If
you're overweight, start to get as close to your optimal weight
as possible before your planned pregnancy. This is to ensure that
you will not be at risk for complications in pregnancy (such as
gestational diabetes) or end up delivering a very large baby, which
may put both you and the baby at risk. In addition, you will also
have to make the extra effort to lose the added weight after delivery.
Underweight moms, on the other hand, risk difficulties in conceiving
or may carry an undernourished fetus.
Once you have made up your mind to lose weight, you
should make that commitment and go into it with a positive attitude.
We all know that losing weight can be quite a challenge. In fact,
for some, it can be downright tough. It takes time, practice and
support to change lifetime habits. But it's a process you must learn
in order to succeed. You and you alone are the one who has the power
to lose unwanted pounds.
A note of caution:
Despite many food supplements claiming to be "all-natural"
and "herbal," some may still contain substances
that could adversely affect your pregnancy. Always inform
your physician about all the medications, natural or otherwise,
that you are taking prior to conception.
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Think like a winner, and not a loser - - remember that emotions
are like muscles and the ones you use most grow the strongest. If
you always look at the negative side of things, you'll become a
downbeat, pessimistic person. Even slightly negative thoughts have
a greater impact on you and last longer than powerful positive thoughts.
Negative thinking doesn't do you any good, it just holds you back
from accomplishing the things you want to do. When a negative thought
creeps into your mind, replace it reminding yourself that you're
somebody, you have self-worth and you possess unique strengths and
talents.
Contemplate what lies ahead of you. Losing weight is not just
about diets. It's about a whole new you and the possibility of creating
a new life for yourself. Investigate the weight loss programs that
appeal to you and that you feel will teach you the behavioral skills
you need to stick with throughout the weight-loss process.
First you should look for support among family and friends. It can
be an enormous help to discuss obstacles and share skills and tactics
with others on the same path. You might look for this support from
others you know who are in weight loss programs and you can seek
guidance from someone you know who has lost weight and kept it off.
There are success stories across the country today. On television
and in newspapers, magazines and tabloids about people who have
miraculously lost untold pounds and kept it off. In all instances
they say their mental attitude as well as their outlook on life
has totally changed.
Diets
and weight loss programs are more flexible now than they once were
and there are many prepared foods already portioned out. They are
made attractive and can be prepared in a matter of minutes. Low-fat
and low-calorie foods are on shelves everywhere.
You will probably need to learn new, wiser eating skills. You will
want a weight loss regimen that gives you some control, rather than
imposing one rigid system. Look for one that offers a variety of
different eating plans, so you can choose the one that's best for
you.
Keep in mind, too, that your weight loss program will most likely
include some physical exercises. Look at the exercising aspect of
your program as fun and recreation and not as a form of grueling
and sweaty work. The fact is that physical fitness is linked inseparable
to all personal effectiveness in every field. Anyone willing to
take the few simple steps that lie between them and fitness will
shortly begin to feel better, and the improvement will reflect itself
in every facet of their existence.
Doctors now say that walking is one of the best exercises. It helps
the total circulation of blood throughout the body, and thus has
a direct effect on your overall feeling of health. There are things
such as aerobics, jogging, swimming and many other exercises which
will benefit a weight loss program. Discuss the options with your
doctor and take his advice in planning your exercise and weight
loss program.
Want to learn more?
"So You Have Actively Trying To Get Pregnant" will teach you exactly what food, diet and exercise is needed for a healthy and quick pregnancy
