It’s a difficult issue – maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy.

There was a time was when doctors were mainly concerned about women being underweight during pregnancy. Nowadays, the concerns go in the opposite direction as trends towards women tipping the scales during pregnancy.

A new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina suggests that women with history of unhealthy weight control strategies (e.g. dieting) before pregnancy are the ones most likely to run into weight problems during pregnancy. Based on survey of 1233 women, the study results suggests that women who are prone to dieting though not overweight before pregnancy have a higher likelihood of gaining excessive weight during their gestation period. On the other hand, those dieters who were underweight right before pregnancy may actually have problems gaining weight.

The authors suggest that these women who were dieters or had history of dieting before conception should be given special nutritional counseling during pregnancy to help them gain and maintain a healthy weight based on their pre-pregnancy weights.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends:

• for women with a normal weight during pregnancy – weight gain of 25 to 37 lbs
• for women who were underweight – weight gain of 28 to 40 lbs.
• for women who were overweight – weight gain of 15 to 25 lbs

In case, pregnancy weights should be clearly discussed with your obstetrician. Maintaining a healthy gestational weight can prevent a lot of pregnancy complications!

Over the last few years since the birth of my son I have been half-heartedly trying to lose some weight. However, I’ve gotten to the point where I really must, not only for my own self image, but also to stay healthy for myself, and my family as well. My son, Jalen, at three and half often refers to me as his “fat mommy”. But what takes the cake, is when he finishes by saying “I love you still my fat mommy.” Now, wouldn’t you say that even at that tender age he’s telling me to get with it. Don’t get me wrong, I do not want to return to the rail-thin 100 pounds of my twenties, but some of these excess rolls and folds have to go.

I plan on sharing with you my journey to lose weight. My goal is to shed at least 30 pounds. However, I am not into fad diets and quick fix methods – it means that I will be doing this the healthy way. Starting today, February 1 – wow, a new month with me on the path to a new me and I didn’t even plan it this way. I will be cutting calories and upping my exercise routine. OK, there really wasn?t much of a routine to begin with, but this time I have to be a good girl and stick to it.

My aim is to lose two pounds per week for the next 10 to 12 weeks. Now, I have to do this, but I sure could do with a cheering corner as I try to curb my sweet tooth. Chocolate is my weakness and Valentine’s Day is upon us, but I will be strong – no more than a small piece for me. Now, don’t start shouting at me – I still plan on living my life and enjoying it, just in a healthier way. No more large chocolate bar on a regular basis or late night eating. it’s a piece of chocolate every now and then as a treat as I work towards a healthier me.

So, if you want to go on this journey with me, by all means do so – let’s share our triumphs and failures, yes, there’ll be those too. I will not be posting everyday, but will keep you updated on my progress once or twice a week. Bring it on, or in this case, take it off, the journey has begun.

Americans are choosing to make better food choices rather than diet in their quest for healthier living. In a recent survey of 26 thousand American adults, 29 percent of women and 19 percent of men are dieting. This number is down from 10 years ago when 35 percent of women and 23 percent of men were on a diet. According to the survey, which was conducted by the New York based-NPD Group, Inc., improving overall health was the prime motivation for 68 percent of those on a diet. The survey revealed the most popular diet was one that dieters made up themselves either by reading nutritional labels on packaged foods, following general weight loss information, using portion control, severely cutting calories or eliminating a food group such as carbohydrates. The NPD Group said the problem with diets is most people wind up feeling deprived, are disappointed with the results or realize dieting is not a long term solution to healthy living. Since 2001, one aspect that has remained consistent in the survey is the number of Americans who want to lose weight- a whopping 60 percent. However, many are now understand that the numbers on the scale are not the only factor in good health. This year, eight out of 10 dieters surveyed said their goal was both to lose weight and improve their health.