I'm Back!

Well, it has been quite a few months. But after countless pregnancy tests and 2 miscarriages, I am happy to say, I am pregnant. I am just 12 weeks, but feel confident that I can resume my blogging. Already, however, I need to change the name of my story with the addition of a tag line- "Follow A Trainer Through Pregnancy…It's Not What You Think!"

Initially, my assumption was this pregnancy would be just like my first. And I would show people how with a few extra bread products and sleep, you really can continue what you were doing. Hell, I ran for the first 6 months with Elsa. Well, that is NOT what is happening with this one:)

These last 6 weeks were similar to my first pregnancy, but heightened to a level I was not anticipating. And it really did kick in right around week 6(when the baby latches on).  It was a Monday, and all of a sudden, the thought of coffee, beer, and any vegetable was just sickening! A very foreign feeling for me regarding all three of these items:) And this really did last for a full 4-5 weeks. I had such random things to eat throughout that month. Trying to stay on track, but finding it very difficult.  For example, one night for dinner, the only thing that I could imagine putting into my mouth was a big bowl of rice with butter and salt…Good news was that it was whole grain rice. Another low point was when we ordered chinese food. I  tried to be good by ordering hot and sour soup and steamed vegetable wontons(which tasted horrible). So, what did I end up eating thanks to my mom's order? - soup, a spring roll, and general tso's chicken! I haven't had that in over 10 years. This time around, it really did feel out of my control. I had to eat whatever sounded appealing and what I thought would settle my stomach.

Soup-That was another random craving-I had soup every day for about 2 weeks. Not fresh vegetable puree soups like I would normally have. No, apparently baby wanted noodle soup..lots and lots of noodle soup. I found some trader joe's brand that seemed to satisfy, but I tell ya, I was VERY close to stocking up on Ramen Noodles from Bj's!

Bubbly drinks- another must have. Just the thought of plain water(which is basically all I ever drink throughout the day) was enough to make me gag. In the beginning, those poland spring seltzers did the trick. The problem is I over did it. I went through a case in about a week. And once that happens, you have to move onto something else. After that, I NEEDED flavor with my bubbles. Well, I have not had soda of any kind in at least 5 if not closer to 8 years. I just don't like it as a product, and I find it too sweet. But, you should see my fridge right now. I tried so many different brands claiming to be a more sophisticated soda…what I settled on was Gus Soda.."the adult soda". Their "cola" was exactly what I needed..Basically, it's a coke.  But it is a little less sweet while maintaining that medicinal syrupy effect. I only had a couple of these over the few weeks, but that was a savior when I needed something.

It is interesting to note my diet prior to this: I had taken out products with any added cane sugar. My diet included whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and only snack products with no added cane sugar. Foods were only sweetened with honey or agave. Of course, I kept in my high calorie beers. And whenever we went out to dinner or to someone's house, that way of eating went out the window-I mean come on, I wouldn't want to be rude :) So as you can imagine, this past month was quite a change. But, it had to be done, and I have not given myself any grief!

Then, all of a sudden around week 10, the idea of an iced latte sounded fabulous-Of course, not having caffeine for a full month had it's effects. Not only did I feel fabulous and alert, I was up until 1 in the morning! But side effects aside, I was welcoming the change. The past 2 weeks have been a slow process of returning to my normal way of eating-with a few additions of course….namely cheese. A whole new thing that I never really cared for. But hey, baby needs it's calcium:)

So here is the liberating effect of pregnancy. I am not beating myself up for any of this! You do what you have to do, and try to make smart decisions whenever a healthy item sounds good. For example, I've made myself a salad for lunch 3 times over the past week.  I've been snacking on things like whole grain crackers(no longer do they have to be without cane sugar), cottage cheese, carrots and hummus. But, when I am craving a frozen hot chocolate from Dunkin or an espresso frappaccino from Starbucks, well then, bring it on:) Can you tell what I've been in the mood for during this heat wave? This is the "extra" I allow myself. Pregnancy is not a time to go crazy and eat crap all day every day, but you can loosen up those diet reigns and allow yourself those indulgences without the guilt. As I said, I find it quite liberating.

Exercise- another aspect that is "slightly" different than last time. I guess being 5 years younger had it's effects.
The first time around, I continued my long runs for about 4 months and then at least 4-5 miles a couple times a week until month 6. Very different these days. First of all, running went out the window immediately. Early in the pregnancy I had a cyst on my ovary which was causing pain when I ran. So, right away, I was hesitant of "working through pain". This fear was probably heightened due to the 2 miscarriages. So, I continued with walking. And as I said, this past month was a struggle. I went from working out 5-6 days a week to 2 or 3. And the workouts were definitely downsized. But again, I did what I could and what felt right. I worked with weights maybe once or twice a week, and then just did the arc trainer or went for a 30 minute walk the other days. It is important to try to maintain some level of routine. And now that I am finishing my 1st trimester, I feel things on the exercise front are also getting closer to normal. I am able to do weights about 2-3 times a week, and I have continued with my cardio walking and arc trainer another 2-3 days.  And it really does make a difference. Any amount of exercise improves energy and overall mood. As the pregnancy progresses, the exercises will be modified for safety and comfort, but the goal is to keep them in as long as I can!

Well, I think we are all caught up and I will continue with the blogging going forward. If anyone has any questions or feedback, feel free to write!

Thanks!
-J