Of course it is always important to eat healthy, but when you are pregnant it becomes even more so. It is not a time to focus on weight loss but you can clean up those poor eating habits and Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Solution can provide some excellent guidelines for you along with the following advice.
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- During pregnancy you aren’t eating for 2, you are eating for a 1 + so you don’t need to dramatically increase your calories-in general you will need about 300 more calories a day with about a 30% increase in protein to cover your increased needs.
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- Be sure to take a high quality prenatal that is high in folic acid, contains adequate amounts of calcium, magnesium and iron and is low in Vitamin A. You must avoid high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy as this could cause birth defects.
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- Eat 3 meals and 3 snacks per day and increase your snack size slightly to accommodate the additional calorie needs.
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- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners and any herbal formulas unless they have been approved by your physician.
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- Choose from high response costs foods that are high in fiber to avoid constipation that can be problematic during pregnancy.
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- Supplement with 1Carnitine Synergy especially if you have a history of high risk pregnancy. Numerous European studies have found that carnitine levels tend to drop too low during pregnancy and therefore report that carnitine supplementation is advantageous during pregnancy.
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- Avoid fish due to the mercury content but be sure to supplement with a high quality* EPA/DHA Omega 3 fish oil supplement, either1Omega Ultra Marine Softgel or 2 Krill Oil softgels per day. Omega 3’s are critical for brain development and a recent study in Pediatrics Jan 2003 reported higher IQ s in children whose mothers supplemented with fish oils during pregnancy and lactation.
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- Keep exercising (with your doctor’s approval) but break your sessions into 30 minute bouts and keep your heart rate at 140 or below. Be sure to stay well hydrated and avoid overheating. Focus on core strengthening and stability. At month 5 and beyond avoid overstretching, unstable environments and any exercise that you need to do on your back.
*Make sure that it has been tested for heavy metals, PCBs and rancidity.