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Gaining Weight Before Conception

QUESTION

Dear Fitness Expert,
I am 26 and weigh about 95 pounds. We are thinking of having a baby soon, but I need to work on gaining weight. Please advise on how I could achieve this.

Sincerely,
Amanda

ANSWER


Hi Amanda,
I applaud you for reaching out to the experts but you must first see your own OB/GYN or physicians regarding this matter. There may be other medical reasons for your low weight that should be factored in before making a change in your diet. Assuming, however, you are given medical clearance to add calories to your diet, your best bet is protein shakes that include ice creams.While living at the Olympic Training Center, this was a personal favorite among the long-distance runners with typically low body weight. For many of these women, a goal is set to get pregnant after particular competitions -- World Cup, Olympics, ect. But because of their intensive training, their body fat is lower than ever. Many women use protein powders (to help build muscle tissue -- something you want and need very much) in a milk and ice cream combination to add calories to the diet.

Again, we emphasis the importance of seeing your doctor and then a nutritionist may offer you a balanced, well-padded diet.

Good luck.
-- Alex

Alexandra Allred

Alexandra Allred is a former member of the US Women's Bobsled team, is an accomplished martial artist, and continues to teach kickboxing while juggling her career as a full-time writer and mother of three. She has interviewed hundreds of athletes, models, actresses, trainers, doctors, and health/fitness experts as she sought to find answers to her own questions about working out while pregnant, arranging breast-feeding around a training schedule, diet when pregnant and breastfeeding, and encouraging her whole family.

Alex is the author of ten books, including Atta Girl! A Celebration of Women in Sports and Entering the Mother Zone: Balancing Self, Health & Family. We're excited to have her on board!