Trouble with healthy eating

whitney812 · February 2016

Hi, I'm 16 weeks along, FTM

I was so excited when I got pregnant and all for healthy eating but right now it seems IMPOSSIBLE. My first trimester the only thing that sounded good was pizza. Luckily that has passed and I can incorporate better options, but I can't stop craving sweets and carbs (wasn't a big carb eater pre pregnancy). I'm thinking I need some inspiration - anyone have a great food blog they follow that specializes in healthy, exciting meals? Extra points if they do weekly menu's because the struggle with meal planning right now is REAL.

JournoGrl23 · February 2016

I don't know of any food blogs, but I'm right there with you! I can only eat what I'm specifically craving. Anything else makes me sick. And other than fruit I crave nothing healthy. Prior to pregnancy the only thing I ate was vegetables and fruit and lean meat. I didn't like bread or any other carbs. Now all I want to eat is carbs and cheese and sweets. I feel guilty but I don't know what to do about it.

amccul20 · February 2016

for me the best thing i can do during the day while at work is bring several different fruit options, have nuts at my desk, and string cheese or cheese slices. I know that even if my meals are heavier than they were pre pregnancy, at least i'm getting healthy snacks throughout the day.

whitney812 · February 2016

@JournoGrl23 it's so hard!! I know what I should be eating, but it just doesn't satisfy me at all.

lalalorelai · February 2016

I've been trying to read my cravings and substitute with something healthier. Like when I'm craving carbs, I go for whole wheat toast with peanut butter. Something sweet = fruit, chocolate covered peanut, etc. Something fatty = cheese and an apple or carrots dipped in ranch. I'm definitely not sticking to as healthy of a diet as I did prior to pregnancy, and definitely way more carbs, but it's helping. And, honestly, I give in to my cravings once in awhile. I haven't had a bagel in years but I've had two in the past week because they just sound so damn good. I've gained 5 lbs (16 weeks tomorrow) and my doctor is happy with that, so I'm trying not to stress too much.

Right now I'm struggling with getting enough protein. I'm avoiding deli meats and anything cured like sausage or jerky, so it's hard to find portable, high protein snacks. I'm getting sick of peanut butter and I can barely stomach regular nuts now. I wish I wasn't such a picky eater, it would make my life so much easier!

whitney812 · February 2016

@lalalorelai I've gained 10 (at 16 weeks)! I seriously blame it on my serious need for pizza only first tri but I really would like to be able to get my healthy eating plan going not only for me, but for baby obviously. I laughed at your bagel thing - that was me last week, I seriously couldn't help it and it was sooooo good.

tresamigos · February 2016

I've had the same problem, and like a PP, I've been bringing lots of fruit to snack on during work so I don't go raid the vending machine. However, yesterday someone gave unsolicited advice (shocker) and said I should be careful with how much fruit I'm eating because of all the natural sugars. So what the heck?! I'm assuming natural sugars are still better than me chowing down on Little Debbie vending machine snacks...

cepricco · February 2016

I'm there with all of you! Pre-pregnancy I ate way less carbs...I used to have a salad with chicken almost every day and now I just barely ever want salads (or really any vegetables). I always want carbs, fruit, peanut butter and cheese! I am trying to incorporate veggies where I can (soup, small salads, small sides). Definitely eating more sandwiches (peanut butter mostly and sometimes tuna). I seem to crave potato chips quite a bit...

It's hard to try to get all the healthy things they tell you to eat!! Definitely indulging my unhealthy cravings (but in moderation as best I can). I think I've gained about 5-6 lbs and I'm 16W2D.

rikopy - I think eating more fruit if that's what you want is totes fine! The natural sugar is going to be fine and you are getting nutrition from the fruit!

Snaps816 · February 2016

I'm feeling the same way! I used to dutifully walk to a salad place near my work almost every weekday. Now I have to force myself to go once a week! The salad place does a good job, but a bowl of raw veggies just doesn't appeal any more. I need something a bit more starchy and usually warm, like a sandwich or a Chipotle bowl. I've been good about avoiding processed foods and sugared drinks, but I have developed a bit more of a sweet tooth, and I've been having dessert after dinner many nights. In my head I tell myself it's ok because I used to have a glass of wine (or 2) with dinner and since I'm not having that any more I can opt for dessert.

