Pregnancy Fitness with Carbon 38

Today I am excited to be talking about pregnancy fitness with Carbon 38 and the Blogger Nation girls! I should start by saying that I am not a fitness guru: I do not belong to a gym or have a regular workout routine. Full disclosure, I ate pasta and pizza this weekend. You might remember my last post with Carbon 38 where I shared some realistic healthy habits I live by.  All those practice remain in my pregnancy.

I should also say that watching my body change has been much harder for me than I anticipated, and I have gained more weight at this point than I thought. As I mentioned in my last post, I used to be about 30 pounds heavier. For years now I have worked to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep my weight consistent, so it is difficult to watch it go back up even though I know it’s because I am pregnant. I have all the fears I am sure are common among first time moms. Will I get my body back? How long will it take? Am I doing the right things to keep me and my baby healthy? Etc. Overall, I seek to have an attitude of gratitude that I get to carry this sweet babe and adapt to the changes the best I can. Here are the ways I am trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Pregnancy Fitness with Carbon 38

1. Eat smaller, healthy things throughout the day – While I have always brought my lunch to work and eaten it throughout the day, during my pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, I  found it essential to have smaller, healthy items I could eat throughout the day. When I was nauseous, eating every couple of hours helped. I didn’t want to wind up eating too much, so I adjusted what I ate slightly. I also found a balance of protein, fiber, and carbs to be more important. I felt like I needed more protein than normal. Examples of what I ate are peanut butter toast, protein bars, an apple and peanut butter, yogurt, almonds, boiled egg, etc. Granted this is what I ate on a good day, but you get the point.
2. Exercise – I’ve never been a runner. Gym memberships just end up making me feel guilty when I don’t go. Find what works for you. I love to walk in our neighborhood. Even better if it is with a friend or my hubby. It’s been so hot here in Oklahoma this summer, so I have been sticking mostly inside. We bought a used treadmill on Craig’s List, and I have been trying to walk 2-3 times per week. I also just tried prenatal yoga for the first time this weekend, and I am looking forward to going again.
3. Pack snacks – I never know when I am all of a sudden going to feel ravenous, so packing an easy snack in my purse has helped me not fall into the black hole otherwise named vending machines.
4. Drink lots of water – Unfortunately I have already experienced swollen ankles. Whomp whomp. The best thing I can do to combat them and other issues is to drink lots of water. I have always been a coffee, water, and tea person. Thankfully I didn’t need to consider cutting out pop too, but I have cut back on tea to watch my caffeine. I feel like I am constantly drinking water!
5. Avoid big, salty meals – The times I have felt the worst both mentally and physically are after I overeat, especially on salty food. For me this means one thing, avoid Mexican. I have no self-control people!
6. Make easy dinners at home – Cooking at home has always helped me achieve balance in my health (it was on my last post). It’s been even more important as it relates directly to the success of numbers one and five. The emphasis is easy meals at home. During the first trimester I was so hungry and so tired by the time I got home from work. If an easy (read fast) meal wasn’t available, you better believe I grabbed a burger. I have been making things in the crock pot, putting together salads, and looking for things that last more than one night. You can find my favorites on my Pinterest board.
7. Fun workout clothes – When talking about fitness or health, this will always be on my list. As a fashion lover, having something I look forward to wearing is always motivating. I think it’s important to purchase a few things that will fit your growing bump so you still feel like getting dressed. Carbon 38 offers a variety of high quality items that will work for any fitness level. I love their leggings, and the print on this pair is so fun.
8. Give yourself grace – Last but not least, give yourself some grace. Remember you are carrying a human. It is taxing on the body, and you will have times you don’t feel like yourself or feel like eating healthy/working out. Going through infertility and IVF really made me realize the true miracle of pregnancy and childbearing. Though I have struggled with this particular one myself, I am finding it so important to remember how special this time is, and, just like anything in life, nothing will be perfect. It’s good practice for getting ready to have a baby, I’m sure! I know there will be lots of grace needed then too.

I’d love to hear any tips or habits that may have worked for you! Please share in the comments below.

Leggings, Tee, and Sports Bra all c/o Carbon 38 // Sneakers: Nike