[Ana]

I am 24 weeks along and at my drs visit today I learned I've gained 8lbs since the previous visit. At the previous visit I had gained something like 8lbs as well so I have been working really hard to walk more and cut out desserts, etc. I am a very healthy eater anyway (no sodas, whole grains where possible, skim milk, lots of fruit and veg). I don't eat much meat, though, and rely on beans, yogurt and cheese for most of my protein. I suspect this is where things might be going awry. Any suggestions? I'm 5'4" started out at about 115lbs and am now at 138lbs. I should also say I really haven't noticed that much change on my body except my butt, belly and breasts. Is the food all going to the baby somehow?

[Deb]

Hi Ana

Congratulations on your healthy pregnancy! Of course, weight gain
is a hot topic, and bringing your attention to it in a balanced way will
definitely be helpful for an easier delivery and postpartum weight loss.
Ideally you want to gain about 25 pounds throughout your pregnancy, so
having gained 16 pounds by week 24, it would not be unreasonable to check in on your eating habits and see where you can make some changes. Once you have done that, however, you also need to trust your body to put on the weight it needs to carry out this amazing job of creation!

One thing I would look at is incorporating flax oil into your diet. Often we don't eat enough of the good fats, which leaves us hungrier and craving more proteins and carbohydrates. Starting your day with a smoothie that has a tablespoon of flax oil in it, or some oatmeal with a tablespoon of GROUND flax meal on it, can make a big difference for a nutritious start.

Also, it sounds like you are already clear on the ground rules for healthy eating -- so check in to see your quantities. Often times healthy eaters eat more than frequently and more food at the mini-meal, because the food is healthy. Adding fiber to each meal, in the form of a whole fruit (rather than juices) and vegetables will keep you satiated. As for the dairy and legumes - those are great sources of protein -- no need to swap them out for meat. But because they are high in carbohydrate, they may make you hungrier faster. Combining them with a vegetable will up the fiber count and have you feeling fuller longer.

As for desserts -- don't replace those -- just give yourself a limit (2 or 3
a week) and have a small portion of what you really love so that you are not
depriving yourself! It is great that you are bringing awareness to your
eating in a way that will develop great habits for you and for your baby for
life. But the most important thing is to find what works for you and then
relax and let Mother Nature do her thing!