if you have gained more weight than recommended during the beginning of your pregnancy talk to your medical provider. in most cases it is not appropriate to intentionally attempt to lose weight during pregnancy. be sure to eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you and your baby need. here are some tips to slow your weight gain: when eating out at a fast food restaurant choose lower fat items such as broiled chicken breast sandwich with tomato and lettuce (no sauce or mayonnaise) side salad with low-fat dressing plain bagels or a plain baked potato. avoid fried foods such as french fries mozzarella sticks or breaded chicken patties. avoid whole milk products. you need at least four servings of milk products every day. however using skim 1% or 2% milk will greatly reduce the amount of calories and fat you eat. also choose low-fat or fat-free cheese or yogurt. limit sweet or sugary drinks. sweetened drinks such as soft drinks fruit punch fruit drinks iced tea lemonade or powdered drink mixes provide many calories with little nutrients. choose water club soda or mineral water to avoid extra calories. do not add salt to foods when cooking. salt causes your body to retain water. limit sweets and high calorie snacks. cookies candies donuts cakes syrup honey and potato chips provide many calories with little nutrition. try not to eat these types of foods every day. instead try fresh fruit low-fat yogurt angel food cake with strawberries or pretzels as lower calorie snack and dessert choices. use fats in moderation. fats include cooking oils margarine butter gravy sauces mayonnaise regular salad dressings sauces lard sour cream and cream cheese. try the lower fat substitutes that are available for these foods. prepare meals using low-fat cooking methods. frying foods in oil or butter will increase the calories and fat of that meal. baking broiling grilling or boiling are healthier lower fat methods of cooking. exercise. moderate exercise as recommended by your health care provider can help burn excess calories. walking or swimming is generally safe effective exercises for pregnant women. but be sure to talk to your health care provider before starting an exercise program.
what should i do if i am gaining too much weight during my pregnancy?