
28 Mar How to lose weight while pregnant
Is it safe to lose weight while pregnant? Should women try to lose weight while pregnant?
Now is not the time to diet. Now is the time to nourish yourself and your developing baby with good nutrition and exercise. By establishing healthy eating patterns and exercise habits, before and while pregnant, you can sustain them throughout your lifetime.
As pregnancy dietitian nutritionists, we want to stress how important it is to see your ObGyn and not begin any kind of new diet plan without your doctor’s recommendation. Together, we can work on a weight maintenance plan with the goal of reducing your chances of developing preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. All of these conditions are more common in obese women.
So, back to the question: How can you lose weight while pregnant?
As prenatal nutrition therapists, we recommend the pregnant women we work with focus not on weight loss, but rather on weight management and healthy weight gain throughout their pregnancy. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy:
- Consult with your healthcare provider: It is important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of weight gain for your specific situation.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Practice portion control: Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help manage weight gain and prevent overeating.
- Stay active: Engage in safe and moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, to help maintain a healthy weight and overall health during pregnancy.
- Get enough rest: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help regulate appetite and promote healthy weight management.
Remember, every pregnancy is different, so it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations as well as learn the best diet plan for you, trimester-by-trimester, to give you and your developing baby the nutrients needed to stay healthy while pregnant.