Well its been a whirlwind to say the least but I am fully embracing this pregnancy! For those of you that don’t know this is my 4th pregnancy and I am thrilled to be adding to my dreams of a larger family!
I have always felt the MORE kids the MERRIER and I love mothering but fitness is also a love of my life! That means Yes I have slowly had to say goodbye to my toned tummy for now but its all good!
Its hard to believe I am already just about half way through my pregnancy! Here is a breakdown of whats been going on so far with me this pregnancy, what I’m eating (and craving), and how I am staying fit plus belly pics!
How I’m Feeling
AMAZING! Luckily I dodged any nausea or morning sickness this time around. Honestly the most discomfort I have had is in my chest which I swear has doubled in size within the past 4 months! I have been strangely energized every day and sleeping great. I am counting my blessings and hoping this isn’t to good to be true! All in all the first trimester was a breeze and with only a seven pound weight gain (which is mostly my boobs, lol) I’m still feeling great going into the second trimester.
What I’m eating (and craving)!
I decided the day I found out I was pregnant that I was going to make this my healthiest pregnancy yet! It has taken some discipline but so far I have followed a primal/paleo diet. This is not a low carb thing at all so don’t worry! But I am choosing to get all my carbs from complex veggies and fruits such as sweet potatoes and bananas plus quinoa and soaked oats. NOT processed grains breads, crackers, pastas, bagels, etc…also avoiding and eating very minimal SUGARS.
I have added in a daily mug of bone broth, liver, fermented cod liver oil, magnesium, probiotics, and whole food prenatal vitamin. All very nourishing supplements and food for this growing baby’s nutritional needs!
Why primal/paleo? Because this is the way MY body thrives pregnant or not. I attribute feeling amazing so far 100% to my REAL WHOLE FOOD diet and avoiding processed food!
But with that said cravings have crept in especially around 7-12 weeks…
Oddly these were PUMPKIN, peanut butter, and dare I say cereal! So what I did was be sure to have paleo pumpkin muffins made and available for when I had a craving. I also added pure pumpkin to my smoothies and it was yummy. NIghtly I also made an easy pumpkin soup with pumpkin puree, full fat grass fed cream, 100% maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. I even added pumpkin puree to my soaked oats.
Peanut butter is just trouble for me! Celery and apples with PB (Santa Cruz brand non-gmo/organic) and raw almond butter are a daily snack. Cereal oh I was frustrated with this one because I just don’t eat cereal! Its a processed food full of empty calories (even most of the healthy brands). So I decided to go with organic brown rice cereal (I’m talking plain as can be the only ingredient is brown rice and I would sweeten a bit with stevia) when necessary. Also mostly Ezekial brand granola again only when necessary and of course with 100% organic grass fed WHOLE milk. But really these cravings came and went and now I’m not really craving much of anything.
What I’m doing for exercise
Surprisingly my exercise routine has not changed really at all. I’m still working out 6 days a week. Four days of HIIT (high intenstity interval training) most of that being Syphus training and 2 days of running, stretching, and some pilates. Now with that said I have taken my workouts down a notch or two and I am NOT pushing myself to my limits or exhaustion as I usually would do during a workout. Its actually been kindof nice to focus on just feeling and being fit for this pregnancy vs. challenging and pushing myself harder and harder. I am also stopping more frequently for water, resting when I need to and watching my heart rate. A big no no is any exercise laying flat on your back so I have been sure to avoid that.
I highly recommend exercise to any and all who can during pregnancy. It really helps you stay physically fit and mentally strong. Soon enough my belly may get in the way but at that time I will make the adjustments I need to. For now I am feeling great and healthy getting in a daily workout! Plus I am maintaining my muscle tone and keeping weight gain in all the right places (aka boobs and belly!) I know I will be thanking myself for this post pregnancy!
But please don’t get me wrong every single day of this pregnancy has not been a breeze………..
It has taken alot of discipline and goal planning to keep me on track so far. I also have begun a daily morning prayer, meditation/visualization technique that has helped me take on each new day with happiness and gratitude and break through the hard days. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” proverbs 3:5 is my motto these days! 🙂
I have found a few more inspirational things that I keep close by to keep me motivated and feeling great so far……
Books– Beautiful Babies by Kristen Michaelis, Primal Moms Look Good Naked by Peggy Emch, and Birthing From Within (all on my Pinterest page “good books” board).
Blog/websites– Sia Cooper diary of a fit mommy, Chris Kresser Healthy Baby Code, Weston A. Price foundation pregnancy guidelines,
and of course this phenomenal photo of my friend Sara Marie owner of Shefit apparel during her 4th pregnancy (which I secretly (wish) hope to look like towards the end of my pregnancy!)
So for now I am moving along into the second trimester with joy in my heart and anticipation as my belly grows, oh and those little kicks are the BEST!
Look for my next post all about my second trimester coming soon…………
Be Well 🙂
Susie R.
What a great post! An inspiration for my possible second pregnancy. So happy you are feeling good! xo CC
thanks Chelsea!
What an inspiration!!! I am 20 weeks pregnant with my 4th and struggling to find time to exercise, home school and cook healthy meals for myself and the kids. Life is so busy right now but it seems as if you are managing better than most at 39 weeks pregnant. Great job and thank you for giving me a hope that I can not just survive, but thrive in this pregnancy! God bless you and I will pray you have a safe and healthy delivery.
Thank you for your kind words! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! That was and is my motto!