What r your pregnancy healthy eating habits?

Surreal123 · January 2014

I am headed toward gaining a ton of weight again and need to stop. Just looking for ideas to get back on track. Exercise wise I plan to do the elliptical on even days for at least 20 minutes and do a prenatal pilates video on odd days. I have struggled with my weight my whole life and was so disappointed with myself when I gained 45 lbs my first pregnancy. I am headed toward another huge weight gain but I think if I can get back on track now I can still keep it within 25-30lbs.

spacepotatoes · January 2014

Mostly, I just eat when I'm hungry and don't when I'm not. When I do eat, I try to make sure it's not empty calories. I still have a problem getting enough protein some days (meat aversion from first tri isn't completely gone yet) so on those days, I supplement with smoothies or protein shakes like Boost.

Exercise is walking and I just started prenatal yoga.

I'd say listen to your body's cues and keep doing what you're doing. Try not to stress too much about the numbers, though I know it's easier said than done.

Fitpreggo · January 2014

Some of my favorite healthy staples include scrambled egg whites with ezekiel english muffins..I use coconut oil instead of butter. It's DELICIOUS.

I like to do plain nonfat greek yogurt with apple, or mangos and a bit of stevia. I am addicted to mangos at the moment...

I've been trying lots of different chicken recipes lately..the sauces aren't always the healthiest (they contain some sugar or honey or whatever) but I pair it with quinoa or brown rice and it seems good enough to me!

The more I stress the worse I do...so like the above poster said...I try and just eat when I'm hungry and when I'm hungry I try to choose something healthy. I don't deny myself treats I want, but I just try and watch the portions when I eat them!!

You have lots of time to get back on track!! It's a constant work in progress so don't worry!

awc1986 · January 2014

Pfft, omit the "healthy" and just use the "eating habits". That's my diet.

christieep · January 2014

Exercising has been the difference for me so far. Last pregnancy I wasn't allowed to exercise for a majority of it and I felt awful and felt like I looked awful. I gained 43 lbs. Right now my weight gain isn't out of control and I'm hoping as long as I can keep exercising it will stay "normal" (if there is such a thing).

As for eating, I'm eating everything, which isn't the best idea, but I'm trying to balance the bad with the good.

runningyogimama · January 2014

I eat when I'm hungry. I get terrible RLP when trying to run or workout when pregnant, and I'm honestly too exhausted to make time. Outside of pregnancy, I run or workout 6 times a week. I gained a little over 50 lbs first pregnancy, and probably will again, but I was back to pre pregnancy weight by the time I got pregnant again 6 months pp. So, while I would love to not gain as much, I'm not going to stress about it as much this time.

usernewname · January 2014

spacepotatoes said:
Mostly, I just eat when I'm hungry and don't when I'm not. When I do eat, I try to make sure it's not empty calories.

This.

The only thing I struggle with is eating enough fruits and vegs. So I juice and drink smoothies to keep up. I basically can't stand salads still and have some trouble with some vegs/fruits (peppers and bananas).

Surreal123 · January 2014

I am so bad at just eating when I am hungry. Maybe since I am pregnant I can take the time to work on this instead of getting into some crazy strict eating schedule like the rest of my life when I am trying to lose weight.

I really enjoy eating salads and it is pretty much what I ate for lunch before I got pregnant but I am just so tired of making (especially washing the spinach) them the night before.

pandadair · January 2014

Fitpreggo said:

Some of my favorite healthy staples include scrambled egg whites with ezekiel english muffins..I use coconut oil instead of butter. It's DELICIOUS.

I like to do plain nonfat greek yogurt with apple, or mangos and a bit of stevia. I am addicted to mangos at the moment...

I've been trying lots of different chicken recipes lately..the sauces aren't always the healthiest (they contain some sugar or honey or whatever) but I pair it with quinoa or brown rice and it seems good enough to me!

The more I stress the worse I do...so like the above poster said...I try and just eat when I'm hungry and when I'm hungry I try to choose something healthy. I don't deny myself treats I want, but I just try and watch the portions when I eat them!! You have lots of time to get back on track!! It's a constant work in progress so don't worry!

