What are some ways I can minimize excess weight gain during pregnancy?
Gaining weight is inevitable when you are pregnant. However, how much weight you gain depends on the amount of food your consume and the amount of activity you engage in on a daily basis. The recommendation for the average pregnant woman, is 25-35 pounds. If a woman begins pregnancy already overweight then she should gain less. If she is underweight to begin with, then she should probably gain more. Consult your health care provider for what is an appropriate weight gain for you. Nutritional requirements increase during pregnancy, but that does not mean you need a whole lot more calories. In fact, think of adding nutrients rather than calories. But keep in mind that a pregnant woman should consume a minimum of 1800 calories a day. In pregnancy, you should eat (4) servings of protein a day including fish, chicken, beef, beans, eggs and nuts. Samples of one serving include a 4oz. Piece of chicken or steak, one egg, cup of beans or nuts. Some practitioners recommend eating at least two eg