I have a bit of a dilemma I’d like to pose to you all.

Before I do that, I want to admit that I don’t actually post very much, but I do enjoy reading everyone’s motivational experiences when I need a pick-me-up. This forum rocks!

OK, back to my dilemma. After being in a bit of a slump/plateau for a few months, I’ve finally started to see some weight loss! I’ve been boosting my protein intake, keeping active, watching my carbohydrates (some would call it low-carb, some purists not so much), eating as little refined sugar as humanly possible, and using caloric intake as a general gauge of how much I’m eating overall. I’m losing an average of a pound a week, and have been for the past two months. Go me! I’m in the proverbial zone.

Here’s the dilemma: my husband and I had decided many months ago that the time to start a family is… well, pretty soon. I’m 30, he’s going to be 32 in another month, and we’ve been married for 3 1/2 years. (Wow—has it been that long?) We have a house, we’re comfortable financially… it’s about that time.

But I’m on a roll! If we decide to conceive soon, I’m going to have to retool my lifestyle, increase my food intake (duh—I’ll be eating for two), and bring my weight loss to a grinding halt. I’ll still take my daily walks—I’d go nuts without those—but I’m not sure I’d be able to continue with the level of cardio and resistance training I’ve been doing. Of course, I’d still stay away from sugar and junk food and other ridiculousness, but I’ve been eating “low carb” for so long, it’ll be interesting to go back to eating what everyone else eats. Plus pickles and ice cream and pizza and whatever else pregnant women eat.

So, now I guess I have to decide: am I using my weight loss / fitness success as a reason to put off having kids, just because the idea of procreating is honestly kind of intimidating? Have I pinned down what seems to be working well enough that I’ll be able to use this strategy later on to lose “baby fat”? If I don’t get to my initial goal weight now, before having kids, does that necessarily mean that I’ll never see my ultimate goal weight? 

I guess I’d like to open up a discussion about how your metabolism can change during pregnancy. Is this the golden time for me to keep losing fat and getting fit, since I seem to be on a roll, and should I negotiate with my husband to push back D-Day a couple of months? Or will I be able to jump back on after Diana Junior is born? Or am I thinking about this too much?

Moms: what do you think?

I’m sure a lot of women (and men?) will have comments to offer. This is a life changing decision for at least 3 people involved

First of all, I’m going to address the; “I’m pregnant! I can eat for two now!” This is simply not true! If you want to gain an obscene amount of weight that is the way to do it. I did it myself - first child I gained around 40 pounds and 60-ish for my second. What a MISTAKE to believe in that mentality! You are doing the right thing, right now even if you are pregnant.

As for activity...there are women that workout the day they are ready to pop. Do not let yourself follow the mentality that now that you are pregnant that you are no longer able to do anything. Some women have legitimate reasons for which they can not continue their regular lifestyles and must be put on bed rest. Only your doctor can evaluate your situation. If all is in check - you can keep walking without harm to yourself or your baby. As for resistance training - without being able to tell what kind you are doing - I’m going to guess that you most certainly can keep on track with the exception of crunches perhaps

There are a ton of books, videos, I think even TV shows that focus on keeping a healthy and fit pregnancy. So since I have negated your concerns of eating and exercising - let’s get down to the real reason....are you ready mentally/emotionally?

Keep us updated and I only wish you the very best.

Hi Diana,

What a wonderful time in your life!!!  I remember my first pregnancy and the birth of my first son as one of the best times in my life
At that time, I got pregnant without the added benefit of “planning for it”.  (Sometimes that’s better, takes away the drama of “decision”.
Because I ate really healthily and kept up my regular routine (I wasn’t into exercize then) when all was said and done, and my son was
about 2 weeks old, I actually had lost 20 pounds.  I was amazed!  I wasn’t trying, but the mind set of eating right, did it for me.
I was also young (22) and didn’t really have any idea that I could “eat for two”.  I think I gained about 24 pounds with him, 30 with the
next one, and 35 with the next one.  (I realized how hard it was to get off the “baby weight” after the 3rd)
I agree with Carrie.  If you’re in a fitness routine, you’re able to continue, within reason.  The only thing to stop you is your own mind-set.
I would get within 10-15 pounds of my goal, if it was me and then start trying.  That’s my humble opinion
have fun whatever you do!!!!
randi

If you’re already going to the gym, then check into their pre-natal fitness classes. And there’s always water aerobics for Moms-to-be as well. No excuses in the fitness dept. unless it’s medical. And as far as eating—you’re doing the right thing now. You can always get with a dietician to see how you might need to tweak the diet a bit, though.