Can You Tone Without Losing Weight?

Updated on June 11, 2012
S.F. asks from Ogdensburg, NY
8 answers

Ive asked similar type questions before but I figured I would ask specifically to what is going on now. I just had my second baby 3 1/2 months ago and I dont plan to have anymore. I am 29 and very thin. I would like to think that I eat pretty well and I know that breastfeeding requires more calories in a day so I definitely try to get those in for the sake of my health. I had the same issue with my first daughter as Im having now, in that no matter what I eat I am losing weight at a disgusting rate. Im already down to 114lbs. With my first baby it took until about 8 months to really see how badly it was affecting me and I hit 103 lbs but I managed to butter up my bacon and I kept a steady weight at that point. Well now that Im for sure done having anymore babies and Im not getting any younger I want to try to get things toned again but Im scared to do any type of fitness for fear that I will lose weight that I just cant spare. I know it must sound like a weird request but do any of you ladies know how to tone up withOUT losing weight?
Thanks in advance

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So What Happened?

Just M. - Ive never heard that you cant tone while breastfeeding. Is it because your body just wont or because it interferes with the actual breastfeeding? I have heard that you shouldnt diet while breastfeeding because your body needs the extra calories and I totally agree with you there if thats what you mean because like I said, I cant keep weight on to save my life so I really cant spare to lose anymore

Featured Answers

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

When my husband was wrestling in school, he had to try and make weight. They would have him eat peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches with a glass of whole milk 3X a day. He didn't do any cardio. Just weight and resisitance training.

More Answers

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

If you lift, you will burn calories, but also build muscle. For a short period, you will likely GAIN weight while your body adjusts. After a couple of weeks, any fat you have will start to drop off, but the muscle will stay (assuming you keep it up).

Make sure you are eating right to balance out the extra calorie expense, and you should be fine.

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J.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Hello,

I am a pretty thin person too. When I work out, I typically gain weight. Do more lifting than cardio and switch to a high caloric diet. I gain weight because I am able to eat more. typically 5 meals a day, and I am gaining muscle. I make smoothies with protein powder, protein bars etc. Weight is mainly determined by what you eat. Your body burns ~1300 calories with a sedentary life style. When you exercise, it is a small percentage of total calories burned.

Good luck!

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J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

i thought you cant really tone while nursing?

Anywho I agree with below, eat peanutbutter jelly, whole milk and exercise

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

If you are actually putting butter on bacon and/or anything remotely close to that to gain or maintain weight-STOP! That is so incredibly bad for you...just because you are thin does not mean you are healthy. You may be just as unhealthy inside as a fat person if you eat apoor diet and do not excercise.
In my opinion you need to see a doctor first to find out if there is a medical reason for your rapid weight loss. Then a nutritionist to put together a sound meal plan for you. There are a ton of calorie dense awesome food that you can add into your diet instead of junk food. Lastly a trainer can help you with your excercise. And you should be excersising no matter how thin you are. Contrary to popular belief excercise is not a great tool in weight loss. You would have to work out pretty hard to really lose weight from it. Weight loss is mostly a function of diet. Excercise, however, is essential for your body and longevity. So don't be afraid of cardio for your heart-it needs it. And strength traiining will not make you lose weight either so absolutely do that to "tone".

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K.M.

answers from Denver on

My husband HAS to work out to keep on weight. But, he doesnt do any cardio just weight lifting type stuff. So he doesnt really have any body fat, but he is pretty toned. Perhaps a personal trainer might be helpful, you can tell them your goals (don't lose any weight) and they can help you get there! Good luck!

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K.F.

answers from New York on

Resistance training will help tone muscles. Resistance using bands, weights or your own body weight. The not loose weight you will need to eat heavier foods. I would ask the advice of a nutritionist who could help you learn what foods to eat in a balanced way to not loose weight, tone, and keep nursing baby pleased. I would think beans and nuts would do the trick but I'm not a nutritionist.

I would also check with my physician that everything was OK with me because of the rapid weight loss.

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T.B.

answers from Miami on

Well, of course you can tone while breast feeding. I am breast feeding my 4th baby now and believe me, after gaining 60 lbs on my petite frame, I have 4 lbs left to lose to get to my pre pregnancy weight. Breast feeding does help you lose weight, this is a fact. It's the reason I don't diet after having a baby and once I shed enough weight, I start working out to get toned. I don't "add" more calories on purpose. I simply eat when I'm hungry and I try my best to make wise choices. Eat oatmeal for breakfast. It's a wholesome way to start your day. Just know that lifting weights builds muscle and you still might slim down more but at least you'll be more toned where you can see muscle. Enjoy your fast metabolism. It won't always be like this.

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