Overweight to start - Do I have to adjust calories?

JillSandm

Hey, all! I was only 15 pounds or so into my 40 pound weight loss goal when I got my BFP. Since I'm still overweight at 5'5" and 165 lbs., do I HAVE to adjust my caloric intake yet? I mean, Baby's getting plenty from all my extra, right? I have my goal set at losing a pound per week, so my daily caloric intake is 1330. I usually eat most of my exercise calories back, and try to never eat under 1200 calories. I eat clean (six days per week:bigsmile: ) and take a prenatal vitamin. I run 10-12 miles per week, and sometimes get some water aerobics or Jillian Michaels in there, too. I don't see the doctor until August 1, as I'm newly preggers, so I come to the next best expert: MFP Friends!!!

Thanks for any opinions and/or experience you all can share!

katydid25

I would start eating at maintenance right away. You'll need more than 1300-1400 calories - even if its just for the added energy. I've read a few places that it isn't necessary to gain weight in the first trimester and some women even lose weight due to lack of appetite and morning sickness. But you probably shouldn't be trying to lose weight unless your doctor gives you permission. He/she will probably give you more specifics when you're at your appointment.

Regardless, I'd listen to your body when it comes to food and exercise. If you're hungry, eat and don't feel guilty about it. Your body clearly needs it. If you find yourself tiring really easily when you're working out, take it easy for awhile. And if you're feeling frustrated by it, come here to vent!

Congrats and good luck!

chickybuns

First, I would say ask your doctor. But I would at least set it to lose 1/2lb per week instead of 1lb. You and your baby probably need more than 1300, and make sure you're eating back all your exercise calories at that intake!

Lainn

As the other PPs said...call and ask your doc! Even if you don't see him/her for awhile you can speak with the on-call nurse and explain the situation. They should be able to send a message to the doc who will then give you a reply within a day or two.

I didn't change my calorie intake at first till I saw my OB. I was eating 1600 because I was also still breastfeeding. However, when I saw him he said he wanted me to move it up to 1800 for the 1st trimester. Usually you wouldn't change your calorie intake, but that is for those fortunate to be thin to begin with and eat like 2000 cals a day.

So call your doctor's office and talk with them first. Till then I would say eat when you feel hungry and keep up the awesome exercise!

mellynat

COngrats on the BFP! I also started this pregnancy at 165. also 5'5.. I changed my settings to maintain current weight after a few weeks into my pregnancy. In the first few weeks I was usually eating between 1550-1600. ANd i didn't gain any weight. I was staying pretty active. I'm in my 15th week and I just started to gain weight. My calories are set at 1880. and I try sticking to that . When I exercise some days I go up to 2000.

VelociMama

I am overweight also, and my doctor put me on a 2000 calorie diet. It's important that you eat enough during your first trimester. Your baby needs a regular and steady supply of nutrients to grow properly. Don't worry so much about the number on the scale at first. Just focus on being as healthy as you can and eating enough for you and your baby.

JillSandm

Thank you all! I will try to get more calories in - my biggest problem is that I feel full so quickly and am never hungry. Glad I'm not upchucking what I do eat!

You all rock. Thanks bunches...

VelociMama

Thank you all! I will try to get more calories in - my biggest problem is that I feel full so quickly and am never hungry. Glad I'm not upchucking what I do eat!

You all rock. Thanks bunches...

I totally understand this one. I was on 1400-1600 calorie restriction for months before. I just switched out some of the staple foods like skim milk and low-fat cream cheese for the full fat versions, and added in more calorie dense foods (some red meats, more potatoes, etc.) You can eat more and be healthy for sure.

ruggedBear

Hey, all! I was only 15 pounds or so into my 40 pound weight loss goal when I got my BFP. Since I'm still overweight at 5'5" and 165 lbs., do I HAVE to adjust my caloric intake yet? I mean, Baby's getting plenty from all my extra, right? I have my goal set at losing a pound per week, so my daily caloric intake is 1330. I usually eat most of my exercise calories back, and try to never eat under 1200 calories. I eat clean (six days per week:bigsmile: ) and take a prenatal vitamin. I run 10-12 miles per week, and sometimes get some water aerobics or Jillian Michaels in there, too. I don't see the doctor until August 1, as I'm newly preggers, so I come to the next best expert: MFP Friends!!!

Thanks for any opinions and/or experience you all can share!

Jill - our stats are close (I'm 5' 2.5", 165 lbs) and I switched to maintenance as soon as I found out. Goals are set to 1700, I use an HRM to track exercise calories and eat (almost) all of them back for a total of 2300-2400/day. That usually gives me a net of 1700-1800. Been doing this for over a week and haven't gained anything (I was surprised since this was a big jump from my usual net of 1350.) I have found that it's really hard to eat enough nutritionally dense foods to reach that number and struggle to stay away from the peach sorbet! Sometimes an extra protein shake helps when you just don't want to eat yet another grilled chicken breast!