We talked about losing pregnancy weight last week, but for those of you planning to get pregnant there are some things you can do from the get go to help promote your pregnancy weight loss before you give birth. The following is some good information, especially if you plan to breastfeed after the baby comes, because this will help promote healthy eating habits before you start nursing your child.
So, remember when you are prengnacy you don’t eat for two. You eat for one, you just support your baby’s growth and development through eating more:
- Fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Small portions more frequently
- When hungry, not when you are anxious
If you exercised regularly before you got pregnant, you can maintain your exercise throughout the pregnancy. Even if you haven’t been exercising regularly, you can still maintain a comfortable level of exercise including walking. Regular exercise promotes healthy circulation and helps to prevent excess weight gain while you are pregnant. Most doctors estimate you should gain around 30 pounds or so during the pregnancy. Healthy nutrition and regular exercise can help you achieve that low weight gain and promote weight loss after the baby comes.
When you eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grain you are eating foods that are high in fiber. They provide you with a great many important nutrients as well as helping you to feel fuller longer. You should also choose nutrient rich foods such as low fat dairy products, white meat poultry, many kinds of fish and lean cuts of beef. Avoid anything you obviously have a food allergy and you should always consult with your obstetrician on any dietary changes you plan to make.
Try not to indulge too much in junk food. It’s good to enjoy a few indulgences here and there, but don’t over indulge. And if you have enjoyed eating regular, small portions before then you understand eating small meals 5 to 6 times a day can help maintain blood sugar levels as well as how full you feel and helps you resist the urge to binge.
Promoting healthy eating habits and dietary measures during your pregnancy is going to help you when the baby comes to help shed the excess weight. Remember, these are recommendations and you should always consult a physician and for some higher risk pregnancies there are going to be more concerns than how many pounds you can lose after the baby comes. Ultimately, your best choices are the ones you make that are healthy for you and for your baby.
Once you develop these healthy eating habits, you will continue to reap the benefits after the baby is born as mentioned above. Nursing mothers need a proper level of nutrition and healthy meals for both you and your baby. Make wise choices before, during and after your pregnancy and whether you fit back into those pre-pregnancy jeans or not – you will be happier with your choices and your body before, during and after the pregnancy.
How did your eating habits change or affect your pregnancy?