If you don't keep an eye on what you are eating when pregnant, you can find yourself struggling with many unwanted pounds after you deliver. The question of exactly how much weight you should gain is between you and your doctor, but it is very easy to gain much more than necessary.
How Much More?
One of the things that seem to be missed when discussing pregnancy is just how much more you should eat to accommodate the baby's needs. Instead, you hear things like "eating for two" which are a gross misrepresentation.
How many more calories do you need each day? 200-300 calories is all that is required, and that is assuming you are in good condition when you get pregnant.
Of course, how you get those calories is just as important as the number. You can get that many calories from an order of French fries, but that won't do you or your baby any good.
What Makes for Good Eating When Pregnant?
It doesn't take much thought to realize that eating the very best of foods will help you and your baby through a successful pregnancy. Of course, this is the way you should eat all the time. Whole grains, lean meats, plenty of produce, water and heart healthy fats are all not only acceptable, but great choices.
To avoid being plagued by the munchies when out and about, make sure to carry some easy and nutritious snacks with you. Raw nuts are a perfect selection. Not only do nuts offer protein and the kinds of fats that drop serum cholesterol while protecting the heart, they are simple to pack and don't spoil quickly.
Keep an apple with you during the day and with a few nuts you have a great snack that will give you energy and keep you going.
Dealing with Heartburn or Cravings
Pretty much every woman has at least a few cravings or an occasional bout of heartburn. As the baby grows there is simply less room in the abdomen and the stomach gets compressed. The result is that sometimes food heads back up the esophagus.
The simplest solution is to eat smaller, more frequent meals. If it becomes a regular occurrence, keep track of which food set you off and eliminate them.
Cravings are a bit more complicated. As long as your cravings are normal--meaning food based--they can usually be accommodated within a healthy diet. Don't be surprised if you crave things that sound odd or are out of your usual scope of eating.
If, however, you find yourself craving things like ice, dirt or paint, contact your doctor immediately. This condition, called pica, is not well understood, but often indicates a nutritional deficiency.
Avoiding the Weight Gain Monster
One of the easiest ways to avoid gaining too much weight is to stick to a healthy diet. Keep easy to prepare foods on hand, and don't start buying junk simply because you are pregnant.
Also, make sure to space your eating throughout the day - even if you have morning sickness. A light meal of tart or dry ingredients may just help you settle your stomach.
One of the easiest things to do is to cook in bulk over the weekend. Prepare several portions of grilled chicken breast, fish or hard boiled eggs. Chop up vegetables and wash and tear lettuce. Make several days' worth of oatmeal or breakfast burritos so that meals are easy to grab.
Sometimes the fuss of making a meal from scratch is too much to handle when you are eating when pregnant. Making use of times when you have the energy is a smart solution.
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