Weight Gain Issues

[masdec77]

I'm at about 24 weeks and have already gained around 25 lbs. My doctor is getting on to me about this as I am over weight to begin with. My problem is that I'm working 2 jobs and just don't have then energy (or inclination if I'm honest) to get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day. I also cannot afford to eat the best food choices as healthy foods cost so much more than the un-healthy variety.

I don't want to have complications (so far so good on blood pressure, no signs of preeclampsia, and the baby measured well at the last ultrasound) due to the extra weight gain.

I’m looking for any recommendations on how I can slow the weight gain without compromising the baby. Lucky me gets to have the latter part of my pregnancy during the hottest time of year which means I have to find an indoor venue to walk (adding more time to the 30 minutes that I just don’t have) and my budget is not looking to increase enough to add fresh veggies and fruits to the menu.

Has anyone else had this problem and how did you cope?

[gabrielle1020]

Can you get on WIC? I know this helped me - making sure milk was in the fridge, so I could always drink a glass of lowfat milk (usually mixed in the carnation instant breakfast.. which is a little expensive, but I got in extra vitamins this way) and in MO you get a 10.00 voucher for fruits/veggies (fresh and frozen) which helps a lot.
I am overweight to begin with as well, but was so sick my first trimester, I lost weight then, so haven't gained a ton through my whole pregnancy (I'm 34 weeks and have gained almost 20 pounds I think)... more than I wanted to, but at this point, I will take the 1-2 pounds a week....
I would try WIC.. see if you can get on that - it will help with baby food/formula as well after the baby is born if you can get on it. . .
Also.. I know it's tough working two jobs, but if you can make some meals ahead of time to take to work with you. . . chop up fruit/veggies ahead of time or divide up canned fruit/veggies and take them with you.
Hope this helps or that someone else can help! :)

[Newmom!]

Try little tricks, like parking in a space far from work, and taking the longest route possible every time you need to use the bathroom, that gives you a few minutes of good walking.

For fresh food, go frozen. It is in some ways better than fresh because it was picked ripe and frozen right away. You can pour it frozen into a container, add some herbs, and microwave it at work.

Make little healthy choices, like milk, juice, or water instead of pop, skipping the cheese and bacon on a burger, eat a piece of fruit or veggie before you eat the snack you really want. Plain "healthy" yogurt with your own fruit (fresh or frozen) instead of flavored stuff with added sugar.

Drink lots of water - it will fill you up a little to keep you from eating some of those extra calories and it will just make you feel better and reduce swelling.

I hope these help, and best of luck - enjoy your little one when it's born.