low-carb diets

[Ruthie]

I would like to lose as much weight as possible over the next five-six months because I would like to have a baby. I don't want to be this heavy when I'm pregnant. I'm considering a low-carb diet but don't want to gain all of the weight back while pregnant. Can you eat low-carb while pregnant and still be healthy? Also - anyone on low carb diets with any creative recipes?

[jenniferharris1]

Oh, how wonderful that you're trying to have a baby! While I'm not sure about low-carb diets, I would definitely suggest that you eat lots of spinach and fortified cereals to up your intake of folic acid. That prevents neural tube defects. And there's a great book, What To Expect When You're Expecting, that has diet recommendations among other things. If you eat sensibly and healthily, you shouldn't gain all of your weight back.
Congratulations! I hope you'll let us know when you're pregnant.

[Kerri]

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST!! Now, I am not a fan of all these fad diets, but I can see their appeal. What I do know is that these types of diets are very hard on your liver. Hmmm, it is either your liver or your kidneys. Point being, the stress of this diet and of getting pregnant might be too much for that organ. Please be careful.

[BethH]

I agree with Kerri! I believe that if you want to try the low-carb diet, its safer to do it for a limited time only or else it can cause liver and/or kidney problems ( I can't remember which either) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/confused.gif Go ahead and try it before you get pregnant (and good luck!) but I wouldn't mess with it once you are expecting! My tips: Eat in moderation and incorporate exercise but don't limit your child's nutrients in order to lose weight! Also--remember that when you get pregnant, it doesn't really mean you get to eat for two! A slight increase in calories is all that's needed. Finally, breastfeed--it makes it much easier to take off some lbs post-pregnancy! Good luck!

[This message has been edited by BethH (edited 06-27-2000).]

[This message has been edited by BethH (edited 06-27-2000).]

[cookgirl]

Ruthie

Pre-pregnancy is a vital time for building up your nutrient levels, quitting addictions, and getting into a general healthy regime. I really think that you ought to reconsider using this period of time to panic over weight-loss and perhaps fall under the spell of fad diets. (Besides 1. you WILL regain weight during pregnancy 2. you shouldn't just "let yourself go" during pregnancy. There are healthy guidelines for monitoring the baby's weight gain.)
If you want to be healthy (This does NOT mean Cindy Crawford):
1) Stop eating Junk Food right now
2) Start walking 30-45 minutes a day, 5 days a week
3)Quit smoking/drinking/etc. if applicable
4)Take pre-natal vitamins for your baby
and
5)Tell your obgyn NOW about your plans!

GOOD LUCK


[This message has been edited by cookgirl (edited 06-29-2000).]

[Kristilyn1]

For the person who is looking to get pregnant soon--GET A PAP SMEAR!!!

Take it from one who had absolutely healthy results every year, I went right before I decided to start trying for a second child and ended up needing surgery. I did get pregnant and had to have pap smears every three months with the dire warning that another "really bad" pap during the first six months could signal the need to terminate the pregnancy. Everything worked out fine--but NO ONE needs to have those kind of worries while pregnant. You want your body as healthy as it can be BEFORE you get pregnant. Good luck!

[JillS4996]

I can definitely understand that you want to be in good shape before the pregnancy, but I wouldn't suggest using a low-carb diet. First of all, these types of diets are not consistent with a lifestyle change, which is what it truly takes to lose and maintain weight. One theory as to why this diet works is that when people overeat they tend to eat too much high-carb foods, but not so much with high-protein foods. Weight loss comes down to one simple equation: calories consumed must be < calories burned. Just beware of any diet that restricts a certain food or food group the way that these low-carb diets do. The high-protein content is very hard on the kidneys, which has the potential to cause some major problems. A safer and more effective long-term strategy would be to cut down on portion sizes, watch out for empty calories, and EXERCISE!!!! Not only will more physical activity help with weight loss, it can strengthen your body to better prepare you for pregnancy and childbirth. The time to start a fitness program is now, not when you are already pregnant. I'll stop now because I'm rambling, but let us know how things are going and good luck - you will do great!!!

Originally posted by Ruthie:
I would like to lose as much weight as possible over the next five-six months because I would like to have a baby. I don't want to be this heavy when I'm pregnant. I'm considering a low-carb diet but don't want to gain all of the weight back while pregnant. Can you eat low-carb while pregnant and still be healthy? Also - anyone on low carb diets with any creative recipes?

[Kelly]

Hi Ruthie - You might want to check out this website - http://www.3fatchicks.com/. It has a msg board section and one of the topics is Diet Plans. From what I have seen, it is a very active board. They also have some great recipes posted there.

[girlfromoz]

Hi

I joined a group called ediets a few weeks ago - they have fantastic support groups (via bulletin boards like this) and have recipes designed to help you lose a maximum of 2lbs per week - slow and steady definately keeps it off. I've been on it 5 weeks and have lost 9lbs. Have a look at www.ediets.com (http://www.ediets.com) It costs about $10 per month to be a member but it is definately worth it!!

Good luck with the pregnancy.

Deanne

[christinew]

Originally posted by Ruthie:
I would like to lose as much weight as possible over the next five-six months because I would like to have a baby. I don't want to be this heavy when I'm pregnant. I'm considering a low-carb diet but don't want to gain all of the weight back while pregnant. Can you eat low-carb while pregnant and still be healthy? Also - anyone on low carb diets with any creative recipes?

I am SOOOOOO excited for you because I am also on track to get pregnant in about 6 months. AND I must lose some weight. This is a great post. I think I may quit all drinking even now 6 months prior.....(of course during). Even though I may drink only 6-8 drinks in total during a week I think this is empty calories....any thoughts?

Anyone out there quit drinking entirely and see substantial weight loss or any positivity to this?

Thanks!!!