweet treat. But, they have less than 1g of sugar per serve. So you really can 'have your cake and eat it too!"  

4. Helps with postpartum recovery 

In Shape Mummy is made with premium organic pea and brown rice protein. Many other shakes on the market use cheaper options such as whey or soy. These types of proteins are pretty harsh and cause tummy upsets in yourself and your little one.  

Not only does protein help to keep you feeling full, but it's also essential for postpartum healing. 

5. It keeps you feeling full 

The best thing about meal replacement shakes is that what you add to it is totally up to you. Nut butter, oats, fruit, vegetables, milk, and milk alternatives are great bases for a delicious smoothie. Below is an example of a breakfast replacement smoothie that not only supports milk production but will keep you feeling full for hours. 

Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 cup almond milk 
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2 tbsp In Shape Mummy Health Shake
• 2 tsp ground flaxseed meal 
• 2 tsp almond butter 

Why Choose In Shape Mummy over other meal replacement shakes?

• Our blends are hormone-free. We only use a high-quality, organic, plant-based protein that’s appropriate for even the most sensitive tummies and will not mess up your hormone balance. 
• In Shape Mummy is allergen-free. Dairy, wheat, soy, and eggs are allergens that can pass through your breast milk and potentially disrupt your own and your bubs digestion. Cheaper alternatives often contain nasty allergens. 
• There’s no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Our shakes are sweetened naturally with monk fruit. Any shakes with added sugar will hinder your potential weight loss, and artificial sweeteners wreak havoc on your gut health. 
• It’s more than just a protein shake. In Shape Mummy Health Shake is a formulated meal replacement shake by Australian Food Regulations. Each shake contains the nutrients of a balanced meal - protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
• All of our shakes contain probiotics. Probiotics are essential for postpartum recovery. They help regulate your inner gut health, digestion and immune system functionality. They also assist with constipation which is a common postnatal problem.  
• In Shape Mummy is 100% breastfeeding safe and contains added milk boosting herbs known as galactagogues. Our blends include milk thistle and fenugreek, which are herbs that have been used for centuries to support milk production. 

How to get the best results with In Shape Mummy Health Shake 

Our recommendation for breastfeeding mums is to replace one meal and one snack per day with our In Shape Mummy Health Shake. We find most mums like to swap breakfast and their afternoon snack with a shake. Starting your day with a shake is a great way to set yourself up for healthy choices. And having one in the afternoon is the perfect antidote to 'three-thirtyitis'.

The good news is even when you've finished your breastfeeding journey, there's no need to stop the shakes. You can continue to incorporate them into your diet. And, it's safe to swap two meals with shakes when you've finished breastfeeding. 

When replacing a meal, be sure to add your shake mix to other ingredients and blend it into a smoothie. The shake alone will not provide enough calories to sustain your energy throughout the day. 

Here's our raspberry ripe smoothie recipe: 

• 1 cup almond milk 
• Handful of almonds
• 3 medjool dates 
• 2 tbsp In Shape Mummy Chocolate Brownie Health Shake 
• 1 cup raspberries 
• 2 tbsp desiccated coconut
• Ice 

Blend and voila; a meal in a minute. 

When replacing a snack, the shake mix can simply be added to milk or your favourite milk alternative.

How long will it take to see results? 

A healthy amount of weight to lose for a breastfeeding woman is around 2kg per month. Losing weight at this rate will ensure your milk supply won't be affected. A goal of 10kg weight loss over five months is an appropriate and safe aim. 

This is best achieved through a mix of healthy eating and exercise. Aim for 20 minutes of exercise a day, whether it’s a walk around the block, an online yoga class, or even just doing the housework. Moving your body each day will assist you with your weight loss goals, but it will also do wonders for your mind.

But remember, it took a whole nine months to grow your beautiful baby. So, allow yourself to enjoy this time with your bub and try not to focus too heavily on weight loss. Instead, focus on making consistent healthy choices, and the weight will gradually fall off. 

Meal replacement shakes are an easy way to establish the healthy habits needed for weight loss, however not all meal replacement shakes are created equal. Choosing a shake that is designed specifically for breastfeeding women with high quality ingredients, like the In Shape Mummy Health Shake, is essential.

If you’d like to hear what other breastfeeding mums have to say about In Shape Mummy, click here. 

If you need some extra support on your breastfeeding journey, join our In Shape Mummy Breastfeeding Support on Facebook.