Pregnancy Diet: Control Weight Gain with These Nutrition Tips

Weight gain during pregnancy is part of the experience, and it is perhaps the one time putting on the pounds is most accepted. However, if you think "eating for two" gives you a free pass for satisfying cravings, it is still more important to eat right and maintain a healthy diet. You need to make the calories count when you are pregnant.

Curb Your Cravings

Since pregnant mothers' hormonal levels change, it can trigger cravings for sweets. For women with gestational diabetes, the cravings are even heightened. To address this, Dr. Liz Applegate, a nutrition and fitness expert who talked with Parenting, said that low-calorie and no-calorie sweeteners should be enough to satisfy a mother's sweet tooth. "Incorporating low- and no-calorie sweeteners is a safe and helpful way to satisfy sweet desires without unwanted calories," said Applegate.

When you're drinking iced tea or juice, use FDA approved sweeteners like Splenda, Sweet'N Low or Truvia, as these are deemed safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.

Keep Fit With Exercise

Maintain the same level of physical activities you had before getting pregnant, unless these involve kickboxing or other risky routines and contact sports. Walking exercises are best for pregnant women, according to Dr. Laura Riley, an ob-gyn. She suggests using a pedometer to monitor the activity, aiming for at least 10,000 steps a day. "You'll have a lot fewer aches and pains as you get to the end of pregnancy if you stay active," she shared via Baby Center.

Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can slow down the body's metabolism, affecting its system, according to PopSugar. You'll tend to eat more to compensate. So, arrange for nap times during the day, or better yet, get in the habit of sleeping earlier.

Drink Lots of Water

Some pregnant women have issues with constipation because the pregnancy affects the digestive system, according to Baby Center. Drinking plenty of water addresses this problem and curbs the feeling of bloatedness. Water also gives the feeling of satisfaction after eating your meals or snacks.

Dietician Frances Largeman-Roth said it is ideal to drink three liters of water everyday. She shared, also via Baby Center, that she used a pretty glass for her water and added a slice of lemon when she was pregnant. "You drink more when your water tastes good," said Largeman-Roth.

Watch What You Eat

Lastly, pick more healthy choices when it comes to food such as food and vegetables, whole grains, breads, and cerals, according to MedPlus. The baby gains more when a pregnant mother eats more junk food. It could result in complications during delivery, according to the health site.