Keeping Thin During Pregnancy

Many of women's biggest fear during pregnancy (besides the fear of actually giving birth!), is weight gain. I know that right when I found out I was pregnant, I started watching everything that I was eating even more carefully, and weighing myself night and day. I was pretty disappointed when I realized that I was going to gain weight no matter what, because I had been on such a healthy track, and shedding pounds like it was nothing.

During my 41 week pregnancy, I managed to gain 38 pounds, most of that happening at the very end of the 2nd trimester and the 3rd. Here's me at 40weeks pregnant, and then me at 2 weeks postpartum. I've lost 25 pounds so far!

I think the trick to not having gained a lot of weight during pregnancy, and then losing so much weight so fast, boils down to a couple of things...

1. You are NOT eating for 2.

     It drove me crazy when people complained that I wasn't eating enough. No, I was eating just the right amount for me. When you get pregnant, this is not an allowance to just eat whatever you want... I've read that you can eat up to 300 calories more than you normally eat. And think about it...at the beginning, you're feeding a baby that's the size of a blueberry...and at the end, you're feeding a baby that's the size of a small pumpkin. He/She does NOT need all that much. They will get the nutrients they need from you no matter what, just make sure you're eating well for yourself.

2. SPLURGE...every once in a while.

     I was so careful about watching what I ate, but I would still get the every now and then craving for chocolate, or ice cream. My go to favorite snack was Publix Sorbet, it didn't matter what flavor. But when I tried to hold myself off from eating those cravings, all I found was that I thought about that craving more than ever! So splurge, you soon to be mommy. Don't deny yourself those goodies every now and then.

3. Eat what you want! 

    The key to this is moderation! Now, I'm not saying eat only Little Debbie snacks, or pizza all the time. But I never calorie counted throughout my pregnancy, I just ate what I felt like eating, but listened to my body. One of the tricks to eating in moderation, is to eat slowly. Listen to your stomach, your body will let you know when you're full, but when you scarf your food down, it's harder to hear what your stomach is saying until it's too late...we've all had those nights, where after we eat, we need a wheelchair to even get around ;)

Now for losing the weight after baby....

4. Remember to Eat!

    Mom...you're going to be tired. Way tired than you've ever been in your entire life. Of course, it's all worth it when you get that little smile at 4am after your baby feeds...

My little booger smiling after his 4am feeding..

But one of the most important things to remember is to eat, even if it's something you grab on your trip around the house while you rock your baby to sleep. When you're reaching in the fridge though, grab an apple, or a handful of nuts. If you go for a cinnamon roll or a quick cookie, you won't lose that weight, your body will hang on to those calories because it doesn't know when it's going to eat again. Having a baby is stressful, but you've got to remember to take care of your body :)

5. Walk!

     As soon as you can, start going for walks. It's one of the easiest exercises, and it feels AMAZING to get out of your house! Even if it's just a 20-30 minute stroll around the neighborhood, anything is better than sitting on the couch. And it always gives me that boost of energy that I need at 2 in the afternoon.

6. Breastfeed.

    Now, I completely understand that it doesn't work for everyone...it's hard as crap! Sometimes I feel like there isn't enough lanolin in the world to keep my nipples from constantly feeling so sore (sorry, maybe TMI?), but if you can, do it. Breastfeeding can burn up to 600 calories a day. I've read online (I found it online, so it MUST be true, haha), that you burn about 3 calories a minute breastfeeding. And it's so good for your baby! Also, I feel extremely close to my baby boy while breastfeeding him, it's our own special time that he doesn't get with anyone else....

So these are just a few tricks that I used. Of course, I'm not perfect, and I'm not doctor, but these are just what I've tested and what has worked for me. Good luck, and congratulations on becoming a new mom :)