Any plus size ladies looking to minimise weight gain?

[ClandestineTX]

Welcome to all the new ladies!!!


As for me: 20w5d, no official gain on the books. My stress level is still sucking all my energy away, but diligent about walking and monitoring my diet for the most part. I did get my massive blood work back and so far, fasting insulin and glucose are fabulous. Working my ass off to hopefully avoid any complications.

Woot Wombat, WTG!

I might be done. One of my huge motivations was to avoid needing more intervention for my gestational diabetes. But I just got the rug yanked out from under me today - they started me on insulin. I've lost all sense of self efficacy. It feels like nothing I do matters and no matter how hard I try it won't make anything better

I decided to have a pity party for lunch time and just finished eating a ton of carbs. I don't think I'll probably workout today either, or go on a walk or anything.

On that note - you know you did the best you could! It's not black and white - going off the wagon would still be worse than doing the best you can to mitigate the GD. I am terribly sorry, because I know you were working so hard to avoid it this time, but the work you are doing is still healthier for you and babe than not doing it!

Welcome Oneday! Nice to meet you It sounds like you're doing really great so far!

I am 23 weeks along, and although I've started finally to gain a little I'm still 6 lbs less than when I started. To be honest, I snack ALL the time. I pretty much just have a day of snacks and then eat dinner. But, like Wombat said, it's important that the snacks be healthy. Actually, I find snacking really helpful because as long as I stay feeling full I make better food choices. It's when I let myself get too hungry that I end up overindulging in something I shouldn't have.

Of course, eating all the time means I also have to stay active. But it's easier for me to spend some time every day going on a walk or working in the garden than it is to feel like I didn't get enough to eat.

I honestly don't have much willpower, but the ladies on this thread are really helpful and supportive!

I am also an eating machine, but I think my intestines are taking up the space where my stomach is at and why I'm still wearing my regular jeans, so I can't eat very much at one time right now. I am currently in love with raw walnuts, carrots and ranch dip, and trail mix. What are your favorite snacks right now?

 

[Uni tsi]

I am crazy at the moment for granola bars that are mostly nuts with just a hint of chocolate. I found some that are only 15g of carbs which makes it an ideal snack. I also like granola and yogurt. Hmmm I'm sensing a theme here with the granola lol

I ate so many walnuts last month, I've had to take a little break from them. I'm thinking I'll move on to cashews next. I'm still really enjoying almonds. And apples with peanut butter.

Clandestine, I am amazed you are still wearing your regular pants. I have to say, I think I ditched my own pants earlier than I needed to. I love maternity pants. I think all pants should have a soft waistline. If I could, I would just wear yoga pants everywhere, seriously. So, guess how amazing maternity yoga pants are! lol

 

[ClandestineTX]

Our snacks look the same!

As far as the pants, I'm not even kind of showing. LOL, except for gigantic nipples. But abdomen-wise, my muscles are not giving up yet. I've never had a pregnancy make it this far and I apparently really do have abs of steel. I keep getting told that I'll "pop" one day, but not yet. I was getting nervous, so broke out my stethoscope to listen last night!

 

[Uni tsi]

Ever since I read your previous post, I really want carrots with dip! I'll have to go out and get some tomorrow lol

Using the stethoscope must have been fun

 

[oneday123]

My trousers are already starting to get tight, especially my work ones. My favourite jeans are still ok, but they were a little too big to start I had a bit of a try on of some maternity clothes I had yesterday and was amazed at how many pairs of the trousers were very comfortable! I'm sure maternity clothes makes you look like you've got a bigger tummy, though - so will be hiding them until the dating scan!

I've been snacking on walnuts for the past few days, and was only thinking about carrot sticks yesterday (how sad??). Going to pack some in my lunch bag today so snack on, oh and satsumas! Dh bought me some sweets yesterday as I've not been feeling well. Lovely gesture, but I've already eaten loads! I have no self control!!

 

[Jessicahide]

Iam all about the chicken with hummus at the moment......

 

[ClandestineTX]

Do you dip the chicken in the hummus? I've always used hummus for vegetables, never thought about meat!


I completely agree maternity pants are designed to emphasize one's midsection. This is my first, which is why I think my abs have managed to keep things under control.

 

[Jessicahide]

Do you dip the chicken in the hummus? I've always used hummus for vegetables, never thought about meat!


I completely agree maternity pants are designed to emphasize one's midsection. This is my first, which is why I think my abs have managed to keep things under control.

Yeah i do, also team it up with some salad and a big helping of butter and kidney beans....... Too good!

 

[Uni tsi]

At 24 weeks now, I've finally started gaining about a lb a week. Feeling good about it as I'm right on track to only have a net gain of the 10 lbs my doc originally recommended. fx I can continue to stay on track.

I got some positive feedback today for all my hard work - the baby is in the 51st percentile for size. So, despite the diabetes, I am not having a big baby

 

[ClandestineTX]

That's such good news!!! I'm glad to hear that you are managing the GD well and that baby is doing awesome, as a result!

 

[Uni tsi]

Thank you Clandestine. It really is nice to finally get some positive reinforcement.

I'm starting to have a bit of joint pain now if I walk too fast. I can't help but contrast it to my last pregnancy where the thing that slowed me down was effort. Now, I can do the cardio part no problem, it's simply a mechanical limitation. Which makes me a little self-satisfied, to be honest Still, I'm going to try to go on a light hike today; hopefully that will agree with my pelvic area.

