Project: Fit Pregnancy

I am DETERMINED to have an ultra-fit pregnancy this time around...not to say that I went completely overboard with the other two...I gained 30 lbs with Tanner, and 45 lbs with Breckin {but ended at the same exact weight at the end of each pregnancy - do the math}. However, I recall letting myself have a lot of things "just because I was pregnant"...things that weren't beneficial to baby...just beneficial to my sweet tooth, such as slurpees {hey, the summers are HOT here!}, Skittles, ice cream, etc...you know...just extra empty calories.

But, let's get real y'all. I'm 30. This is my 3rd pregnancy. I may not bounce back as easily. In fact, I remember struggling a bit more after the 2nd than with the 1st. I made it, but I struggled. I don't want to struggle to lose unnecessary weight that could be avoided in the first place.

Here is a pregnancy weight tracker chart for week by week based on my starting weight:

Of course, I would love to stay in the minimum range...but the average range would be OK too. I'm 5 weeks along today and as of this morning on our new digital scale, I weigh 145.6, which puts me right on track.

I'm being careful this time to plan my meals so I don't just grab something like fast food in a pregnancy craving/starving frenzy. I'm eating a lot of protein-rich foods, leafy greens, veggies and fruit. Of course getting my calcium through things like skim milk, Greek yogurt and string cheese. And downing the water like crazy...I am trying to get way more than the recommended 8 glasses...more like 12-16! So far, it's helped me stave off cravings...though I know I'm only 5 weeks. 

And lastly, I'm exercising every day. I still hit the gym after I drop the boys off at school and that is the plan for the entire pregnancy. I hope I can maintain doing a lot of what I already do, with just a few minor modifications. Currently, I do 30-40 minutes of cardio, usually on the elliptical since it's easier on the joints, and then I do weight training. I also mix in barre classes a few times a week. Starting next week, I'll be walking the Cooper River Bridge twice a week while my son has his baseball practice nearby. Exercise promotes easier labor and delivery and of course a faster bounce-back postpartum.

I'm not in maternity clothes yet, but I'm waiting for it. Everyone says they show way faster with each pregnancy...I remember showing by like 11 weeks with Breckin! Crazy! I feel my pants get a little tighter in the waist, especially near the end of the day, so I know it's coming. I think maxi skirts and leggings are going to be my best friends. Thank God for fall and winter style!