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Eating for Energy
How to Overcome Exhaustion During Pregnancy
By Melissa Granberry
Though pregnancy is a great time to watch what you eat, Lisa Andrews, a clinical dietitian at the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, says that this is not the time to be on a diet. Instead, store your Atkins book up on a shelf and reacquaint yourself with bread.
"Carbohydrates are the body's main energy source, and they help to maintain blood sugar," Andrews says. Some great sources of carbohydrates are fresh or dried fruit, whole-grain crackers and trail mix.
Another way to eat for energy is eating smaller, more frequent meals. "Larger meals are harder to digest and can make you feel sluggish," Andrews says. New mom Jayne Martin-Dressing, of Cincinnati, Ohio, agrees. To maintain energy during pregnancy, Martin-Dressing packed small baggies with snacks to have with her throughout the day.
Don't be fooled by the growing size of your belly. As the baby gets bigger, your stomach will seem to shrink. "You become full and uncomfortable quickly, especially in the later stages," Martin-Dressing says.
What should you be eating during these small meals? Hohol suggests making your smaller meals and snacks a combination of protein, carbohydrates and a little bit of fat.
"I tried to eat lighter meals while pregnant, because I would get really uncomfortable if I was full," Martin-Dressing says. "Heavy meals like spaghetti and meatballs or meat and potatoes would tend to make me feel about to pop – and pregnancy on its own makes you feel that way!" Her favorite dishes were grilled fish and rice, chicken Caesar salad, soups and quiche.
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