reining in the eating

livvielo

Confession: I've been eating like crazy this whole pregnancy. I've always had food/body issues and have spent the last, oh, decade dieting/trying to lose weight. I've yo-yo'd, and had the most success working with a nutritionist, whom I consulted when we first found out I was pg.

BUT...I really do feel like I've taken total license here and have just been eating any junk I want throughout this pregnancy so far. Granted, my entire diet isn't all junk, but I'm having *way* more carbs and sweets than I ever did before.

Anyhow, did anyone else start out this way and was able to rein it in a little? Any tips or suggestions (or, frankly, reality slaps) for me? I've gained about 13 lbs so far and my OB isn't concerned, but I know that I've been using the pg as an excuse to over-indulge.?

Laura Cochran

I am in the same boat. I have spent my entire adult life restricting calories and I have no ability to eat in moderation. I feel like my whole pregnancy has been a food free for all. I have gained 9 lbs as of my 18 week appt but 6 of those came between weeks 14 - 18. I think I have finally gotten things under control but still struggle when the hunger hits and there are donuts in the kitchen at work.

fauxshelley

Uh, I am no help.  I had chocolate chip cookie cake for breakfast with a banana on the side (so I didn't feel too guilty).

robynlesley

I completely understand and had gained a similar amount of weight when I was at your point in my pregnancy.  Honestly, I went through spurts of hunger and indulging in that hunger.

If you KNOW you're over-indulging, then make better choices. If you want ice cream, have Italian Ice (almost no calories). If you want french fries, have a baked potato. Don't NOT eat, but channel your cravings into better food choices.

It's not easy, but you can keep an eye on your weight in a healthy manner during your pregnancy. You need to gain weight, but it doesn't have to be a LOT of weight. Talk to your doctor to determine what is recommended per month.

I've gained 40 lbs and I really wanted to keep it to the 25-35 that is recommended. But my doctor isn't concerned. I'm measuring on time, the baby was estimated to be 7lb11oz last week (he's likely bigger now, but my DH was 10lb1oz) and I've had no issues with blood pressure or GD. So I'm not beating myself up and will return to Weight Watchers a few months after delivery.

 

Julia-Henry

I know what you mean! I think the vast majority of women in our society spend most of their non-pregnant lives trying to eat well and keep healthy and not gain excessive weight. It's hard at the best of times, and it's almost impossible when pregnant.

I have good days and bad days. On a bad day, I'll eat everything, and most of my calories come from sugar and junk food. On a good day, I plan my meals in advance. I know what and when I'll eat, but I don't limit the amount - that way, I can eat for hunger and baby gets what they need, but I don't go crazy with cookies. It also helps me to make sure I'm getting all the good stuff in. Otherwise, I could go weeks without eating anything green. And if I know what and when I'm eating next, it's easier to say no to the donuts and chocolate.

Right now, I'm waiting for my raisin toast at 10:30. WHich is a big improvement over yesterday, when I ate basically nonstop..

I have to keep reminding myself that pregnancy requires about 300 extra calories a day. That's one regular-sized candy bar; sadly it's not a happy meal and half a bag of cookies.

shelby9201

I feel you!  I have spent most of my life fighting the chubby me.  I have found a really great website that helps to guide you to better choices and has some excellent suggestions for guilt free food swaps:

https://www.hungry-girl.com/

I have found some really great ideas on here.  Hope it helps! 

maschmidt16

I hear you! I gained a lot more than I expected with this pregnancy (about 35 lbs - and I still have 7 weeks to go!) but I have noticed that I am not gaining as much as I did earlier on. I also find that I haven't been able to eat as much as I used to without having major heartburn issues. My doctor hasn't been too concerned and just mentioned that I am at the higher end of the weight gain spectrum.

Peppernut

It's berry season, that might help with sweets.  A bowl of strawberries or peaches with a little cream drizzled over is better than candy!  For fries, you could do oven-roasted sweet potato "fries" with cumin, allspice and cayenne, mmm! 

What I tend to do is make sure anything I eat has enough nutrition to make it worthwhile, and if I want a treat, it has to be something I make myself and takes some work... like homemade ice cream! 

livvielo

Thanks for all the ideas *and* the commiseration! I've been cutting out the junk today which has been going very well. I figure I need to get over this stupid dieting/not-able-to-be-moderate thing quick since I am having a daughter and want her to have a healthy relationship with food and her body!!

mgucci

I was on the fast track of eating and gained 26 pounds so far. I decided last week to stop the madness. I drink in the morning a  nutritious high protein shake with organic no-fat milk to start the day off right. I use Nature's Best Isopure Shakes because they dissolve in liquids with just a spoon, no blender necessary. My hubby now makes my lunch for work using baked chicken from Costco and I don't eat out as often as I used to, so I'm saving money too. I bring fruit and nonfat no sugar yogurt to work to keep me satisfied throughout the day.For dinner, I eat whatever I want, but my appetite in the evenings are much smaller. I think this is helping! Best of luck to you!