overweight to start

SSCmomma · June 2014

Im having a bit of trouble trying to figure out how to eat healthy. I havebeen overweight my whole life and gone up and down and always back up. Now I need to learn how to eat healthy but not be on a "diet". Any overweight moms on here that can offer suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Pips09 · June 2014

I would recommend making an apointment with a nutritionist. They will give you the best advice and help you make a plan.

Ktbug613 · June 2014

Eating healthy and dieting do not have to be one in the same. Dieting involves eating healthy but also limiting the amount you eat in order to create a calorie deficit. Try just making healthier choices for now. Cut out sodas and sugary drinks and drink water instead (many ladies out here add flavors or fruit if they have a hard time drinking plain water) Eat as much fresh foods as possible. When you grocery shop, cruise the outside aisles only (or as much as you can) The less processed the better for not only your health but to help you with healthy pregnancy weight gain. AVOID fat free and sugar free foods. They sound like a great idea but they are usually not healthy at all. They are loaded with additives to give back the flavor lost when fat/sugar are removed. This is even more important while pregnant your baby needs healthy fats for brain growth. Things like avocado, real butter (not margarine)

Also many Obs have referral services for nutritionist (mostly because of women who find out they have GD and have to learn a whole new way of eating) Ask your doctor if there is a nutritionist you could talk to. Im sure your doctor would commend your effort to be healthier

WillCMyInk · June 2014

I second PPs advice. They will be able to give you an idea of how many calories you should be consuming and can give you an idea of what is "healthy".

Please, don't take this advice as the gospel, but until you have that meeting, look up clean eating recipes and try to eat lots of veggies and lean proteins. Whether you count calories or not will be a personal decision, but please don't listen to things like MyFitnessPal when getting your "maintenance" calories - they still set my "maintenance" level too low.

Most go by the thought of "eat when you're hungry" while you're pregnant. If you're worried about over eating, always drink a glass of water before you sit down to eat or when you start to feel hungry and see if the feeling continues.

MNgirl326 · June 2014

I was overweight with my first and am still overweight for this one. For me what helped keep my weight down the first time and so far this time, is eating when I am hungry vs snacking, eating lean protein vs carbs, drinking lots of water and getting as exercise when I can. For me, the biggest reason that I am heavy is I drink my calories- wine, beer, pop, and sugary coffee drinks. being pregnant is a good time to for me to cut those habits.

When LO was born I weighed less then what I did PP, and I kept it off for almost 2 years. Unfortunately some life circumstances pushed me to my old ways and I gained it back. I'm hoping that this pregnancy will be a reset button again and I will be to get my poor habits back into control.

I think the big thing is just being aware of what you are eating.

armedmommy · June 2014

I find meal prepping helps me stay on track too. I prepare all of my weeks meals in about an 1-2 hour time frame on Sundays. A sample meal would be 4-6oz of lean meat chicken breast/steak/whatever. 1 cups of steamed veggies and 1/2 cup of brown rice. Varies on what I feel like eating really. I freeze the meals and pull them out the night before to leave in the fridge and then heat up for that meal.

SSCmomma · June 2014

Some great tips ladies. Thanks!

JoaPata · June 2014

I am overweight too and cut out all soda's for water or Juice. I also switched to lean meats and lots of fruits and veggies. I have actually lost weight although I am not limiting my food intake. I am attempting to add more nutritious food now because I am not eating for just me. I also want to pass on healthy eating habits to my child so I feel like this is the best reason to start and continue a healthy life style. I am just walking for exercise. Talk to your doctor and a nutritionist. They help a ton!

jaxx723 · June 2014

Cut out soda, juice and any other sugar drinks, those are filled with sugar, which makes you crash and makes you want to eat more. If you get sick of water, infuse it with fruit, cucumber or lemon. Smoothies are also great, but watch out for places like Jamba Juice, they can overdo the sugar as well.

I like having snacks prepped in my fridge. It makes packing lunches really easy in the mornings and means I'm more likely to have servings of fresh fruit or veggies in my lunch. Typically on Sunday evening I break down any fruit or veggies that I will use in the coming week and store them in small containers, ready to go. I learned long ago to invest in some really good tupperware for packing lunches.

I also have issues with getting distracted while I eat, so I try really hard to avoid technology during dinner and to focus on the food. Overeating is easier if you are glued to a television show or distracted in some other way. I also tend to eat really fast, so I try to chew my food more slowly and take my time during dinner. The slower you eat, the more capable your body is of telling you when it's full.

Avoid anything processed, it usually contains high levels of sugar and salt. Try to make things from scratch or semi-homemade if possible. This is the toughest one for me to follow, I have an addiction to boxed mac and cheese. I allow myself a treat every once in a while, but I try to buy the organic stuff that has very few processed ingredients.

It's all about balance and moderation, don't limit yourself too much! Binge eating is much more likely to happen if you deprive yourself of everything all at once.

I walk about 3 miles every morning with a girlfriend. It's therapeutic to chat with her while we get in some easy, low stress exercise. In addition to walking, I do a Zumba class once a week and am now trying to swim twice a week. Swimming is sooooooooo good for you! It's easy on the joints and just about anyone can find some sort of activity to do in a pool, even if it's water aerobics. City classes are typically available throughout the summer in most areas and are easily affordable.

Of course, consult your doctor before trying anything, they are the best resource for this kind of thing.

Bigboneded · June 2014

Yup, all good advice.... I am overweight, too and we have our own challenges! :-)

SSCmomma · June 2014

I'm not a big sugary drink drinker but admittedly the queen of processed foods. I tend to eat on the move so a lot of stuff comes from a box or bag. I did get some no sugar added applesauce cups today and cheese sticks. I'm big on greek yogurt too. While I was at the doctors yesterday the NP gave me advice similar to what you guys have mentioned and I took some info for a prenatal yoga class which hopefully I'll get my lazy ass up to do

Thanks again for the tips. Also going to see if the local hospital has a nutritionist that works with expectant moms. I really want to do this right.

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