Away we go!

I decided to start this blog because I need a place to keep track of all my thoughts and plans during my pregnancy.  And I'm sure after, too.  

I thought I could be one of those healthy people that gained the minimal amount of healthy weight and that would be that!  Um...reality is a bit different.  Here I am, 22 weeks in and I've almost gained the entire minimum amount that is recommended.  Now, I'm going to change my tune.  I don't need to focus so much on weight but more on eating healthy.  I know I'm not doing that like I should.  Like most people, I eat great during the day.  It's the after dinner hours that are getting me.  I just can't.stop.snacking! So, I'm attempting to make a list to check in with to beat this evening eating monster.  

1. Go for a walk after dinner

2. Eat fruit

3. Make Tea

4. Drink Water

5. Remember my ultimate goals

I think those are pretty good for one day, don't you?  

Today is going to be a bit more challenging for me on the healthy eating front. We have a wedding to attend at one and there is a mini-reception after.  That is a prime snack time for me.  Being pregnant I get hungry every couple of hours.  This is not normal, oh, my tummy is growling a bit hunger.  It's freaking feed me now!!!! hunger.  So, I think I'll bring a Luna bar with me to help quell that beast before the reception.  I'm pretty sure meat on a tray does not fall under the category of healthy pregnancy eats.  

5 Day Plan

These past few months have been life changing for me...in more than a couple of ways. 

First - Being pregnant.  It's a challenge to eat healthy food and the right amount when I do eat.  I feel hungry a lot more often than I was prior to being pregnant.  This makes it difficult to consistently choose the "right" thing to eat.  Throw Easter candy into the mix and you have what has led me to the point I'm at now.  I've gained weight too quickly.

Second - Difficult term in school.  I've been studying, studying, studying.  This has left little focus for keeping up on cooking healthy meals, cleaning house and taking care of myself.  I've done little or no working out since school started in March.  This has contributed to the weight I've gained and the sense of not having control over anything right now.  

It's hard to feel good when I am consistently outgrowing my closet.  I know I need to buy new clothes eventually.  But I was thinking that would be further in the future of my pregnancy.  Needless to say - I have begun to formulate a plan for myself.  The first part is just a 5 day plan to get me through to the weekend.  Baby-steps, people!

1.  Eat healthy, track all food. (even the nibbles)
2.  Exercise daily.
3.  Smile!  You're pregnant!!! 

Pregnancy Weight Gain Plan

Being the Type A person that I am I realized that I would be much happier with a plan in place for my weight gain during my pregnancy.  I know that I need to gain weight, but I am scared that it will get out of control if I'm not making sure I am making healthy choices over the next 6 months.  

May 2011
12 - 5/6: 123
13 - 5/13:  122
14 - 5/20:
15 - 5/27:
Goal - 122

June 2011
16 - 6/3:
17 - 6/10:
18 - 6/17:
19 - 6/24:
Goal - 125

July 2011
20 - 7/1:
21 - 7/8:
22 - 7/15:
23 - 7/22:
24 - 7/29:
Goal – 128.75

August 2011
25 - 8/5:
26 - 8/12:
27 - 8/19:
28 - 8/26:

Goal – 131.75

September 2011

29 - 9/2:

30 - 9/9:

31 - 9/16:

32 - 9/23:

33 - 9/30:

Goal – 135.5

October 2011

34 - 10/7:

35 - 10/14:

36 - 10/21:

37 - 10/28:

Goal – 138.5

November 2011

38 - 11/4:

39 - 11/11:

Goal - 140

New Challenges

This spring has brought some great and challenging news with it.  On March 10th I found out I was pregnant!  It's still a bit unbelieveable to me.  HealthyMan and I had been "trying" for a few years and had been told it wouldn't happen on it's own for us.  Proved them wrong! 

The most challenging part so far for me is to not over eat.  I'm not sure why, but I've taken this as a green light to eat and eat and eat.  I really don't want to gain too much weight and struggle to lose the weight later.  I know I need to find a balanced way to eat and not be hungry.  I do notice that I have a significantly larger appetite than I did before I was pregnant.  In this first trimester, if I don't eat when I feel hungry it quickly turns to nausea.  Not. Fun.

