Thursday, June 27, 2013

My Thoughts on Food and Pregnancy: A Follow-Up

Recently, Steph at Run for Fun talked about her struggles with ED (eating disorder). It got me thinking about my own post on food, eating, and my own issues with disordered eating and how I've handled it throughout my pregnancy. I re-read that post and all of the comments, and I realized that a lot of folks were interested in following my journey and seeing how things went. How would I feel throughout the pregnancy? Now that I'm heading into the third and final trimester, I thought I would give some thoughts on how I got through the rocky beginning and how I've been weathering the storm. I am by no means an expert in any way, but here is how I was able to find the balance that worked for me.

1) Stay off the scale. Ugh. This is something I do pretty much in my every day life whether I'm pregnant or not. They weigh me when I go to the doctor and that is it. A few pounds here and there are so arbitrary (Have you had a lot of water? Have you taken a #2 yet today? Did you have a big lunch?) and I just know I would obsess over it if I knew about it. I like to know my progress at the doc, but I don't need to know things on a daily basis.

2) Listen to your cravings. This is something the doctor recommended too. I like it when my doctor and I are on the same page (which is often). If I wanted ice cream, I would have it. If I wanted a cheeseburger, I got one. If I wanted some french fries, gosh darnit I got some! (Hell, when I couldn't get my favorite donut, I even cried a little.) As long as I wasn't eating horribly every single day, I wasn't (and still am not) concerned about it. That isn't that different than my normal eating habits anyways. I always would want something bad after a run. Haha.

Enjoying a post-run cupcake

3) Treat yo selfThis kind of goes along with #2 and can also be related to non-food things. It took me a little while to figure it out, but I'm pregnant. I can't do all the things I used to do. People have been very accommodating to me and my new restrictions. The hubs has said that I'm "milking this pregnancy thing." Well, you bet your butt I am. Pregnancy is hard work and so I'm going to take advantage oft this as much as I can. I know I won't have the luxury with future pregnancies, as I'll be chasing around other child(ren) in the process!
My ventures into the wonderful world of specialty donuts in Chicago.
If you follow me on Twitter, you're aware of my antics.

And, I've decided to skim/skip the diet/weight tips in the baby books. I'd like to think that I'm kind of a healthy person. I have a basic understanding of nutrition and calories. I think I know enough to make sure my body is fueled for the day and that Baby is happy and kicking. I'm not going to worry about what some book tells me I need to eat. I know what I need to eat and that is what I'm going to keep doing. (Although, I'm still following the no-no list like sushi, hot dogs, etc.)

I think it was hard in the beginning as this whole pregnancy thing is new to me. I wasn't really showing, I wasn't feeling any kicking, yet I was gaining weight. In the end, now that I'm actually looking pregnant and feeling pregnant, I feel better about the weight I've gained. It is for the good of the baby and that's all I need to be concerned with. I thank you all for your continued love and support as I continue to make this long and strange trip, also known as pregnancy!
Mom and Dad-to-be on Father's Day 2013

27 comments:

  1. Wait, you can't eat hot dogs when you're pregnant? At least you can eat doughnuts to make up for everything you have to skip out on.

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  2. Yes, hot dogs are on the no-no list because of the fillers and nitrates. Donuts are delicious and can compensate quite a bit. :)

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  3. You're so adorable! Glad you are enjoying your pregnancy ;)

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  4. I'm glad you're feeling better about this. Baby Wilson will thank you later for listening to your body and doing what works for you.

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  5. That's great Kelly! Pregnancy (I'm sure) is stressful enough! Don't need to add to the list. And yes, it's not every meal every day that's "bad". You are still being healthy! Love this photo of you and your hubby!

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  6. I really enjoyed reading the follow up! I bet this post will be super helpful for other moms and moms-to-be!


    What kind of health/diet tips are in baby books? Is it beyond recommending a normal healthy calorie range? I just kind of panicked when I read that and my mind went all over the place wondering what they were saying!


    It sounds like you have a fab doctor. That is so great!


