Preparing for Bootcamp
I have a confession to make… When I was trying to conceive I worked hard to cut down on my french fry intake, eat more vegetables, legumes, and generally had a more balanced diet. I learned how my eating habits can effect my fertility and decided to get on the ball, and early! I started eating better before we even started doing the baby dance. But shortly after I got the plus sign I’d been hoping for much of my hard work went out the window.
Part of it (my excuse) was feeling so sick and nauseous all of the time. I hardly wanted to eat ANYTHING, much less the balanced diet my body really needed. Steamed vegetables—what use to be my favorite snack—quickly transformed into a food that made my stomach curl at just the thought.
My water intake has plummeted; even though I know that now is the time I need MORE water to stock up on extra blood and amniotic fluids.
I had a chance to quickly chat with Julie Hammerstein, the nutritionist I’m going to be working with throughout my pregnancy, and boy can I tell you how excited I am. At first, the thought of being honest with a professional right now made me quiver a little, but I know it’ll really help me, and hopefully sharing this information will be helpful to you!
I’m not holding back! I’m going to tell her how a couple of weeks ago the only thing I wanted for dinner four consecutive nights was a McDonald’s double cheeseburger meal (yes, super sized). I’m going to confess how my baby is as addicted to hotdogs as I was when I was seven. No… You don’t understand. Christmas day I made my husband take me to 7/11 so I could get my fix on a 99 cent hotdog. Yes, I had a hotdog for Christmas dinner (don’t worry, I had IHOP later). I hear that usually what you’re craving is what you and your need but that doesn’t exactly explain my cravings for grease and leftover pig parts.
I’m going to ask her for tips on drinking enough water through the day without feeling like a water balloon. Don’t even get me started on fitness either! I purposely am delaying my conversation with Jason, the trainer, a few weeks so I attempt to get a few workouts in before then so I don’t feel as guilty!
And if you have any other good pregnancy eating or fitness tips, please, feel free to share! I have a LONG way to go!
Don't worry, that's hot coco, and Christmas 2008. Not much has changed though... Notice the hotdog?
I only ate 500 extra cals during my pregnancy!
The biggest help I found for drinking water is to get one of those stainless steel water bottles & keep it with you. I like mine to be ice cold, and bottles just weren’t keeping it that way. Also, sometimes I add a little fruit juice or cucumber to mine just to give it a different taste.
I don’t know what to tell you about the fast food cravings – I’ve been having them too. I don’t even really like McDonald’s foods, but I keep wanting their fries and sweet tea [my dad has standing orders to bring me both immediately after labor]. I have found that sometimes a kid’s meal, instead of the huge portion, will kill the craving and leave room for a healthier snack later [either fruit & yogurt or side salad there or something nutritious at home].
Below is a recipe for butternut squash fries. They’re not exactly the same, but they are really good, and a way to sneak in a vegetable when you’re craving fries:
http://www.hungry-girl.com/week/weeklydetails.php?isid=684
I’m following a modified version of the Brewer diet [not all docs like this though, so check with your Dr. or nutritionist and go with their plan], which has worked for me and given me a lot of energy without a lot of weight gain, since I’m already overweight. I’m also allowing myself 2 meals and 2-3 snacks a week off the plan, to take care of cravings and so I can stick to it easier and not feel like I’m cheating or failing at it. So far, so good.
Fantastic suggestions Raine and thank you for writing! I wish you the best of luck through out your pregnancy and keep in touch!
Thanks so much ladies!! Such helpful information! I did invest in a big water bottle and I’m trying to keep it with me, so far so good!
Oh, and I LOVE that smaller portion idea! I may try that! And thanks for the recipe!