Losing Weight While Trying to Conceive

Hi, a few years back I participated in a wonderful mind/body weekennd workshop on fertility led by Alice Domar (?).
What I learned, and saw have a positive impact with some classmates, is that its better to have about 5-10 more pounds on your body. Trying to loose weight now is really bad, can alter your period, change hormones, etc.
Just follow a healthy diet and moderate exercise while conceiving and pregnant. I had body issues and weight issues all my life, and I just had to get over it (esp. since I was carrying twins!) You get big when pregnant because your body is working HARD!!

The weight will come off with time after your baby is born. It really does, but your shape is uh, different.

Dearest Katrina,

I am also a SAHM of two beautiful daughters, 7yrs and 3 1/2 yrs old. Before I got pregnant with my second daughter I wanted to lose a few pounds too. Especially for health reasons. I joined Weight Watchers and learned that this program is the best way to lose weight. I ended up losing 35 lbs. in about 4-5 months. It's not a diet, it a learning process. It taught me how to cook, how to eat and portion sizes. I didn't really go to their meetings, except only once to get an idea of what I was getting into, but I did follow the program the way it's suppose to be. I bought their kit for about $20. Briefly the way the program works, the one I followed. Depending on your height and weight you are allowed to ear a certain amount of points. Each food that you eat has a certain amount of points. Ex. I was only allowed to eat 22 points throughout the day. So I would divide it by 4 meals, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. You might think 22 points is not alot, but if you chose the right foods and eat alot of veggies, trust me you'll be satisfied. That's the thing about Weight Watchers, it teaches you how to be satisfied at the end of a meal and not feel full like you're going to blow. It'll take about two weeks for you to get the hang of it and train your stomach to feel satisfied and not ask for more food. Another thing you need to do is drink alot of water. That's always been my trouble, but I've learned to drink water with my food now and not depend so much on sodas. There are other drinks like diet coke, tea and flavored water you can have. Try it, it works. After my second baby, now rs
3 1/2 yrs old, I gained the weight, but that's because I stopped taking care of myself. But I'm back on it and I've alredy lost 6 lbs. in 3 weeks. Losing weight process is slow if you don't exercise, but if you do at least walk, it adds points to your daily meals. Go to one of their meetings, just sit in and see if this is right for you.

Good luck.
E. M.

Dear Katrina,
Let me start by saying that I think you should speak to your ob/gyn about this . . . Now I will give you my opinion - which absolutely carries no weight! =) I have been out of the baby-making business for a long time [my baby just turned fifteen - my son will be nineteen in a week =( ] Two things pop into my little head while reading your letter - first, I keep hearing about folic acid and how important it is BEFORE you conceive - you can probably get it in pre-natals, but I checked my Women's One-A-Day. and it contains 100% of your folic acid requirement. The thing other thing that concerns me is that you are nursing while trying to conceive. My understanding is that nursing stimulates oxytocin production - which causes uterine contractions. I know there are split opinions on nursing while trying to conceive, but it definitely will not make it easier . . . That said, I definitely think that it is wise to lose weight BEFORE conceiving - I didn't between my second and third babies and really regretted it later (of course, we're talking about more than fifteen pounds, too!)
Good luck!
B.

It sounds to me like your body has enough going on to keep it from wanting to lose any weight right now. Simply nursing your youngest son is stressing it out a bit, and if you are chasing around 2 little guys, recovering from a miscarriage, and trying to get pregnant...honey, give yourself a break!
The truth is, you probably need to just focus on your nutritional needs right now- and you might consider getting the advice from a nutritionist to make sure you are depleted or lacking. When our bodies think we're "starved" for anything, they will generally not allow us is metabolize normally either, and that means we don't lose weight! Every ounce is important to a starving body, right?
Maybe try a nice walk with DH and the boys after dinner, or take a yoga class a couple of times a week. If possible, get in some "me time" for 30 minutes a day. DH can step up here: you prepare the body for the new baby, he can help you find the time. Other than that, make sure you're really nourishing your body well. And keep taking prenatal vitamins- whether you get pregnant any time soon or not, your body needs as much help as it can get. Good luck!

Start walking everyday while pushing your son in the stroller. This will help you loose eight and stay healthy. This is something that you can do throughout your pg to stay healthy. If you get pg before taking off the weight it is ok. Just keep an excersize program while pg. You can also go to some really great prenatal yoga classes. They have them everywhere.
Good Luck!

As long as you are healthy you should be able to do any physical activity that you want so far as being pregnant- I don't know anything about physical activity preventing conception, either. No, you don't have to do a special prenatal workout. My doctor told me that, as long as you ran (or swam or whatever) before you were pregnant it's fine to continue doing so as long as you listen to your body and know when to either slow down or stop. The problems occure when people begin a new activity while pregnant. However, this may differ for you depending on the reason for your miscarriage. Might want to check with the doc.

