Weight Watchers and My Pregnancy - Update

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I blogged about Weight Watchers and My Pregnancy back in February. Since then, I have been receiving emails and comments from many of you who want to know how my weight gain is going. The most recent message I received was from Kristen, who just discovered that she was pregnant herself! This is not the way she thought her weight loss journey was going to go, but she is excited about the new addition to her family. Kristen had one question for me, "Can you offer any advice about how you were able to maintain your health and weight during your pregnancy?"

As I began to write Kristen back, I was shocked at how much I had to write about when it came to my pregnancy and healthy living. So, I've decided to turn my email into a blog post! I hope that this will encourage and help other people like Kristen, whose weight loss journey's are being put on hold for little bundles of joy.

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Preface

Before I begin, I want to make it very clear that what I am going to write is my opinion. It is NOT the opinion of Weight Watchers or anyone else. I am writing from my own personal perspective and opinion. I am not a professional nutritionist, just a woman trying to lead the healthiest lifestyle possible while I am pregnant.

With that being said, I think I should share with you that OFFICIALLY you cannot follow the Weight Watchers program while you are pregnant. A portion of the Weight Watchers health notice states, "Weight Watchers prohibits participation in its weight loss plan for children under the age of 10, those individuals with an active medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, those whose weight is less than 5 pounds above the minimum weight of the Weight Watchers Weight Ranges, and during pregnancy." To read the entire Weight Watchers health notice, please click here.

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As many of you already know the most important thing is for you to eat so that your baby can grow and be healthy. Like I said above, you may not officially follow Weight Watchers while you are pregnant. It is important to check with your doctor to see what he/she recommends that you eat throughout your pregnancy.

I felt like it is important to say these things, because I do not want any of you taking extreme measures to avoid gaining weight during your pregnancy. This is a sacrifice that we make as mother's while we share our body with our unborn child. Above all, it is a privilege to be able to provide for our child in this way.

For me, I could not let go of Weight Watchers completely. Maybe it's because I have been on this plan since 2008 and it has become a way of life for me. Or maybe it is because I am a Weight Watchers leader and try to continue to be an example to my members of healthy living. However, for some reason, I just could not let it go.

Throughout my pregnancy, I have been able to follow the principles of the Weight Watchers program, with permission from my doctor of course.

Exercise - I have been walking and exercising throughout my pregnancy. I walk at least 30 minutes 3- 4 times a week. This has been one of the best things I have done for myself and Olivia! I am 35 weeks pregnant and still have energy to move around and get things done. I think that this has been a result of my exercising. If you are pregnant and you do not exercise, I highly recommend that you get moving!

Good Health Guidelines - I continue to follow the principles of the Weight Watchers plan when it comes to my eating habits as well. I try to fill my day with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and more! I try to eat filling foods that keep me satisfied throughout the day.

Tracking - I have continued to keep track of my daily pointsplus values. It's not so that I will stay within a certain target number, but so that I will know what I am eating throughout the day. I did not want to default back into mindless eating again.

Weigh In - I know that the doctor weighs me in at each and every appointment. However, I have continued to weigh myself once a week to see how much weight I am gaining. This has helped me to know where I am at each week. It's not discouraging, but encouraging to know that I am gaining weight for my baby girl.

Please do not misunderstand me. I have not done this perfectly! I have given in to more cravings and splurges than I would like to admit. According to all the baby books I've read "healthy" weight gain for me is anywhere from 25-35 pounds. I am 35 weeks and so far I have already gained 36 pounds.

I am not frustrated with my weight gain, because I know that this is what Olivia needs from me right now. I am thankful that I have been able to continue my healthy lifestyle throughout my pregnancy, so that I can give my baby girl the healthiest start to life that I possibly can.

Just remember that there are lots of ways to continue to remain healthy throughout your pregnancy. These are a few things that worked for me. Always be sure to check with your doctor first!