If you are planning a pregnancy, you need to be as healthy as possible before trying to conceive. According to the March of Dimes, a baby's organs begin to form within the first four weeks following conception. As such, if you are planning to get pregnant in the near future, losing weight quickly is important; however, it is also important to eat a well-rounded, healthy diet. Because they can remain in your system for some time, fat burners and weight loss pills should be avoided.
Step 1
Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide your body with essential nutrients and vitamins. Apples, bananas, peaches, broccoli, onions and carrots are some of the available choices. To find the freshest fruits and vegetables, visit a local farmer's market.
Step 2
Eat lean protein. Lean protein, such as fish, egg whites and white meat chicken, provides your body with the nutrients it needs without a lot of fat or cholesterol. You can also eat beans, which have a considerable amount of nutritional value.
Step 3
Check the grains you eat. At least half of the grains you eat on a daily basis should be whole grains. Oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat flour are some of the whole grains you can choose from. Other grains, or refined grains, include white bread and white rice.
Step 4
Enjoy some dairy products. Calcium is vital for a healthy pregnancy. You can get your daily calcium from milk, cheese, yogurt and milk based desserts like frozen yogurt or ice cream.
Step 5
Get your share of oils and fats. Your body needs oils and fats to function properly. Olive oil, canola oil and avocados are some of the foods that have these oils and fats in them. You can also get your share of these foods from salad dressings and mayonnaise that has zero grams of trans fat.
Step 6
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Try to avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol, as these drinks will keep the weight on you.
Step 7
Start an exercise program. Being physically fit will help you throughout your pregnancy and delivery. Pick some physical activities that you enjoy and get active. Try to work out a minimum of five days per week for at least 30 minutes a day. Some of the activities you can enjoy throughout most pregnancies include walking, swimming and other low-impact, non-contact exercises.
Tips and Warnings
- The number of servings you will need of each food group to lose weight depends upon your age. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a free food pyramid guide to help you determine your diet. Taking a multivitamin may be appropriate for your needs; however, even if you don't take a multivitamin, you should still take a folic acid supplement prior to trying to conceive.
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