Ways to Prevent Pregnancy Weight Gain

Pregnancy weight gain is not a fun side effect of becoming a mom for most women. While some of the additional weight is inevitable (babies aren’t weightless, unfortunately!), it is possible to control the additional pounds that you put on while having a bun in the oven. 

Read on for five ways to help prevent pregnancy weight gain!

1. Don’t eat for two.

Though it’s a common joke for pregnant women, you don’t actually need to eat for two. It is important to increase your calories by a few hundred (300-400 on average), don’t feel that you need to eat double what you did before finding out you were pregnant. To avoid weight gain, don’t allow yourself to use this as an excuse to eat unhealthy either.

2. Do make healthy eating choices.

Since you are providing nutrients for your hardworking body and a growing fetus, eating healthy is now more important than ever. Eat regularly and often, to keep your metabolism working so you don’t gain too much weight. Avoid skipping meals, as this can cause you to overeat later. 

3. Get active.

Burning a few calories during pregnancy can certainly help you keep your weight low. Just be sure not to overdo it. If you were exercising moderately before pregnancy, keep up your routines as long as your doctor says it is okay. If you weren’t already exercising, a simple 10 minute walk each day is a great place to start…again, check with your doctor before you begin to make sure it’s okay.

4. Allow yourself to indulge.

Pregnant women do have cravings from time to time, and you aren’t expected to avoid them every single time. Instead, allow yourself to indulge when the time is right. For example, a piece of birthday cake at a party is totally fine. A piece of cake after every dinner, however, is a little much.

5. Make simple substitutions for your cravings.

One way to satisfy your hankering for sweets or starches, without all the weight gain, is to find healthy solutions. Forego the candy bar and reach for strawberries or yogurt. Skip the chips and choose a handful of almonds or cashews instead. Simple swaps help you cut down on the weight you gain while carrying your little one.

These tips should help you control your pregnancy weight gain so you are back to your original body weight soon after delivering your baby. Above all, be mindful of your eating and be sure to move a little too!