So hot here already, it's hard to get anything done outside except in the early morning or evening. I'm still trying to plant all the flowers I bought, which is especially exciting because I'm so pregnant now just planting flowers gives me active minutes on fitbit lol I haven't actually made it to the pool yet, but it's sounding like a really good idea! As the weather heats up, how is it changing everyone's else's exercise routines? Are you finding it easier or harder?

 

[ClandestineTX]

We always go walking before first light, if we can help it, and it's hot and humid already. Like was 21-25 C (70+F) all this week in the 5-6 am hours!

I'm mostly just tired, not terribly sore, not complaining so far!

 

[mrs.green2015]

Hi ladies can I join? I just found out not too long ago I'm pregnant and I really want to minimize how much weight j gain and just overall be healthy for myself and baby.

 

[Uni tsi]

MrsGreen welcome! It's really great to see you here

1st tri can be hardest cause of morning sickness, but we're all proof it's possible to stay on track What are your ideas and strategies so far? I found it helped to have a plan, as long as the plan was flexible lol

 

[Uni tsi]

Clandestine, wow I really should start getting up that early too. I'd be so much more productive! I feel like I waste most of the day sitting hiding inside under a fan lol

 

[ClandestineTX]

I love the outdoors, just not the insufferable heat! So, the early mornings are my compromise this time of year.

I've not been great about other exercise lately, on a business trip now, but determined to get back into it soon! Like this week!

 

[mrs.green2015]

A plan is a great idea! I should starting thinking of one.
What all did you do?

I really need to step up my activity. It's so warm I don't want to go outside and my treadmill isn't up because we're in between moving. So once we move I'll for sure have the treadmill up and be walking on it.

 

[Uni tsi]

Let's see, things that I do inside, at home....

Strength training is good, I've found. Even if you just have some small hand weights at home. That's how I started originally. Just simple things like bicep curls and tricep pulldowns, with a lighter weight than you might normally use and higher reps. I would do something like 3 sets of 15 once a day. If you haven't done it much, it's better to start lighter than you think you need and work your way up. You can take breaks between sets if you need to. Just don't go too heavy if you're not used to it because when pregnant our muscles and joints eventually stretch more easily so there's increased injury risk. That's why it's better to lift a little lighter and just compensate with higher reps, compared to what you might do not pregnant. I do believe strength training is just as important as cardio. Plus, it's made my arms look great I should really get back into it, but I've been keeping busy with other things lately.

I also found an app for my phone that has some basic exercises that can be done at home, and switches it up based on what trimester I'm in. Before I joined the gym, I found it really helpful.

My cable company offers some exercise videos streaming, and I like doing the prenatal yoga videos. It's more fun in person, but I haven't connected with a studio in my area since I moved. I really recommend prenatal yoga! If you've never done it, try an in person class. It's nice to have the instructor there at least at first, to help make sure you're doing the poses correctly.

Other than that, most of what I do is at the gym, or lately just outside in the yard. There is like two hours in the evening right before dark when it is very nice outside and I get a lot done in the garden. I'm already up to 406 active minutes on my fitbit this week, just from gardening!

I recommend doing something you find fun, it's a lot easier to stick with it that way. What sorts of things do you like doing?

 

[SamerSue]

Can I join in too?

I've been trying to take healthy snacks to work, so I can graze all day if necessary (fruit, veggies, guac). The doctor told me on Friday that I should watch my sodium intake, as my feet are already VERY swollen... Well, I didn't really watch it today, but I did count how much sodium... Eek! I had no idea that baby carrots would actually have sodium! I expected the guac to have sodium, but not the carrots!

I haven't been very active, but want to get out and start walking the dog more regularly. I also plan to make use of the pool this summer (though if I'm honest, I'm just gonna float and do the occasional flip underwater to get my hair wet/cool down).

We were planning to go kayaking in a few weeks, and I just bought new cycling shoes so that I'd be able to ride more comfortably after getting my bike tire fixed... but my husband said no to me kayaking (he and his friends usually go over some rough waters, and he doesn't want me to risk anything), and I'm seeing that cycling isn't recommended when pregnant (probably doubly so when I have a road bike that has super skinny tires). I didn't get out on the bike at all last summer, and was hoping to ride this summer. I miss it. What really sucks is that I had told myself that if I didn't get out and ride at least twice this summer, I'd sell the bicycle since I didn't actually ride it the summer before last either.

 

[Uni tsi]

Welcome Sue! Congrats on your BFP!

Snacks are a great idea. That's what gets me through, frankly. Without snacks, I turn into a carb obsessed piggie! lol

Having to limit salt is rough. Although, I do think your doc is on to something. Last pregnancy I was obsessed with salt, I couldn't get enough of it, and I did swell up a lot. This time around, I'm much more reasonable with it, and I still have ankles

I think you have an excuse to keep the bike one more year and try again. It will be perfect for losing the baby weight afterwards, and you can get one of those cute little carts to pull behind it once your LO is big enough. Personally, I'm really looking forward to being able to bike again.

Probably a good idea to avoid kayaking if it's new to you. And, I think the reason they suggest avoiding bicycling is because of the risk of falling. I've been doing aqua spin class this summer, that's my compromise! It's so much fun.