How to Control the Appetite During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring about many cravings that cause an individual to eat more than she normally would. This can bring about a large weight gain which will be hard to get rid of once the baby is born. It also isn't healthy for either mother or baby if the mother is extremely overweight. In order to make sure an expectant mother doesn't gain more than the recommended 25 to 35 pounds, her appetite must be controlled.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Prenatal vitamins
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Salads

Instructions

    • 1

      Drink eight glasses of water per day. Each glass should be eight ounces. Many times a pregnant mother may think that she is hungry when in reality she just needs a drink. Drinking the recommended amount of water each day will help an expectant mother stay full longer which will help to control her appetite.

    • 2

      Take your prenatal vitamins. Many cravings come from something our body is deficient in. Taking your prenatal vitamins will ensure that your body has the proper nutrients it needs for the pregnancy. This will keep your cravings at a minimum and help you to control your appetite.

    • 3

      Eat fruits and vegetables between meals. This will help to keep your appetite under control so that you are not pigging out at lunch or dinner time. Three to five servings of vegetables and two to four recommended servings of fruits are recommended at a minimum.

    • 4

      Purchase enough food for your family for the week. Stocking extra food will only make you think that you should be hungry enough to eat it all. Appetite control is not just physical; it can be mental, too. When you stock up for the week, purchase a minimum amount of dessert items. Just looking at chocolate can cause you to become hungry.

    • 5

      Join an exercise program for pregnant women at your local gym. Exercising increases the levels of dopamine in your body, which helps to suppress your appetite. Exercise is also a good idea to help you stay in shape for the birth of your baby.

    • 6

      Eat your salads first. Salads will help to fill you up before you eat your main meal. This will help you to only eat the correct portions and not go back for seconds. Pregnancy doesn't mean you have a license to eat as much as you want.

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