Small Eating Changes Post-Pregnancy

There is little that I didn’t indulge in during pregnancy, but I also didn’t go crazy. Being aware of what I put in my mouth was important to providing proper nutrition for the tiny, growing human, but I also allowed myself things I don’t usually do.
Here’s a few small changes that will make a big difference after my breast milk supply is established:

1. Plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. The creamy goodness of sour cream is dense in calories and loaded with fat. By substituting plain Greek yogurt, I’ll still get the cool tart creaminess on my favorites like baked potatoes and fajitas without all the fat and calories.

2. No more “Donut Sunday”. Giving up this pregnancy “tradition” makes me happy and sad at the same time. As much as a fantastically tasty chocolate covered donut with sprinkles dipped in decaf coffee makes me, the indulgence isn’t going to help me get back in shape or back into my jeans. And I’m too cheap to buy new jeans!

3. Indulgent Breakfast. It is a familiar morning in my house where biscuits, sausage and eggs are served, especially if my husband is home in the mornings and not yet off to work. This makes for a calorie packed beginning to the day. One small way to decrease calorie intake, yet still be full and satisfied, is to nix the sausage and do toast instead of biscuits with eggs. I’ll save the treat of scrumptious biscuits and delectable sausage for a Sunday morning.

4. From taking a 2nd Helping to choosing Healthy Portion Size. I’ve never measured my portion sizes but used common sense and a realistic sense of my hunger to not overindulge. Once pregnant, if I was still hungry or just wanting more, I’d take it. I didn’t indulge for the sake of indulging, but didn’t deprive my hunger either. By simply going back to knowing I’m not THAT hungry, I’ll re-teach myself healthy portion control. Am I going to limit myself? No. But portion control allows me to eat a vast variety of foods in moderation without going overboard while getting back to my goal weight.

5. It’s not a Post-Baby Diet. I HATE the word “diet” because it belies what I’m trying to accomplish. These changes are not temporary; it’s a way of creating healthy eating habits. I don’t want to lose baby weight and then gain weight again. I want to get to a goal weight and maintain it for a healthy life. For that reason, I will say that making “healthy eating choices” is what I aim for, not adhering to a strict “diet” (which makes us all want to break the rules!).

Overall, these changes aren’t about being uber picky to simply lose weight; it’s about being conscious of my decisions. It IS within my control. I want to reestablish healthy habits that will enable me to reach fitness and weight goals that have longevity. There is no timetable…just pure motivation to be a healthy and happy Mom!