I'm Pregnant But I Want to Eat Healthy!

Set yourself up for maintanence and then add 300 cal to that. That should give you a healthy pregnancy weight gain and make it easier to take it off after babe shows up. If you have any special dietary needs make sure to consult with your doc/midwife. They might refer you out to someone with more knowlege then they have.

Hi!

I'm 34 weeks myself. Welcome!

Feel free to add me.

Also, there is a great group just for women like you and me here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/1920-fit-fabulous-pregnant-

You will get a lot better answers there than in the general forums.

For most people, of normal weight and up, with a single pregnancy, maintenance is good for first trimester and by second trimester should be up 300-500 calories depending on starting weight.

Alyssa09 had a very similar post earlier. That one has a lot of good advice in it. As someone who was heavy before and didn't gain hardly at all while pregnant (and weighed a lot less after my healthy baby was born), I would say not to reduce calories, only to add in the nutrients you need to get. Make as many of your meals as close to nature as possible. I don't want to get preachy about clean eating, but you gain so much, including valuable macronutrients you may not get otherwise. I have lost weight during both pregnancies by adding in good stuff, to the point where I didn't have room for the bad stuff. Also, keep in mind that you'll need lots of water, and part of this is because your blood supply doubles. As long as you don't strain yourself, and watch your heart rate, maybe try to get in plenty of walking and lift some weights as well (DO talk to your doctor before you do this!) Ideally, you can take advantage of that copious blood supply and fuel your muscles, which exponentially increase your weight loss and help you get back at it after recovering from birth. I know people hate on these posts, but I believe in most cases, it is assumed that the poster wants to provide the healthiest start for their baby and to bounce back as quick as possible. Don't worry if you gain up to 35 lbs. You have a baby in there and it will come off if you did the right things while pregnant. As for myself, I exercise 6 days a week, lift, and eat loads of healthy food. Healthy pregnancy, even though I weigh 211.

I agree with talking to your doctor. But I just wanted to add that my sister lost 7 lbs during her pregnancy just by switching to healthier foods for the baby. She still ate what she wanted, it was usually just healtheir. So by doing this I'm sure it would help not the pack on the pounds.

Agree with this 110% BUT confirm with your doctor.

Also, perhaps instead of counting every little calorie, you shift focus to counting portions of food groups - milk/veg/fruit etc. Talk it all over iwth your doctor BUT DO NOT listen to people who say "this is not a time to count calories" OH MY GOODNESS - YES IT IS!!! Do not get through your pregnancy with too many pounds to lose!! Plus, I have 4 kids, and I overate through all pregnancies and breastfeeding, and I had rolly polly, chunky little ones - EXCEPT for my last baby - I finally started eating right after I gave birth (she was 10 pounds, 1 oz) and she is my first "average" sized baby - at first I worried my milk was suffering because she wasn't getting fat like the others, but then my sister pointed out that maybe for the first time my milk was perfect without all the extra fat, sugar and salt in my diet. Because although she's not chubby, she's a perfect size for her age, and is still bright happy and growing... something to think about!

PLUS - exercise as much as you can - if you were doing things before, keep it up - if you weren't exercising, then start walking all over the place!! (anything more strenuous would have to get the go ahead from doctor, but walking is never a problem!!) Stay in good shape to have a healthy, COMFORTABLE pregnancy and a drug free, natural birth!!