Power Foods Pregnancy--My 6th One is DIFFERENT!

bodbuds
Feb 25, 2015
4 min read

Dear Body Buds,

Burgers, fries, and a shake? Ice cream and pickles? Pebble Ice from Sonic?

What do you crave?

Pregnancies can be full of comical cravings and eating habits. I’m on my 6th pregnancy so I feel like I’ve become somewhat of a pro ;).

Being pregnant is so much better this time around. I’m one of those people that experience morning sickness for 9 months. When I'm not throwing up, the heartburn is overwhelming. In my previous pregnancies, I embraced the notion that I could eat anything I wanted because I was pregnant and “eating for two.”

We ate out all the time. At night when I didn’t feel good, I turned to greasy fast food as my comfort. My husband was always making a late night Del Taco or Jack In The Box run.

This pattern continued with each addition to our family.

This time, things are different.

Coming into my current pregnancy, I had been living the Power Foods Lifestyle for about a year. I had never felt better in my entire life. I had more energy, and my body functioned and looked better than it ever had.

When I found out I was pregnant I instantly thought back to throwing up several times a day, every single day, for 9 months! As the weeks progressed, I was sick, but not throwing up daily. I was shocked and thought it was a fluke. I couldn't help but think, Maybe full-blown morning sickness just hasn’t hit me yet?

At about week 10 or 11 when I was already through my first trimester, I wasn’t throwing up hardly at all and morning sickness only lasted in the evenings. At this point I was looking for some type of explanation. Maybe this would be the girl I had always wanted (we have 5 boys).

And then I thought, it has to be the PFL. Living the principles of the Power Foods Lifestyle had created an environment where my body could thrive, even in pregnancy. I started consciously tracking when I felt the worst and what I was eating. Sure enough- when I stuck to my plan and ate PVC (Protein, Veggie, Carb) meals and PVF (Protein, Veggie, Fat) meals I felt amazing.

It’s hard to believe how much energy I have when you am eating right and not throwing up. With this energy, I could make it to the gym.

Now, let's contrast this: when I gave in to my pregnancy triggers of needing greasy, fatty foods and copious amounts of sugar, I would inevitably be sick, throw up, and want to crawl in bed by 7:00 p.m.

Now, notice that I said "pregnancy triggers" and NOT "cravings!" I guarantee you that your body does not “need” fatty, greasy, or over sugared foods; therefore it does not “crave” it.

We allow ourselves to develop wants for these things, whether we are feeling awful and not wanting to cook, being lazy, or just plain too tired. This is where those Power Foods Strategies come into play.

Make a plan, prepare your food, and stick to it!

I have come to realize that if I’m not feeling good, chances are that I’m going to feel sick no matter what I eat, but even WORSE if it’s fast food and refined sugar. It’s easy to gravitate to those things when there’s nothing else, but when you have prepped your power food meals consisting of whole, nutritious foods, it becomes a no-brainer to make those healthy choices that are best for you and your unborn baby.

Have you read Kristy Jo’s Power Foods Lifestyle for Two? It's a must-read for any pregnant woman. I loved what Elizabeth Wyson Smith, CPM, LDEM had to say regarding pregnant women and nutrition:

“Nutrition will determine the majority of any pregnancy’s outcome.”

She even goes as far as to say 90% of the outcome of any pregnancy depends on nutrition! So how important is what you are putting into your mouth? How about while pregnant? I’d say more important than ever!

What Do I Eat While Pregnant?

Stick to your basic macronutrients: Protein, Carbs and Fats with your Veggis of course. Let’s take a minute and break down how much of each macronutrient you should be consuming and which foods to get them from.

-Protein:

Approximately 40% of your daily caloric intake is recommended in the Power Foods Liestyle. Power Foods for Two teaches that the protein intake will be less than this for most women. The best sources for protein are lean meat such as chicken, ground turkey, fish, and very lean beef. Other sources listed as Power Protein foods such as 2% cottage, Plain Greek Yogurt and eggs.

-Carbohydrates:

Approximately 40% of your daily caloric intake. Carbs have a bad rap and this is for a reason. There are two different kinds of carbs. Simple and complex. It is very important to stick to Complex carbs such as green vegetables, oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and legumes.

-Fats:

Approximately 20% of your daily caloric intake. Focus on eating monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Some good sources are raw almonds, avocadoes, coconut oil, olive oil and fish such as salmon.

-Fruits and Vegetables.

Try to incorporate a vegetable into every meal. Enjoy your fruits but keep in mind that a serving is usually ½ of a piece of fruit!

What Should I Avoid?

Stay away from the processed foods with high amounts of artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Avoid simple carbs like soda, candy, white bread, etc.
Try to eliminate all canola and vegetable oils (including non-stick sprays).

One of my favorite sayings is “If it can go bad, it’s good for you. If it can’t go bad, it’s bad for you!”

So, bottom line for all you pregnant mommas or soon-to-be pregnant mommas,

pregnancy is not an excuse to eat anything and everything and let your self go. Pregnancy should motivate you to eat better for you and your child.

The Power Foods Lifestyle is not very different while pregnant than when maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Obviously you need a few more calories- make sure you get the right ones. The Power Foods Lifestyle will give you a better chance of having a successful pregnancy and delivery and improve the post-partum experience.

Enjoy this time as you experience one of, if not THE, most amazing changes your body will ever go through. Make the most of it. Start now giving your baby the best start at life.

Love your bud,