The nutrients in egg yolks are really good for you and baby, though. Things like choline, omega 3s, and even calcium and folate. Plus, yum.

Anyway, OP, I'm ditto-ing what everyone else has said. I've definitely been making sure I get exercise (30 mins cardio 3x per week, and strength training/toning the other 3), but just eat when you're hungry and make sure it's good for you. Greek yogurt, apples, bananas, those little California cuties (love those!), little portions of beef jerky, low-fat cottage cheese, mini-babybel cheese, etc. I snack on that stuff in between meals all the time.

ksyknelvr73 · January 2014

I was thinking about this as well. I gained 53 lbs with DS and I really don't want to do that again. I'm on track for the most part right now, but I can easily see myself getting out of control again b/c I'm having a hard time turning down junk food.

I think exercise is going to be a difference, b/c I didn't exercise at all with DS. I think if I can at least have some kind of routine going, it might help. I'm also trying to just flat out avoid buying junk food so that I don't have it at my house. Even when I go out to eat, I am trying to look at the menu ahead of time and finidng their "lighter options" and then getting that food set in my mind so I don't choose something bad instead. It's really hard b/c I am really, really hungry basically all the time and I also love to have dessert.

spacepotatoes · January 2014

Surreal123 said:

I am so bad at just eating when I am hungry. Maybe since I am pregnant I can take the time to work on this instead of getting into some crazy strict eating schedule like the rest of my life when I am trying to lose weight.

I can totally relate to that. When I was going through undergrad, I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and exhaustion. I took me a long time to realize that I tended to eat as a way of dealing with stress or as a way of procrastinating. Once I did realize that, I started making a conscious effort to only eat if I was legitimately hungry. It was not easy and still takes effort to stick to it at times.

Don't be too hard on yourself!

pandadair · January 2014

ksyknelvr73 said:

I was thinking about this as well. I gained 53 lbs with DS and I really don't want to do that again. I'm on track for the most part right now, but I can easily see myself getting out of control again b/c I'm having a hard time turning down junk food.

I think exercise is going to be a difference, b/c I didn't exercise at all with DS. I think if I can at least have some kind of routine going, it might help. I'm also trying to just flat out avoid buying junk food so that I don't have it at my house. Even when I go out to eat, I am trying to look at the menu ahead of time and finidng their "lighter options" and then getting that food set in my mind so I don't choose something bad instead. It's really hard b/c I am really, really hungry basically all the time and I also love to have dessert.

That's a really good idea. Know your weak points, so you don't set yourself up to go off the rails. I, for instance, am like a crack fiend with salt & vinegar chips. I will literally eat the whole bag once I open it. So I don't keep them at the house.

FlemDance · January 2014

Pretty much just echoing PPs, but moderation! Eat when you're hungry, and eat slowly - don't shovel. Also, hunger can sometimes be mistaken for thirst, so have some water and wait a bit to see if that helps. I also eat smaller meals/snacks all day - it's really helped a lot!

MunchkinMoon · January 2014

@pandadair, I recently found salt and vinegar pop chips at Whole Foods. Delicious and fulfills that craving when I can't take it anymore. And not as bad for you. Yuuuum

pandadair · January 2014

MunchkinMoon said:

@pandadair, I recently found salt and vinegar pop chips at Whole Foods. Delicious and fulfills that craving when I can't take it anymore. And not as bad for you. Yuuuum

The death of me, you will be! I try to just hold out and then cave a teeny bit with little, individual-size bags from the gas station when I absolutely must. So. Good.

firebelle26 · January 2014

Healthy eating? What's that? I used to eat really healthy before I got pregnant. I have a food allergy, so it would force me to make earthier decisions. However, I've had an extreme meat aversion since the first trimester. So I've been eating like crap

no bueno!