    And I say, yes! Keep milking it! :)

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  7. Great post! I only hope someday when I'm pregnant I feel the same way. I'm trying now to improve my eating and exercise so my body is ready for a baby when the time comes!

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  8. As someone who drifts in and out of disordered eating, I can't imagine the struggles of pregnancy+ weight gain+ foods. Having been heavier in the past, It scares me to think about a future pregnancy & it's effects on the body that I've worked so hard for. You have a very healthy outlook on the foods and changes going on- and I hope to be as balanced as you if the time comes for me to be a mom.

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  9. Thanks Kim! The pregnancy books are mainly written for the everyday American (aka people that don't really work out or eat healthy) so I felt that there were a lot of "duh" types of things. When pregnant, you're only supposed to consume an additional 300 calories per day. They listed out a bunch of healthy 300 calorie snacks to add to your every day diet (almonds, apple with peanut butter, etc). When I first got my baby books, I was reading every word of this (there is a whole chapter on eating and nutrition). Then, it got to be too overwhelming. Once I started tracking my calories on my own, and saw how much I was eating on a normal basis (even with my indulgences and cravings), the whole thing became much less overwhelming. Turns out I'm right in the "normal" range of calorie intake regarding my daily activities. After I came to this realization, I started skimming any portion on eating tips in the baby books. I know what works best for me so that's what I'm going to stick with. There are enough other things to worry about! Lol! Sorry this comment is so long. Hope this helps answer your question!

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  10. Thanks! I would say that getting into a good routine beforehand can be helpful. I started to put in more of an effort into making home cooked meals at home for me and the husband. I looked up recipes, planned accordingly while grocery shopping, and our dinners improved at home. This started to become more of a routine and it has come in handy as part of the routine now-a-days. Best of luck! :)

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  11. It really scared me at first too, and I wasn't sure how to handle it as I wasn't really expecting to feel the way I was feeling about food. The human body is quite an amazing thing, I've come to realize. Everyone seems to say that the baby you have at the end is totally worth all the (sometimes permanent) bodily changes. If/when that time comes for you (either before or after), I'm happy to help talk to you about any questions/issues/concerns/comments you may have. :)

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  12. Thanks Kelly... I think you're right. It took me a little bit to find it, but I've been feeling better ever since I did.

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  13. Thanks! That photo is one of my favorites :)

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  14. Thank you! It did answer my question!


    It's interesting that you say the average American who doesn't really work out or eat healthy. That's sad, but probably really true!

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  15. Love love love this post. You are in such a healthy place right now, and it makes me smile to read.

    You're making a baby!!! That deserves a lot of donuts :)

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  16. Thanks so much Bobbi! Speaking of donuts and treats, Kim bought me a special treat yesterday that I was too full to eat. Today, I'm very much looking forward to having it after lunch. :)

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  17. true story!!!! It is prime time for ED!! I will write about it for sure. :)

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  18. Looking forward to reading about it! Thanks! :)

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  19. I've been wondering how you've been doing with this (while following the donut antics, of course!). I'm so happy to hear that you're doing so well when it comes to food and weight. You're gaining because you're growing a little person, which is supposed to happen, but I can see how that would still be an adjustment at first. Keep on following your cravings, and definitely keep milking being pregnant :)

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  20. Michelle @ Crazy Running LegsJune 27, 2013 at 2:52 PM

    Definitely TREAT YO SELF.


    I had a very skewed view of my body before kids - pregnancy/postpartum definitely cured that! It's definitely an adjustment, but your weight gain is necessary and you will lose the weight. I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying food and living it up in moderation!!

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  21. Thanks Anne! Haha, I will follow the cravings when they come. That sure is easy. :)

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  22. Thanks so much! I loved watching that Treat Yo Self video. It is something I'm coming to enjoy the farther along I get in this pregnancy. :)

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  23. you look fabulous!

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  24. TREAT YO SELF! Love that episode.

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  25. I had to watch it on Streampix this past weekend after posting about it. Makes me laugh every time. "Oh no, Batman is crying."

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