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What should I do if I didn't lose the weight from my last pregnancy?

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Lisa Stone

What if you're pregnant again, and you still haven't lost the weight from last time? Lisa Stone, an ACE-certified Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness Instructor, talks about what makes sense now.

Your question
I gained a lot of weight my first pregnancy and haven't even lost half of it. My son is 2-1/2, and I am now 9 weeks pregnant. I was told my ideal weight normally is 65 Kilos. I know weigh 87 and I do not want to gain any more in this pregnancy. What should I do? - Hope

The expert answers
Hope,

I am not a registered dietician or trained nutritionist, but I do know that pregnancy is not a time to diet for weight loss purposes. Your growing baby needs nourishment in order to develop properly. It's very important that you eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products, and water. If you eat meat, limit your choices to extra lean red meats and white meat poultry without the skin. Fish, prepared without oil or other added fats, is also a very healthy choice.

Along with a healthy diet is the need for physical activity. You didn't mention whether or not you currently exercise (other than chasing around an active toddler!), but if you don't, now is a great time to begin a walking program or to workout with a pregnancy exercise video (warning - cheap plug for my video, Fit for 2!). You can start by exercising 15-20 minutes 3 times a week. As you start to feel stronger, gradually increase your exercise session to 30 minutes up to 5 times a week. The exercise will increase your energy level. We're also finding that people who are physically active naturally improve their eating habits to fit in with their more healthy lifestyle.

Before you make any of the changes I've suggested, be sure to talk with your caregiver about your weight concerns. Get his/her okay to change your diet and increase your physical activity level. Once you've been given the "thumbs up" make gradual changes to your eating and activity routine to ensure long-term positive lifestyle changes. Not only will you feel and look better, but you'll also be setting a healthy example for your children to follow.

Lisa :)