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End the Pre-Pregnancy Weight Plateau

QUESTION

Hello,

I am 26 years old and obese. I have been working hard to get to a healthier weight before my husband and I start trying to conceive. I have lost 15 pounds so far but the holidays have slowed my progress. I haven't gained any back, but I haven't lost any in over a month now. I am sticking with my work out routine and back on track with my eating habits.

I am not diabetic and do not high blood pressure or any other health problems related to my weight. I have several friends who are obese and have had healthy pregnancies without ever trying to lose weight.

How much will my weight effect my pregnancy? I am not so much worried about being more uncomfortable or finding big enough pants as the babies health. I know I am on the right track with my weight loss and my husband I feel that we are ready in every other way. Would it be safe to go ahead and stop using protection as long as I keep exercising and increasing my fitness level? Or is it imperative that I loose as much weight as I can before we start trying?

Thanks,
Michelle

ANSWER

To get leaner and to get that weight loss happening again, it's all about changing it up.

Let's focus on getting your metabolism up! Aim to eat within an hour after waking and every four hours throughout the day. Go for snacks more often rather than meals so that you spread your calories throughout the day. Have balanced snacks such as a high fiber fruit (apple/berries) with a string cheese or 1/8 cup of nuts. Or a cup of organic kefir drink. To have a lower calorie meal, go for a large salad with a lentil/black bean/split pea soup with a whole wheat dinner roll. Go for grilled salmon/chicken on a large salad with some mandarin oranges on top.

MOVE more than you are now focusing on working up a glow (good perspiration) an hour a day and increasing your muscle mass. Do an hour of cardio a day and do some weight lifting 3 to 4 times per week for about 15 minutes minimum, 3 body parts (10 to 12 reps for 3 sets). Lift a weight that is heavy enough that you feel it after 12 reps, if you can lift 20 times, it's not heavy enough.

Cheering you on to LEANNESS AND OPTIMAL HEALTH!
Deborah Klein, MS, RD

Deborah Klein

Deborah Klein , MS, RD, is the world’s first Livitician™ coach, a term she coined beyond Dietician, counseling clients on nutrition and fitness for 17 years. Her mission is to educate others on achieving optimal wellness through balanced eating, intrinsic coaching and exercise.

At University of California, Davis, Deborah received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and a minor in Exercise Physiology and received her Registered Dietitian license in Georgia. She also completed her Master’s of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition with an emphasis in sports nutrition at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and is a PhD candidate at Saybrook University Graduate College of Mind-Body Medicine. She is also a Certified Intrinsic Coach, which she incorporates into her nutrition counseling to delve into the core of ones’ experiences and thoughts, to identify any barriers to enable long-term health.

Her past career experiences include hosting a TV show in Georgia on Midday News Live, teaching “5 A Day - For Better Health,” working for CNN, Food & Health News and honored as “Registered Dietitian of the Year” by the Spectrum Health Club in Los Angeles. Recently, she was named “Young Dietitian of the Year,” by the American Dietetics Association and served as President of the Los Angeles Dietetics Association.

Currently, Deborah has a private practice where she specializes in weight loss, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, disease prevention, and long-term wellness. She is the author of “200 Superfoods That Will Save Your Life” published by McGraw-Hill, Inc. that details her “Livit” philosophy to achieve one’s wellness goals. Through education and discovering each individual’s full potential, Deborah provides individuals with “A Plan to LIVE for!” She resides in Los Angeles and relishes being a mother of 2 boys, Hayden (8 years) and Eitan (6 years).