Working out has also been a challenge.  I lack any kind of energy to put into fitness.  It's enough to shower, dress and make a meal.  Then I feel like it's nap time.  I have heard the second trimester I will regain some energy.  For the time being I want to at least do yoga 3 times a week.  I'm hoping in the coming weeks I'll be able to do it daily along with another cardio workout.  I want to make sure I'm in shape for the upcoming event!

A little about me....

I woke up this morning inspired to write a little about myself and my goals.  I haven't decided how much I want to put out here...I'm a little shy. (not really, I'm just being coy)


I turned 30 earlier this year...yes 30! I remember when I was younger thinking 30 was SO OLD! Haha!  Now I realize that you are only as young/old as you feel. I guess I feel 30 since that's how old I am, but 30 isn't our parent's 30, right?


I quit my job that I'd had for 10 years in October of 2009.  It was the best and scariest thing I'd ever done!  I have a wonderfully supportive husband that encouraged me to quit so I could find my way to what I really want to do.  How awesome is that?  It took me a few months of being home and really searching out, but I started Massage Therapy school in the Spring of 2010.  That decision has really changed a lot of things about my life.  I've never been so self-aware before. 

Ok...I think that's enough intro for one day!  Onto the "good" stuff.

So, yesterday I had a rough day.  I'm the first to admit that my emotions get the best of me.  But should that mean that it's ok to eat almost an entire package of Oreo's?  I don't think so...actually I know so.  And I got my just desserts.  An entire night of tossing and turning and sweating because I was so uncomfortably full.  This morning is not much better.  

Dealing with that last night and still feeling crummy this morning has led me to re-evaluate my goals.  Fitness and diet and lifestyle.  Now don't take the work diet in the wrong way.  I don't mean deprive myself.  What I mean is that I have some health goals that I have to eat a certain way to overcome.  

Today is a new day and I'm excited to get started binge-free and one step closer to my goal being achieved!  



 

Eh

That title just about sums up my week.  It started out with a bang and it's kind of ending with a whimper.  So many goals, so little preparation.  I don't think changing a whole way of eating is something that you can prepare enough for.  I have broken it down into what I'm phasing out which week and that is still not working.  I have this all or nothing attitude (which I think it pretty common) that prevents me from moving forward.

I've done a lot of analyzing today and I'm prepared to move forward and just suck it up.  Do I want cheese, or do I want to reach my goals and feel better?  Do I want WW bread, or do I want to reach my goals and feel better?  Seems like a pretty easy choice.  Well, it is when I'm sitting at my desk typing it out with out any temptation staring me in the face.  haha.

As far as progress for the week - I've found a plethora of awesome dairy-free, gluten-free blogs to reference as I put together a new menu for my kitchen.  I think I'm going to pick out a few recipes to try and just make them on a rotating basis.  Maybe 10-14 different things that I really do like to eat and then I won't feel so lost when I head in to the kitchen to cook.  That is the one thing that makes me lose track of why I've changed my diet....having to really think about whats for dinner, or dig for something that I can actually eat.

1st Day...

Yesterday was my first full day of no dairy, limited wheat eating.  It was a success!  I didn't feel deprived and I loved everything that I ate for the day. 


Breakfast - Bunch of grapes and coffee

Lunch - Kappa Maki, California Rolls, and Miso Soup

Dinner - Chili Mac w/ Brown rice Fusilli

Snack - Soy Chai Latte, prunes

The Chai Latte tasted just like the ones I get at the local coffee shop.  Since that is my only dairy/additive free option while having a coffee drink out I'll be making it at home from now on.  I used Oregon Chai concentrate, decaf version and light vanilla soy milk.  Mmmmm...I'm looking forward to having this when I get home from school tonight!

Today so far -

Breakfast - Grits with stevia, tsp. earth balance, cinnamon, splash of almond milk
I never thought I'd like sweet grits, but it was a yummy wheat-free hot cereal option for me!

Lunch - have not eaten lunch yet, but I'm planning on going to a vegan, gluten free deli that also serves gluten-free vegan donuts.  Can't wait to see how they are.  I've read mixed reviews.

One of my classmates is coming over in a bit for studying and massage practice before our evening class.  I have some studying to do before she even gets here...oh and I better get up and showered, too!