Lately I've been trying to take a minute or two and ask myself, is this really a craving, or is this just me using pregnancy as an excuse to indulge? Not that it always stops me even when it is the latter. I don't feel guilty about it... but on the other hand I don't want to look back at the end of my pregnancy, 50lbs heavier, and kick myself for letting it go too far.

whitney812 · February 2016

@Snaps816 exactly! I think I have been justifying eatings a lot more bread because "I'm pregnant" but really that's not what I need. I definitely don't want to gain more weight than I need to just because of my poor eating choices. I think since being pregnant is has been hard for being to be inspired to spend TIME on yummy healthy dinners like I used to ... last night I actually spent the time and ended up making a baked salmon with lemon and asparagus and roasted tomatoes and I loved it. Trying to motivate myself lol

cait5413 · February 2016

I have also felt less motivation to meal plan well. I got some trial boxes from places like BlueApron, Home Chef, etc, and those were great because all the ingredients were included, but they are too expensive to do all the time. I have also been on the carb and cheese train. I've tried to stock up on nuts and dried fruit as snacks and fresh fruit as well, but I also want mac and cheese from time to time!

blond1230 · February 2016

Meal planning is what saves me! Takeout is what kills me. Especially when it's at night and the thought of getting a salad or something super healthy isn't appealing.

When I was pregnant with DS I ate bagels every day, pizza often, lots of fries. This pregnancy I'm more conscientious and trying to keep the fries and worse food to just on the weekend - that keeps me in check and I don't feel deprived! I even plan the snacks - tons of fruit and things like yogurt, popcorn, pudding... All things u can portion control!

I'm up 6-7 lbs at 15 weeks which I'm ok with bc it's less than where I was with DS, and I know I'm making healthier choices and working out. I'm hoping to just keep the gain steady the rest of the time which is what i did with DS as well.

tmk0325 · February 2016

@JournoGrl23 I'm exactly the same as you. I can't bring myself to make a salad for the life of me and I was eating them daily. I'll eat them if someone makes me one but I have no desire too! I totally only want cheese, carbs and fruits too!

DisneyIsabelle · February 2016

@Whitneymichellle12 I feel like I wrote your post myself! I am in the exact same boat. I just want more carbs like bread, pizza, pasta than normal! I do meal planning. It was on my to-do list to type up 8 weekly menus for each season with a shopping list. Then, I can print and go to the store, normally it would take me sooo long to plan each week, so this way I have a good rotation of menus.

My DH is super picky about how healthy he eats, he's also 250 lbs. and 6'7 so he eats SO much! He eats dinner at work so I pack his lunch/dinner. He will only eat organic, little to no processed foods, avoids gluten, minimal meat. I don't eat meat, and love cheese. I really struggle to get enough protein.

Today he'll be taking lentil tacos (lentils cooked with onion garlic and spices), with corn or brown rice tortillas, cheese, salsa, tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro, black olives and lime, plain greek yogurt.

Yesterday I made a chickpea sandwich filling (super easy and quick), and did that with lettuce wraps or gluten free buns, and chipotle mayo.

Day before I made chickpea greek salad: chick peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, feta cheese and dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, seasonings.

On his night off we made homemade pasta with a southern italian pesto (tomatoes, basil, nuts, parmesan, olive oil, garlic), and a spinach salad with pear, cheese, and walnuts.

On his other night off I made pizza. Gluten free dough from scratch, roasted beet pesto as the sauce, mozzarella (when not pregnant I do goat cheese), pear slices, and walnuts. This is my husband's favorite meal, and he requests it and lentil tacos all the time. https://www.theroastedroot.net/beet-pesto-pizza-kale-goat-cheese/

I also made a healthy raw vegan chocolate raspberry mousse using coconut cream.

You'll notice each weekly menu has some similar ingredients to make planning/shopping better. Then I always get stuff like eggs, oatmeal, fruit, etc.

DisneyIsabelle · February 2016

Here's another week of some dinner ideas.

BBQ Chickpea Chopped Salad (pinterest recipe with modifications) I first roast chick peas in olive oil and seasoning until crispy (favorite salad topper), then poured some organic BBQ sauce over them. Then salad of romaine, cherry tomatoes, green onions, black olives, corn, avocado for my DH, shredded cheese, bell peppers. Then I made a "ranch" dressing using plain grass fed cow yogurt.

Vegetarian Pot Pie

Black Bean Veggie Burgers (allrecipes) with gluten free buns, burger toppings, and can do homemade baked sweet potato fries as a side

Very Veggie Fried Rice (pinterest)

Homemade minestrone

Snacks:

pita pockets with hardboiled egg, hummus, cucumber, lettuce, tomato
apples and some good cheeses
air popped popcorn with parmesan
veggies with the leftover homemade ranch

lmtrmama · February 2016

I am having a hard time eating healthy too. I always LOVED salads with grilled chicken, fruits, veggies. I never ate bread or pasta. My fiancé brought home a frozen pizza and I went crazy on it! I also have been craving specific candy like lemon heads. What I have been doing is kind of grazing during the day and then making healthy stuff for dinner like my salads for the family to eat. Also, if you have an Instagram, there is a girl with a blog as well and her name is stephsbitebybite. She's about to have her baby and she literally worked out daily for her whole pregnancy. It keeps pushing me to start exercising or eating better but I am not quite there yet! Lol!