I understand your desire to drop some weight pre-pregnancy, just don't be tempted to skip out on food.

What I have been using that I've actually lost 8lbs in the last two weeks, is natural and organic, no side effects and the Spokespearson for the product is Heather Hansen from the Biggest Loser is O3World.
Check it out, I love it!
http://myO3worldproducts.com

S.

I would recommend exercise; even a 30 minute brisk walk 4 - 5 days per week could offer both weight loss and energy gain. And you can keep it up throughout the pregnancy.

With our second baby, I was told to stay away from all forms of sugar (except fruit, of course). I also walked 30-45 minutes 3 days per week. It was SO difficult at first but became easier after a few weeks. I still look back at those photos and wish I could look as fit and trim as I did during and after that pregnancy! Good luck!

Hi Katrina : )
Getting in shape prior to conception is a great idea! There is a lot of research out there that shows that your chances for conception can increase with fitness level. As long as your doctor gives you clearance to exercise, I would say GO FOR IT! This is a perfect time to make your health a priority.

In health,
F. Hruska
National Fitness Director
Stroller Strides
www.strollerstrides.com

The best way to lose weight it to do periods of high intensity exercise mixed in with low intensity exercise. So, go for one minute slow, then slowly start to pick up your speed. Then, when you are out of breath, drop back down. You should do about 20 minutes to get the benefits.

That will "shock your body" and in turn, speed up your metabolism. I have used it with Mom's preparing for pregnancy and it works wonders. You don't even have to run, you can do it while walking too.

It may be tough with two kids, but do everything you can to get at least four times a week of training in.

Also, if you add strength training that can help too.

Good Luck! :)

J.

I guess I am a little confused, why are you still nursing a 4 year old? They should be completely on solid foods already, they are not getting any kind of sustenance from breast milk, and it could actually be doing more harm than good. you should be able to lose weight by any means, diet and exercise...combined. Just my opinion...and my pediatrician's.

I would go ahead and take some prenatal vitamins, they are recommended to take when you are trying to get prenant anyway. It's still vitamins which is good for you anyway! Also, just cut your portion sizes down and that makes a huge difference! Walks are also fun for you and your little ones to get out and get some air.
Great job on still nursing your youngest. I allowed my now 4 year old to self wean and I am currently tandem nursing a two year old and a 10 month old, so it can be done!! Good luck to you!

I would just eat better, drink water, and walk. Please don't take any diet pills, and make sure you're taking your prenatal vitamins with folic acid in them. The neural tubes start forming before you even know you're pregnant. If you're actively trying to conceive, assume you are pregnant every second, just in case.

Hey Katrina,
I went through the same thing. I miscarried before I got pregnant with my son. I too had gained a little weight and was having trouble shedding it before I got pregnant again. But it didn't happen.
I recommend a good exercise program and not to diet, ( I hate that word because we should never diet) but to just eat well. Eat healthy balanced meals and cut out all the bad stuff.
What I have decided to do is, if I can't feed it to my 10 month old (who is on solids) then I can't eat it. So, no sodas, no fried food, no sugar (I choose not to feed him any refined sugar) and so forth.
So that is just a thought. And as far as a workout program, I would check out Stroller Strides. Go to there website and find one near your. It is awesome. And you can continue to do it after you have your next baby.
Well, have fun getting pregnant and keep up the great work.

And by the way, good for you for still breastfeeding your son.

Katrina have you ever heard of Isagenix? It is the most awesome product to ever come my way, that works and it is very fast and safe. We also have a product that will help balance your body very quickly, if you'd like to see what it is or read about it please go to www.allinonebottle.com
You can see what it did for me and see if it is something you would like to check out, go to www.weightlosshalloffame.net I'm #159 there and my best friend is Terri Parbs #137 if you'd like more info. let me know or go to www.mybodycleanse.info I hope to hear back from you. M.

I would not set out to lose weight while nursing as your diet affects the nutritional content of your milk supply. Also, since you're planning to get pregnant anyway, why not just wait until you're no longer nursing a baby and work with what you have then? As for slimming those 10 lbs., nursing is a great way to lose weight! I would just recommend cleaning up your dietary habits (replacing any junk food, reducing processed foods & artificial chemicals, etc.) establishing a regular excercise routine (whether light or more exertive) and seeing how your body responds to that. Make sure you're getting enough rest, both for your health and your milk supply!

Try looking at this website... www.bodyforlife.com
I used it to lose 105 pounds and did so in 16 months... then I turned up pregnant. It allowed me to also keep my pregnancy weight down. I'm back on the program now and am nursing. There has been an increase in my breastmilk so not to worry there.