Should You Really Eat For Two?

A common misconception among pregnant women is that when you’re pregnant you are eating for two, so you can eat more. This really isn't the case. Many women find they relax and tend to overeat during pregnancy - your figure is going to be shot for a year anyway, right? Wrong! Think about after the birth of the baby. Those pounds can be mighty tough to lose, especially when dealing with a steady diet of 11pm, 2am and 5am feedings = no sleep!

You can avoid gaining too much weight during your pregnancy if you eat smart. Here are some tips for how much you should eat during your pregnancy:

300 Calories
If you are at a normal weight for your age and height when you become pregnant, you should only add about 300 calories per day to your intake. Be wise in the choices you make about where these 300 additional calories will come from. Try to avoid empty calories like cookies and cakes, they have no real nutritional value and are high in calories.

Fruits and Veggies
Remember to stock up on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Grapes, apples and bananas are wonderful substitutes for chocolate. Fresh raw veggies, like baby carrots, celery and cucumbers can replace junk food. Keep your refrigerator stocked with these healthy snacks and eat at least five servings per day.

Fiber
You can never get too much fiber in your diet when you are pregnant. Fiber helps prevent constipation, which many pregnant women deal with during pregnancy. Foods like bran, raisins and whole grains can help.

Protein
Most doctors suggest that about ten percent of your caloric intake should consist of protein-rich foods. Protein is important during pregnancy and has a double effect as some foods that are high in protein are good sources of iron as well.

Remember, weight is tough to take off anytime...especially when you have a newborn in the house. Think smart and eat smart NOW, for the two of you LATER!