1faceinacrowd · February 2016

If you're craving something sweet and looking for a good amount of protein, I HIGHLY recommend greek yogurt! My Midwife told me you can add a little protein powder to your greek yogurt for a little extra protein packed in there. Also, my favorite "meal prep" item is hard boiled eggs. I've been buying a dozen eggs and hard boiling them on Sunday and bringing them to work for breakfast or an afternoon snack.They're full of protein, so they keep you full, and they're lower in calories than some alternative breakfast/snack options.

MamaKSquared · February 2016

This is a real struggle for me too. I'm just not feeling vegetables during pregnancy. At all. I work from home, so I have access to all of the food in my house, so it's not as easy as forcing myself to eat what I brought for lunch. I have everything I need for a salad, but I've been eating PB&J for lunch most days. Last night, I did force myself to make salmon, broccoli and black rice even though I really just wanted chili with a bunch of cheese on top. It was not satisfying at all, and I usually love salmon.

tisunge602 · February 2016

@Whitneymichellle12 I don't have a lot of ideas, but I just wanted to say thanks for posting this. I'm a STM at 15 weeks and also already up 10 lbs. My OB isn't concerned yet, but she did mention I need to keep an eye on it and make healthy choices. I've always been someone who can eat anything, not exercise, and not gain weight. Well, being in my 30s now and having had a child has changed all that -- I started this pregnancy at least 10 lbs. heavier than I was before I had DS. I have a major sweet tooth and I am hungry ALL THE TIME. I just don't see how I can stay full while avoiding carbs and I've had a meat aversion this pregnancy. UGH.

whitney812 · February 2016

@DisneyIsabelle those meals sound yummy!!!!

huskymama725 · February 2016

I've just been packing lunches that are salads fruit plain unsalted nuts and yogurt and protein bars. They don't sound good but when I get hungry enough I eat them and I'm okay. Otherwise all I want is carbs and I also rarely ate any carbs previously to this pregnancy

Car0liiine · February 2016

My eating habits went from pretty darn healthy before pregnancy to no, not really healthy at all. But I hadn't gained but a pound or two first trimester but as soon as I hit the second trimester it's been non stop! I think I've gained like 6 lbs in the past 3 weeks. Yikes! I've been in denial thinking it would even back out but I gotta get back to better habits. Biggest problem is that I got out of the habit of cooking and trying to eat healthy when you only eat out is a joke, at least around here. What do y'all take to work for lunch? (No access to any appliances except a microwave)

DisneyIsabelle · February 2016

@Car0liiine I work from home, but my husband eats lunch and dinner at work. He generally has time to heat up his food. I posted some meal ideas above you can see if any appeal to you and if you want the recipe for any let me know and I'll post them. There's a lot of great healthy lunch ideas on pinterest. If you make salads that are interesting enough to be appetizing you might find that helpful

jaceru · February 2016

last night DH made a skillet meal with chopped chicken breasts, brussel sprouts, sweet potato, apple, onion, some cinnamon and thyme. Yummy and filling and healthy! and it was easy to pack leftovers for lunch today. I'm also eating fruits, nuts,baby carrots, popcorn, salads with lots of toppings. I try to eat healthier during the day because the later in the night it gets, all I want is junk.

bearsandbeets7 · February 2016

Made chicken Alfredo for dinner tonight and only ate the noodles. The thought of meat makes me want to vomit right now. I know I need the protein but I just can't right now.

BethP321 · February 2016

I'm lurking, but I could only eat healthy for maybe the first few weeks. Then I just gave into to everything I craved. But I also gained 70 pounds... Every time I tried to eat healthy I would practically binge eat it for days at a time and then the thought of it would make me sick... Even today I can't even stand the sight of strawberries.

whitney812 · February 2016

@Lynnlove28 protein was really hard for me the first tri! I just ate chicken for the first time last night since being pregnant - small victories! Maybe greek yogurt would be a good thing to try?

bearsandbeets7 · February 2016

Whitneymichellle12 said:

@Lynnlove28 protein was really hard for me the first tri! I just ate chicken for the first time last night since being pregnant - small victories! Maybe greek yogurt would be a good thing to try?

I'll have to try that. These food aversions are getting a little out of control for me. I just want to eat normally!

ebilbao · February 2016

Ugh-I am right there with you. I am struggling to get in enough vegetables. I've been trying to throw spinach in everything and eat salads, but I normally eat lots of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and green beans, but lately, I just can't do it.

If if you are trying to get more protein, you can always throw some of the pasteurized egg whites into a smoothie.

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