Calories During Pregnancy
QUESTION
Dear Nutritionist,
I am 5 weeks pregnant and trying to determine a healthy diet for me and my baby. Before becoming pregnant, I was trying to lose weight and was on a 1500 calorie per day diet, losing about a pound a week. (I exercise 3-4 times per week, have a BMI of 22.5 and keep a detailed food log.)
Now that I am pregnant, I'm unsure how to adjust my diet. I no longer want to lose weight but I want to make healthy choices for both of us. I enjoy keeping a food log and like the idea of a concrete number in regards to calories to shoot for each day.
What are your suggestions for calorie intake during pregnancy after previously being on a weight loss plan?
ANSWER
I cannot give you a calorie level without knowing more information and working with you one-on-one. I can however recommend starting here: http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms/index.html. You should also speak with your doctor about good nutrition and a calorie level that is suitable for you at this stage in your pregnancy.
-- Kimberly, RD LD
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Kimberly Tessmer
Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD has been a registered dietitian since 1992 and is also an Ohio licensed Dietitian. Her educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Technology (Dietetics) from Bowling State University in Bowling Green, OH. She currently owns and operates a consulting business called "Nutrition Focus" www.nutrifocus.net, in which she specializes and offers services in the areas of weight management, general nutrition, authoring, menu development and a variety of other services.
Kim's current clients and endeavors as well as her past experience as a National Corporate Dietitian, for three National weight loss companies, prove her knowledge and reliability. To date Kim has authored three books including "The Everything® Nutrition Book", "Tell Me What To Eat If I Have Celiac Disease", and "The Everything® Pregnancy Nutrition Book". In addition, Kim has written numerous articles for various health/nutrition web sites and magazines including Bally Total Fitness Magazine, Well and Healthy Women Magazine and Healthology.com, Inc as well as continuing education courses for www.care2learn.com. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the ADA Practice Group, Nutrition Entrepreneurs. Kim has been included in the 2003-2004 Edition of the "National Register's Who's Who in Executives & Professionals."
We invite you to visit Kim's website. We're excited to have her on board!
