Eating for two - NOT!

So if you are happily pregnant and looking forward to all the holiday goodies thinking: "Now I can eat for two", you couldn't be farther from the truth. I'm not even sure where that expression came from but it's been proven over and over again that eating for two causes women to gain excess weight during pregnancy, thus making it alot more difficult to lose once the baby is born.

A growing fetus only needs an additonal 300 calories per day. This is the equivalent of about one granola bar and a glass of juice. Doesn't seem like much, does it? Especially when there are times when you feel that you could eat a whole box of granola bars, never mind just one. So how do you curb those insatiable desires to eat a half a cow instead of just a portion the size of your palm? Snacking.

Snacking with a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat not only satiates you (keeps you fuller longer), but also helps to keep blood sugars steady. It's when blood sugar drops that you get that instant feeling of starvation and grab something quick, which usually means crap. Well, maybe I shouldn't say crap, but more so not the healthiest choice had you had a chance to think about it before you put it into your mouth. When you are really hungry, especially during pregnancy, we look for quick ways to gratify as opposed to feed our bodies with healthy foods. Listen... I've done it as I know so many of you have to.

So here's a tip: plan ahead. You might as well get used to it now because once the baby arrives, your whole day will be "planned". You'll pack bottles, wipes, diapers, cream, blah blah blah. But then once they begin to eat solids, you'll pack meals, snacks etc. So why not do that for yourself?
Get into the habit now so it's not such a struggle once you are a new mom and you have no choice.

Always have food with you. And let me say it again.... especially if you are pregnant! Eating every 2-3 hours and ensuring there is a little bit of protein, carbs and fat in every snack and meal will keep blood sugars from dipping, your metabolism working and energy levels steady as well.

So load up on veggies and fruit, nut butters, cheese, yogurt, nuts and seeds and anything else you can think of that is lower in calories, high in nutritional value and easy to eat on the go.
Because let's face it, no one's going to do it for you.. this is the first step to reality!