When do you start altering your diet?

aostrows · August 2012

I know you're supposed to add about 300 cals a day once you're pregnant but how soon do you start? I really haven't altered anything yet, just eating normally as my calorie count is rather high due to workouts. Thanks ladies!

A

mben1119 · August 2012

You don't need to add more calories to your diet until the 2nd trimester. Just eat normally, but not eating the "no-no"s and upping fruits, veggies, and protein.

BoatsNHoes · August 2012

Just eat healthy and take your prenatal vitamins. There's no miracle number of calories you will need to up your intake to. Your baby will get the nutrients it needs, even if it means depleting them from your body.

PandasMama0626 · August 2012

A general rule I went by with my first pregnancy and now with this one is... if your hungry, eat. lol. Not to excess or anything, but your body will tell you when its hungry. And the others are correct, in the first trimester, you really don't need any extra cals yet. That usually comes in your 2nd and 3rd trimester. Just try to eat as healthy as you can...no processed foods, limit fish, deep fried, and sugary foods, and eat lots of lean proteins, fruit, veggies, whole grains, and limited healthy fats.

526SadieSadie · August 2012

BoatsNHoes:
Just eat healthy and take your prenatal vitamins. There's no miracle number of calories you will need to up your intake to. Your baby will get the nutrients it needs, even if it means depleting them from your body.

All of this. When you're pregnant, your body gives baby "dibs" on everything you take in and whatever is leftover is yours. This is why some of us (I'm included in this group) have to take supplements for iron and other essential vitamins in the latter months of pregnancy. Baby needs every bit of what we're taking in so there isn't enough left for us.

Don't stuff yourself trying to hit a goal calorie count - if you're hungry, eat. As long as you're eating balanced meals with fresh fruit and veggies, you'll be fine.

chlsbshp · August 2012

I immediately started eating healthier once I found out I was pregnant. The first time around, I calorie counted, but I was eating alot of junk. This time around, I'm eating when I'm hungry (which is a lot) but that seems to be working out better. Your doctor can probably explain to you how much to gain. I would say to ask your doctor if you can keep with your workout schedule. I know mind told to keep working out but keep it light, I can only swim and walk. So I swim twice a week and try to walk twice a week as well.

beforesunrise · August 2012

The nutritionist I saw advised no calorie increase 1st tri but more emphasis on improving micronutrients. For me, that meant adding prenatal vitamin and upping my calcium and protein intake. She said a good rule of thumb is +300 cal in 2nd tri and + 500 cal in 3rd (obv different for everyone). The important takeaway was "eating for two" does not mean doubling your calories. Probably obvious to those of you who've been here before but good education for a first timer like me.

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