My Heart Revolution

It is inevitable that you will gain weight during your pregnancy because you are eating for you and your baby. Not to mention you will gain as your baby develops and grows. The normal weight gain for pregnant women is 25 to 35 pounds. This is just an average range so don’t be afraid if you gain more or less than that. The importance is to stay fit and healthy during the nine months you are carrying your baby or babies. You don’t want to do anything too strenuous or start a diet or follow a fad diet to keep weight gain down. Here are some ways to stay fit and healthy during your pregnancy.

Eating healthy meals is important because you are providing nourishment for your baby. Don’t cut back on calories because you are afraid of weight gain. Pregnant women should add 200 to 300 calories to their daily intake. The quality of the foods you eat are just as important as the quantity. Eat organic foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals which will give you energy and nourishment. It is acceptable to give into cravings, but eat sweet treats or generally unhealthy foods in moderation.

To stay in shape and minimize too much weight gain you should exercise regularly. Find an exercise routine that you are comfortable with and one where you won’t over exert yourself. Also, don’t start a new routine that you didn’t do before you were pregnant. If you have always been a runner, it is ok to run while you are carrying. If it is too painful to run, then you can walk which is also a great way to stay in shape. You can always consult with your doctor if you are worried about harming your baby from the workouts you are doing. Listen to your body, because it always lets you know your limits. If you haven’t tried yoga before, you can find great mommy yoga classes that will relax and tone your body.

It can be a lot of work carrying a baby. Your legs and back will get sore, and you may notice that you get tired easily. Part of staying healthy is taking care of you. It is important to get enough sleep and plenty of rest during the day if you need it. Over exerting yourself during the day can be harmful to both you and your baby. Don’t feel guilty about asking for help when you need it or taking naps during the day. Part of being healthy is resting.

Eating properly, exercising on a daily basis, and getting enough rest will ensure that you stay fit and healthy during your pregnancy. You provide the nutrition that your baby needs and staying healthy is important for both of your lives.

Melanie Nader is the founder of the Homestead Company which makes premium quality natural skin care products including eczema oil and diaper ointment made with the finest 100% natural ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.homesteadcompany.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-stay-fit-and-healthy-during-pregnancy-1768230.html

My Heart Revolution Heart Health Fitness Calories, Cravings, Exercise Routine, Fad Diet, Fit Pregnancy, Healthy Meals, Moderation, Mommy, New Routine, Nine Months, Nourishment, Organic Foods, Pregnant Women, Sweet Treats, Unhealthy Foods, Vitamins And Minerals, Vitamins Minerals, Weight Gain, Workouts, Yoga Classes

You have probably heard the saying ‘you are what you eat’. This is especially true with regard to living a healthy lifestyle. It isn’t actually as difficult to live a healthy way of life as you might think. Here are some tips to help you to choose the right types of food for keeping yourself fit and healthy.

Green is Good

At the top of your shopping list should be fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. A large number of the nutrients and vitamins that a person needs for keeping their body healthy are contained in these foods. These days there is a great variety of fruit and vegetables on the market, and even if you don’t really like them much there should be some which you can find to appeal to you. Have a go at preparing them in different ways and in a variety of dishes, hot or cold, and find out what you like most. You need 5 to 7 servings or more each day in your diet and this will really make a difference in the way you feel and look.

Eat Organic

We weren’t designed to live on lots of processed foods. One of the major reasons, according to scientists, for the high incidence of chronic health problems as well as life threatening illnesses in our society these days is that we are eating too many processed foods, foods with chemical additives, and unhealthy foods in general. When you go grocery shopping you should try to buy some organic foods, because they are free from preservatives, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. If you are lucky enough to have an organic market in your neighborhood, select some chemical free products when you can, so that harmful chemicals are not so prevalent in your life.

Raw Foods

Uncooked foods are often much better for you than cooked ones. This is especially so of fruits and vegetables. So buy some organic foods, wash them and cut them up, and then serve them just like that. Raw foods have the benefit that they still have digestion assisting enzymes in them, as well as more beneficial vitamins and minerals. Cooking of fruit or vegetables strips them of much of their nutritional value and their beneficial enzymes. Sometimes the cooked foods have lost so much of their nutritional value that you may as well serve up cardboard.

Buy from your Farmers Market

A great source of organic and natural foods is your local farmers market. The vendors here usually live locally and grow their produce locally, which means you are supporting your local economy by buying there, rather than that of a large chain. You could also save money this way; in addition these markets can be fun to visit and in the process you can learn about healthy ways of life.

Dana Sherman is a certified nutritionist, with extensive experience in the area of dieting and weight loss. Dana’s approach places a large emphasis on changes in lifestyle to better your eating habits and your overall approach to food.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-right-food-choices-the-secret-to-great-longterm-health-1107649.html

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