I just tested positive this morning and I'm starting to think about what I'm eating and how it may need to be changed. To lose weight, I've been eating between 1200-1300 calories per day. At this rate, I lose approximately 1.5-2 pounds per week. So assuming I have approximately a 5000 calorie deficit per week on 1200-1300 calories a day, does that mean I should now be eating around 2000 cals?? That seems way high to me. Just wanted to get others' opnions on this. Thanks!
Thanks gotworktodo! I'm definitely planning on NOT dieting while pregnant, but continuing with my healthy lifestyle that I've built up...just wondering how many calories I should be adding back in. I notice that already I am hungrier, so I am responding to that by having a few extra healthy snacks. I guess I'll have to see what happens and also get the advice of my doctor at my appointment in a few weeks time. Thanks again!
Ana verage calorie diet for a woman NOT trying to lose weight is about 2000 calories a day. This is what you should be eating during your first trimester. In the second trimester and third trimester you should add between 300-500 calories a day-for a diet of 2300-2500 a day.
The reason why you don't need extra calories during the first trimester is because the baby stays small-most of the development is the organs, skeletal structure, and basically the entire "form" of the baby. In the second and third trimesters is when the baby starts growing in length and in weight-so the baby needs the calories at that time.
1200-1300 is actually the LOW end of a low calorie diet when you are trying to lose weight. Women lose weight on 1200-1800 a day, depending on their individual circumstances. 2000 may seem high right now-but it really isn't. You are just used to eating the LOW end of calorie counting.
Yes you're right Aphil I got very used to being around 1200 cals - and I wasn't hungry. I'm just not used to eating around 2000 cals anymore, but if I do it healthy and keep up my exercise it should go well. Thank you for your advice I was hoping you'd check this thread!
I think it makes a big difference what your current weight is, too. I think you could eat 1800 - 2000 calories and maintain - so add 300 to that for the pregnancy, and that takes you to 2100-2400. DEFINITELY talk to your doctor, though - I am only speculating.
It definitely depends on what you weigh now. It takes more calories to maintain a 200lb body than a 150lb body, even if those bodies do the exact same amount of work/exercise. There are several online calculator tools, try googling 'how many calories do i need' or something similar.
This is true that a larger body takes more to maintain, but for instance, someone who weighs 300 pounds does not need to maintain that weight during pregnancy. It is very common for a very large woman, if she follows a healthy pregancy diet, to sometimes lose weight, and still provide enough nutrients for the baby...while someone who usually doesn't eat much and might be underweight, to gain more-following the same diet.
The 2000 calories a day during the first trimester, and 2300-2500 after that point has more to do with the baby getting enough nutrients than it does with losing/maintaining/gaining weight.
defiently talk to your doctor. mine was more concerned with me eating my fruits and veggies and eating the same way i was. but i am over weight when i got pregnant. i was instructed to just drink 2 glasses of whole milk a day since i already got my protein in. so my calories only weight up about 200 a day when i followed instructions. i on the other hand craved milk and drank way too much. please let us know what they say.
My doc was pretty hands off about giving me information on a calorie range. He just said I should eat healthy foods (duh) and I should make sure I get all the major nutrients (calcium, iron...etc.)...and to follow the cues of my body. Which I guess makes perfect sense!!
I've been doing my best, I think I'm sticking around 1800-2000 cals per day, depending on the day (unfortunately my first trimester I felt nauseous if I didn't have something in my stomach, so I ended up overeating quite a bit). I'm in my second tri now though and things are settling down. Unfortunately I've already gained about 12 pounds! It is what it is though! I know anything I gain will come off again once I can get back to my plan.
Just wanted to give a quick update for anyone who was interested in what my doc had to say. Thanks for all your input ladies!
Calorie Requirements while pregnant?
