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Expert Q&A

	By iParenting Staff iParenting Staff Experts

I am about four weeks along and have not yet had my first doctor's appointment. I also have a 5-month-old baby. I have not lost all of the weight from this baby, and was overweight to begin with, making me almost 100 pounds overweight. I have heard of an all-natural product that helps you get extra fiber into your diet. (derived from shellfish) and also chromium which helps with the sugar cravings (which I get often) and helps you to lose fat, not muscle. Now this product is supposed to be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women but you are warned "as with all medication - check with your doctor." I am at my wits end with losing weight. I am not very good at eating properly (I hate veggies and many "good for you" foods) and although I try to exercise, with my job I hardly take lunches and then when I get home from work there's more "mothering work" for me before I hit the bed in exhaustion. Do you think ! maybe this product is okay? I don't want to ask my doctor since I have already talked to him last pregnancy about vitamins in general and he is only for prenatal and no other stuff. I know you're not supposed to try to lose weight when your pregnant, but since I am so overweight would it be safer for me and the baby to try this?

No, I do not think this is a safe way for you to try to lose weight. I know for a fact this is not the answer to your weight problem. I am very concerned that you will only accept a quick fix as a way to lose weight. When it comes to health there are no such things as quick fixes. It doesn't matter that this product claims to be "all-natural." The fiber from shellfish is not going to cause you to lose weight. The only way to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit: this means you need to burn more calories daily than you are taking in. You also mentioned chromium is part of the product. Chromium is a mineral that helps insulin transport glucose out of the blood and into the muscles and cells of your body. When you eat, insulin is released by the pancreas to help transport glucose into your cells to give you energy. The muscles also store glucose in the form of glycogen as their source of fuel. Chromium is available in foods. You probably eat it everyday and don't realize it. It's available in peas, mushrooms, shredded wheat, brewer's yeast, Smerican cheese, peanut butter, and potatoes... to name only a few. The RDI (recommended daily intake) is 120 micrograms for adults. Why rely on a pill when you can get this mineral the natural way? You will also be getting a host of other nutrients rather than just the chromium in the fiber pill. By eating fruits and vegetables, you will be eating natural, fresh, healthy foods that provide you with added fiber.

Your letter indicates that you do not want to change your lifestyle. You made it clear you do not want to eat healthy foods, and that exercise is not a priority. It sounds to me like you are making excuses as to why you can't change. I am not implying that you are not rightfully exhausted. Having a 5-month old and one on the way is exhausting. Have you ever thought that maybe your eating habits are contributing to your fatigue? I understand carrying an extra 100 pounds is adding to it, but you need to eat healthy! You have shut out your doctor's advice because you know he won't tell you what you want to hear. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your doctor about your weight problem either find another doctor or seek out a registered dietitian at your local hospital. You have got to sit down with someone who can help you begin to make changes in your lifestyle. You have to make the time to do this.

You should also find out what the impact of having two children so closely together means to your body. You have to be aware that one of the nutrients you will need is more calcium. Your baby draws on your calcium stores to build his or her bones and teeth, and if you aren't replenishing your stores you may face osteoporosis (brittle bones) or osteomalacia (softening of the bones) as you age. That is only one of the consequences of having pregnancies that a not more than two years apart, especially if your diet is poor and you are not exercising. Please, please, please seek out a registered dietitian! Call your local hospital and ask for the dietary department. You really need someone to do more of a one-on-one analysis of your lifestyle. At least speak to a dietitian over the phone so you can get an idea for cost and time commitment. You need to educate yourself so you can take care of yourself. There are no quick fixes in life!

You and and your children are worth the time and energy it takes to become healthy. Please feel free to email me if you need more advice, that's what I am here for. But before you do, call a registered dietitian. Good luck and take care of yourself!

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