During pregnancy, it can be confusing to hear a care provider say not to gain more than 11 – 20 lbs when society tells us we get to eat for two. So you might wonder, what's the best plus size pregnancy diet?
I hate to break it to you, but there isn't one because diets don't work!
Diets might “work” for a few weeks, maybe even a few months, but statistically, people will gain back everything they lose and gain even more in the long run.
Dieting during pregnancy is dangerous.
Restricting calories can restrict your baby's growth. Eating for two during pregnancy also has undesirable results.
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3 Tips For Dieting Eating Intuitively During Pregnancy
1. Tune Into Your Body
You are the expert on your body and your needs! Intuitive eating is about tuning in and listening to your body's needs and hunger signals.
Unfortunetly for many of us, years of dieting have disrupted those signals.
Thankfully, there are helpful resources that teach us how to eat intuitively and change our relationship with food.
2. Pay Attention to Your Overall Wellness
Wellness goes well beyond nutrition!
You'll want to do all you can to reduce your stress and anxiety during pregnancy. And these tips below will also help you accomplish that often seemly impossible task.
Talk to your care provider about getting tested for vitamin deficiencies like vitamin D. And see what prenatal vitamins and supplements they recommend.
Did you know that physical activity helps to reduce pregnancy risks? So from water aerobics to walking while listening to plus size pregnancy podcast episodes – find movement that brings you joy!
Lastly, get at least eight hours of sleep a night, even if you're up and down throughout the night for bathroom trips.
3. Connect with a Nutritionist
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that people with a BMI over 30 get nutritional counseling during pregnancy. That recommendation comes across like big brother telling you what to do.
So let me share with you that meeting with a nutritionist during pregnancy is….awesome!
A nutritionist will help you to come up with a food plan, not a plus size pregnancy diet, that meets your lifestyle and dietary needs. They are there to help you, not to be a bully.
We highly recommend connecting with a Registered Dietitian or Nutritionist to account for your unique nutritional needs during pregnancy.
Find someone with experience supporting plus size people from a weight-neutral focus. Do this by researching Health At Every Size® or size-friendly nutrition specialists in your area or those who work via telehealth.
Also, ensure you're working with a size-friendly healthcare provider who believes in your body's ability to have a healthy pregnancy.
This is a helpful interview looking at nutrition during plus size pregnancy, regardless if you have gestational diabetes or not – Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy Nutrition Q&A
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