Bootsie327 · January 2014

I pack a lunch most days which really helps, because then if I'm hungry, I HAVE to eat what I brought. So, I try to include healthy snacks like yogurt, carrots, oatmeal, and fruit. Sometimes I have bad things like pop tarts or ice cream (or, who am I kidding, both), but I try to still make sure my meals are balanced, so that I'm getting the minimum of the things I need. I do need to walk more, though.

spacepotatoes I totally feel you on the meat thing. First tri, I couldn't even look at it most of the time. I'm slowly introducing it back into my diet, and have also started drinking Boost with breakfast for extra protein.

kramja01 · January 2014

The last two weeks I've been trying a new thing and so far it's helping me get a lot of veggies in. On Sunday, I cut up a bunch of raw veggies I like and divide them into 5 baggies to take to work during the week. It is my first go-to snack and seems to curb some of my hunger (plus, I've been pooping better, lol) The variety helps so I don't get bored and I love the crunch. Sometimes I eat them with hummus or salad dressing, other days just plain. I still eat too much of other stuff, but I know at least I'm getting some good things in my body, too.

This week, my baggies contain: baby carrots, celery sticks, red peppers, snow peas, cucumber slices, and black olives.

awc1986 · January 2014

*hides the 3 subway cookies she bought on her lunch break*

gutsysneakers · January 2014

Ugh. This is so difficult. I definitely indulge, but not every day. So for me, I try and eat smaller "meals" throughout the day. Breakfast is usually Quaker oats - they have these delicious flavors like summer berry or peach/almond that come in the cups - I add hot water and its ready in 3 min. Those usually are between 250-280 calories - I'll have that and about an hour later, a piece of fruit usually a banana.

I'm still doing lean cuisines some days or left-overs from the previous night's dinner. Add more fruit.

Afternoon snack - more fruit or carrot sticks or a protein bar (special k).

Dinner has been tough - some days I just want pizza - so if I indulge and we order pizza one night, the rest of the week has to be healthy - favorite healthy options are baked salmon with lemon juice and steamed broccoli/chicken fajitas with sauteed veggies/turkey chili./smoothies.

I eat a lot of fruit (favorites now are blueberries/pineapple/mango/crisp apples) and have a hard time getting in my veggies - if we make smoothies for dinner, I use soy milk and add frozen spinach/kale. I'll buy a bag of Ruffles, but make them last 10 days or I'll make cookies with my sister and give her half of the batch.

Fitpreggo · January 2014

pandadair said:

Fitpreggo said:

Some of my favorite healthy staples include scrambled egg whites with ezekiel english muffins..I use coconut oil instead of butter. It's DELICIOUS.

I like to do plain nonfat greek yogurt with apple, or mangos and a bit of stevia. I am addicted to mangos at the moment...

I've been trying lots of different chicken recipes lately..the sauces aren't always the healthiest (they contain some sugar or honey or whatever) but I pair it with quinoa or brown rice and it seems good enough to me!

The more I stress the worse I do...so like the above poster said...I try and just eat when I'm hungry and when I'm hungry I try to choose something healthy. I don't deny myself treats I want, but I just try and watch the portions when I eat them!! You have lots of time to get back on track!! It's a constant work in progress so don't worry!

The nutrients in egg yolks are really good for you and baby, though. Things like choline, omega 3s, and even calcium and folate. Plus, yum.

Anyway, OP, I'm ditto-ing what everyone else has said. I've definitely been making sure I get exercise (30 mins cardio 3x per week, and strength training/toning the other 3), but just eat when you're hungry and make sure it's good for you. Greek yogurt, apples, bananas, those little California cuties (love those!), little portions of beef jerky, low-fat cottage cheese, mini-babybel cheese, etc. I snack on that stuff in between meals all the time.

Oh I totally agree! Sometimes I will throw in one whole egg with the yolk to my scrambled mix , but ever since I was little I don't really like yolk (UNLESS it's scrambled)! I have no idea how people eat them sunny side up or poached or hard boiled..it makes me gag lol. I usually add avocado, almond butter, or some other kind of fat in place of the yolk ... Nom nom nom. Looooove my eggs and toast!

Jillzy86 · January 2014

I think your plan sound solid. If you can do it with a friend it will help so you dont fall of the exercise wagon. When I'm hungry in between meals I try to munch on veggies or fruit. Cucumbers and apples are my new go to food to fight nausea.

candrew05 · January 2014

I gained a lot of weight recently in a short amount of time so I dont know if you want to listen to me lol. I exercise at least 4 times a week in a class and make sure I walk everyday. (Although exercising ison hold this week because of my awful RLP).
Someone else mentioned coconut oil which is awesome for helping me stay full in the morning. I tend to have a meat and nuts breakfast, and again as a pp said I try not to have empty calories throughout the day. I do however allow myself to indulge with one craving or another and try to keep that portion tiny..and maybe thats what is screwing me lol.

