Is It Safe To Diet During Pregnancy?
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How Much Weight Should A Pregnant Woman Gain?
If you are wondering how much weight you should gain during pregnancy, make use of this table!
In case you are carrying a singleton:
| Pre-pregnancy weight | Recommended weight gain |
|---|---|
| Underweight (BMI < 18.5) | 28 to 40 lbs. (about 13 to 18 kg) |
| Normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) | 25 to 35 lbs. (about 11 to 16 kg) |
| Overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) | 15 to 25 lbs. (about 7 to 11 kg) |
| Obese (BMI 30 or more) | 11 to 20 lbs. (about 5 to 9 kg) |
If you are carrying multiples :
| Pre-pregnancy weight | Recommended weight gain |
|---|---|
| Normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) | 37 to 54 lbs. (about 17 to 25 kg) |
| Overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) | 31 to 50 lbs. (about 14 to 23 kg) |
| Obese (BMI 30 or more) | 25 to 42 lbs. (about 11 to 19 kg) |
Source: 1
Experts recommend that it is safe for obese women to lose up to five kilograms during their pregnancy without causing their unborn baby any harm.
Foods To Eat During Pregnancy:
Now, it may be a good idea to go on a diet while pregnant, but that does not mean trying crash diets or fads like Atkins diet! What you need is a wholesome meal plan that will allow you to eat healthy without piling on unnecessary pounds. Remember, you need just 300 extra calories to enjoy a healthy pregnancy! So, try and fill your diet with healthy foods. Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your menu:
Protein: Go for foods like shrimp, tuna, chicken, tofu, and eggs. All these foods are high in protein but low in calories. Just what you need to manage your weight while pregnant!
Carbohydrate: Looking for carbohydrate sources that won’t make you fat? Try fruits, beans, oats, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, and potatoes.
Fats: You need some fat in your diet. But go for foods that contain ‘good’ fat that won’t lead to extra weight gain. You can add nuts, seeds, avocado, etc. to your pregnancy diet.
Apart from these, try and avoid eating processed food. Junk food is the quickest way to weight gain! So, avoid junk food and eat wholesome meals. Don’t forget to drink a lot of water and spend a few minutes each day working out to keep your pregnancy weight comfortable.
Most importantly, don’t go on a diet without consulting your doctor first.Dieting in pregnancy requires medical guidance. He is the best person to guide you in this situation. If your doctor says dieting is not a good idea, forget it for the time being!
Did you follow a particular diet while pregnant? Share with us!
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