Eat for two...

I'm pregnant. I get to eat for two, right? Not so fast...A common misconception among women is that when you’re pregnant you should eat for two, meaning you can eat much more than usual or whatever you want. This simply is not the case. If you relax and overeat during pregnancy, you will regret it. After giving birth, losing those extra pounds will be that much more challenging.

Now- you should not restrict calories during pregnancy, but pregnancy is a great time to start learning some improved eating habits and making healthy dietary changes.

You can avoid gaining too much weight during your pregnancy if you eat smart. Here are some tips for how much you should eat during your pregnancy:

300 Calories If you are at a normal weight for your age and height when you become pregnant, you should only add about 300 calories per day to your normal caloric intake. Be wise in the choices you make about where these additional calories will come from. Try to avoid empty calories like white flour and sugar, they have no real nutritional value and can contribute to blood sugar imbalances.

Fruits and Veggies Remember to stock up on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Grapes, apples and bananas are wonderful. Fresh raw veggies, like baby carrots, celery and cucumbers can replace junk food. Keep your refrigerator stocked with these healthy snacks and eat at least five servings per day.

Fiber You can never get too much fiber when you are pregnant! Fiber helps prevent constipation, which many women deal with during pregnancy. Foods like bran, raisins and whole grains can keep things moving.

Protein Most doctors suggest that you should increase your protein intake during pregnancy to avoid certain problems. Protein is important during pregnancy and has a double effect as some foods that are high in protein are good sources of iron as well.

If you need some additional help to keep you on track while you eat for two, I recommend Healthy Menu Mailer. Click HERE for a free sample menu and shopping list.