Rocknroll64 · January 2014

I agree with everyone above that said exercise is key. I've been slow jogging about 3 times a week for an average 40 mins and I swim occasionally as well. I also have been eating a lot more fruit than I normally do, it gives me my extra calories I need and keeps me full. It is really hard though, I know, and I still have my bad days.

Rocknroll64 · January 2014

Jogging is getting hard though as I feel like even if I pee right before I go, I still feel like I have to pee the entire run. Ugh.

candrew05 · January 2014

Rocknroll64 said:
Jogging is getting hard though as I feel like even if I pee right before I go, I still feel like I have to pee the entire run. Ugh.

That would make you run faster!!

momthatlifts · January 2014

I'm so ashamed if my eating habits. I haven't cut back on unhealthy foods and I eat whatever I want whenever I want it.

Rocknroll64 · January 2014

candrew05 said:

Jogging is getting hard though as I feel like even if I pee right before I go, I still feel like I have to pee the entire run. Ugh.
That would make you run faster!!

haha makes me turn around faster.

mileswithmyles · January 2014

I am still using My Fitness Pal to track my protein, calcium, etc. I run 3 days a week, albeit veeerrrrry slooooooow now, go to body pump 1 day a week and try to get in 1 other day of activity.

My meat and veggie aversion isn't totally gone from the first tri, so I do a lot of dairy products and fruits to compensate.

Christinaruth74 · January 2014

my eating wasnt terrible pre-pregnancy, but then first tri aversions threw me for a loop. meet aversions and stuff. i bought some shakes to supplement, but then dr gave me the no-go because she wants me to focus on getting the nutrients from real foods. it's getting easier, but it has taken a bit of time to retrain my habits. breakfast is always cereal (started with sugary fruit loops, now i am eating special k) and today i grabbed a hard boiled egg as well, lunch is usual a smart ones/lean cuisine/healthy choice type deal with a couple pieces of fruit (i noticed this alone wasn't filling me up, so DH packed me a pb sandwich on wheat today too

), and for dinner i've been reintroducing proteins like chicken and ground turkey and making a conscious effort to toss spinach in whatever i can, whenever i can.
i do, however, splurge. it's not all the time, but i don't really limit what my splurge will be. if i want a blizzard, ill get a blizzard...just not every day.
the exercise thing....well, i'll get back to you on that....

but sounds like you've got the right mindset! don't be too hard on yourself...you're growing a human after all!

sws684 · January 2014

-Vitabrownies! 50 calories each & loaded with vitamins! (Walmart)
-Vanilla wafers dipped in milk
-pita bread w/red pepper hummus
-Greek yogurt (toasted coconut)
-Amy's organic burritos
-garlic toast
-pretzels w/mustard

sws684 · January 2014

Oh yea. Special K protein bars too!

RachelCA29 · January 2014

I've found that I'm pretty good at keeping on the healthy track, but I do let myself eat. My husband and fairly active and eat healthy otherwise, so pregnancy kicked me into high gear a bit. I am hungry ALL THE TIME, so snacking is a good way to either go off the rails or fill up on nutrients.

Even if I don't pack a whole lunch for work everyday, I do make sure I pack healthy snacks. Multigrain crackers with hummus, raw veggies (I like red peppers and green beans best), granola bars, applesauce, etc. It's fine to eat when you are hungry, but healthy snacking starts at the grocery store and does take planning for each day.

In terms of meals I haven't changed much since pre-pregnancy but I do try to throw extra veggies in anything I can, and "super foods" in like spinach and brussel sprouts whenever I can. I do let myself cheat once a week. Fast food once a week, usually I try to get water instead of pop. And I let myself drink one can of pop a week as well.

