Thursday, July 23, 2009

In the Beginning: Food

Now that I'm back from vacation and have Internet access, I'm ready to blog again.

I have been blogging on the theme of "Teach Your Children Well" which starts with you. By setting a good example for your children you will not only improve your health and wellness but also your child's.

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Food is a big part of pregnancy. Moms enjoy sharing their pregnancy cravings, some women think they can eat anything and as much as they want because they are pregnant, morning sickness can effect your eating and the extra weight can be difficult to lose after your baby is born. Food is a very important topic to discuss with your physician and something women should think about and create a plan for during their pregnancy.

I am petite woman with a very fast metabolism and when I was pregnant with my first child I didn't think about what I ate. I had severe morning sickness and carried crackers or baby cookies in coat pockets, my purse, in the car, etc. Once the morning sickness subsided, the eating frenzy began! My husband likes to tell the story of how I ate an Arby's meal on the way home from work then polished off 1/2 of a large pizza. Funny yes, healthy no! During this pregnancy, I gained over 40 pounds. On a person of my height, I looked like I had a swallowed more than a few basketballs.

Looking back on all of my pregnancies, I wished I had devised a plan for how I ate during the nine months. Eating healthier during my pregnancies would have given me more energy, I would have had less back pain from the extra unnecessary weight, and would have had less difficulty losing my baby weight. Seeking support from my husband would also have helped my eating habits. Since I didn't have an eating plan my husband went right along with me, allowing me to eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, as much as I wanted. I'm sure my hormones would have caused me to scream at him if he suggested I eat fruit instead of a huge bowl of ice cream but, if I had a plan, his support would have been easier to accept.

As a mom-to-be, take some time to think through your food choices for you and your baby during your pregnancy. Find a few people to be your support network and let them know about your plan. If you know a pregnant woman, support her by bringing her some cut up fruit or a healthy dinner. Even making your own healthy choices when you are eating with a mom-to-be can be a healthy way to support her.

Your plan doesn't have to be formal or written and it should allow for flexibility. Create a support network and inform them of your plan and how you would like them to help you. Eating well is good for you and good for your baby.

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