As for exercise, we have a dog so we walk him almost daily (he's a small dog and the weather has been freezing lately) and I do yoga about 3 times a week, keeping with my regular, pre-pregnancy classes. I might switch to prenatal yoga eventually, but I want to keep up with my regular classes as long as I can.

kat8805 · January 2014

Uh, I get a medium instead of a large when I go through the drive-thru. Does that count?

momo214 · January 2014

I got a Nutribullet for Christmas and am in LOVE with it. I've been making smoothies day and night and can't stop won't stop. You can tailor ingredients to your goal. I'm the opposite and trying to out on healthy weight so lots of protein and whole dairy. There are several recipes on their website that you can turn to also. They are great to drink to satisfy a craving instead of bad food like ice cream, cookies, etc. all of our weaknesses!! I totally recommend.

Fitpreggo · January 2014

sws684 said:
-Vitabrownies! 50 calories each & loaded with vitamins! (Walmart)
-Vanilla wafers dipped in milk
-pita bread w/red pepper hummus
-Greek yogurt (toasted coconut)
-Amy's organic burritos
-garlic toast
-pretzels w/mustard

Yum! I love pretzels... Do u dip them in mustard or do u buy mustard flavored pretzels?? I like to dip mine in hummus!

Kinipela7 · January 2014

Breakfast choices: Egg sandwich, Protein Bar, English muffin with peanut butter or laughing cow cream cheese

Lunch choices: Salad bar from Giant, frozen burrito, PB jelly sandwich

Dinner: Soup, Chicken with veggies and brown rice, meat dish (meat loaf, pasta with meat sauce)

Snacks: string cheese, clementines, apples, bananas, trail mix

JAM85 · January 2014

Food wise: I am honestly not that hungry often and I don't crave anything in particular and if I do it's protein based (and yes I am even having a girl so old wives tales be damned!) I generally have a hemp protein shake for breakfast with berries, almond milk, almond butter, and a scoop of amazing grass supplement 5 days a week before work and then eggs and fruit other days. For lunch it is a huge ass salad at work with a protein or if at home protein and fruit or veg (not as good at home) and for dinner a protein, vegetable, and possible quinoa or gluten/grain free bread. Snacks are hard boiled eggs, non dairy yogurt, beef jerky, etc. sweets are dark choc almonds or possibly some homemade grain free brownies- usually something with chocolate every day

Now that the flu has passed I am back to my normal exercise so 30 min cardio with 20 min weights 2-3x a week and aiming for 2-3x 40 min swimming a week. This is my goal though and I don't beat myself up if I don't make it- this is not the time to push myself. I have only gained 1.5 pounds over PP due to ms early on so I could probably be doing better with that but I wasn't a stick before so no one has said anything.

jfletcher3113 · January 2014

I feel like I was a little healthier pre-pregnancy in that I didn't want to eat as many sweets! have a major sweet tooth that is crazy out of control with this pregnancy. So when I'm not shoveling york mints or mini Kit Kats into my mouth I try and choose healthy foods as much as possible and hit all the food groups.

Some of my favorite snacks are apple slices with sliced sharp cheddar, oranges and hummus with pita thins. I also drink a ton of water.

For exercise I do yoga, kickboxing, walking, light weight training, etc. I try to work out or do some kind of physical activity six days a week (some weeks it's 4 or 5). I'd rather workout more than give up my york mints.

jenb_99 · January 2014

I'm obese and started out 15 lbs heavier than with my last pregnancy, so I can't gain weight with this one. 10-15 lbs, max. I've been working out 3-5x/wk (2-mile walk-aerobics videos) and trying not to snack after dinner. I'm also trying to make better choices in general, like more fruits and vegetables and way less fried food. So far it's working -- I've only gained about 2 lbs, my blood pressure is still normal (last pregnancy it was consistently 140/90), and I feel stronger and healthier.

bumpuser10194737 · January 2014

I gained 49 pounds with my first and 37 with my second. The biggest differences for me were working out the whole way through the pregnancy the second time, and avoiding fast food and soda. Less late night snacking. Drinking lots of water helps too!

It's worth it to stay on track if you can! I can't tell you how much easier it was to get the weight off the second time. (Took 6 months instead of a whole year.)

You can do it!

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