The South Beach Diet During Pregnancy
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| Thu, 01-18-2007 - 7:47am |
South Beach is a very healthy way to eat for life, and with modifications, Phase 2-3 is healthy for you during your pregnancy if your ob/gyn approves. Don't approach it as a weight-loss plan. Allow for the weight gain that's healthy for your baby's growth. Here are the official recommendations for South Beach while pregnant, from Dr. Agatston.
From the official SBD website -
First and foremost, please be sure to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your eating habits. Your diet directly affects the health and development of your baby, and it's important that you partner with a doctor to be sure you're meeting all your nutritional needs. Pregnancy is the time to gain weight and not lose. This is essential for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. It is important to consult with your physician and discuss your wish to make dietary changes.
With a few modifications it can be safe for pregnant women to follow the South Beach Diet. We recommend all pregnant SBD members to use the plan for healthy eating and not as a weight loss plan. To follow the SBD for healthy eating, be sure to start in late phase 2 or phase 3. Please include at least 3 servings of fruit and 3 servings of starch daily. We also encourage 4 cups of low-fat dairy which includes milk or yogurt.
Weight loss can affect the outcome of your pregnancy. Obesity carries risks, but so does rapid weight loss, especially if you are pregnant. Once again, it's very important to talk to your doctor about the nutritional plan that's right for you while you're pregnant.
Member Question: Can you continue on this diet if you are pregnant?
Dr. Agatston: If you are pregnant, please consult your ob-gyn. We would never recommend Phase 1 during a pregnancy, but Phase 2 or 3 can be done safely — but be sure to consult your physician. One theory concerning postpartum depression is that the fetus is selectively consuming omega-3 fats. The depletion in omega-3 levels may be a factor in depression. Consumer reports have recently reviewed fish oil supplements and have found them to be safe — free from dangerous levels of mercury and other toxins. If you are worried about consumption of fish, then fish oil supplements are an excellent choice.
Q: I would like to continue following this diet and have recently found out I am pregnant. Is the South Beach Diet safe to follow during pregnancy? My intent is not to lose weight but to stay healthy. I am taking prenatal vitamins and drinking lots of water.
A: (Dr. Agatston) "Yes, the basic principles of the South Beach Diet, eating the right (healthy) fats and the right carbs are the way men and women were meant to eat. During pregnancy you certainly should not be in the Phase 1 rapid weight loss phase. But choosing low glycemic foods including whole fruits and vegetables gives you the natural vitamins that are good for you and for your baby. In particular, make sure you get a lot of omega-3 (fish) oil. This is particularly important for brain development in the fetus and may help prevent post-partum depression."
Here's another good one from Dr. A.:
GENERAL: Is The South Beach Diet safe for pregnant women?![]()
First and foremost, please be sure to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your eating habits, including starting the South Beach Diet. Weight loss can affect the outcome of your pregnancy. Obesity carries risks, but so does rapid weight loss (and rapid weight gain, for that matter). Your diet directly affects the health and development of your baby.
Having said that, The South Beach Diet—with a few modifications—can be safe for pregnant women if you follow it as a “healthy eating†plan and not as a “weight-loss†plan. Start on Phase 2 and take in three extra cups of 1 percent or fat-free milk daily. This provides your developing baby with important nutrients, like calcium, needed for proper bone growth. The wide range of healthy foods on The South Beach Diet will provide you with other nutrients that are important during pregnancy. In addition, it is important to take your prenatal vitamins as directed by your doctor.
Here's another good recommendation from a "Daily Dish":
Are you getting enough iron? Research shows that approximately 20 percent of women, 50 percent of pregnant women, and 3 percent of men don't get the iron their bodies require. Left unchecked, iron deficiency can lead to anemia—a condition in which red blood cells don't provide adequate oxygen to body tissues. Symptoms of anemia can include fatigue, pale skin, and brittle nails. The recommended daily allowances of iron are as follows:
Women (ages 19 to 50): 18 mg/day
Women (ages 51 or older): 8 mg/day
Pregnant women: 27 mg/day
Nursing mothers: 9 mg/day
Men (all ages): 8 mg/day
You can get your RDA of iron from a multivitamin, but caffeine and dairy products can interfere with the absorption of iron from a supplement. A more natural and effective approach is to eat a variety of iron-rich foods, like the ones in the list below:
Avocado
Broccoli
Clams
Kidney, pinto, and navy beans
Lean beef
Lentils
Lima beans
Oysters
Pork loin
Sardines
Shrimp
Spinach
Split green peas
Tuna
You should consult with your ob/gyn before doing any kind of diet while pregnant, because your doctor knows you and any special needs you may have. South Beach is a wonderful, healthy way to eat, but Phase 2 also happens to be "the weight loss" phase. It is never advisable for a pregnant woman to be losing weight while pregnant. Check with your doctor: your ob/gyn may have you start with Phase 3 while pregnant, while being careful to allow yourself to gain the appropriate amount of weight as the baby grows. Make sure you eat lots and lots of dark leafy greens, and do not skimp on fruits, whole grains and dairy. In fact, extra dairy is required while pregnant. Consult your doctor.
Important nutritional information for pregnant women:
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-fbsouthbeach&msg=13192.1&ctx=0
Cool Tool! Pregnancy weight gain calculator: http://www.babycenter.com/calculators/weightgain/
***The following meal planner guides can help in determining how to include nutritious foods in your day. However, please note that these meal planners are *not* written for pregnancy, the portions may not be appropriate for you, and make all the appropriate and necessary increases and additions to allow for growth and healthy weight gain in your pregnancy.***
The Phase 2 Meal Planner guide (allow for extra needs in pregnancy, and additionally allow for a "full" phase 2, not a "gradual" Phase 2, if you are starting here): http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-fbsouthbeach&msg=11503.1&ctx=16384
The Phase 3 Meal Planner guide (allow for extra needs in pregnancy as well): http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-fbsouthbeach&msg=12932.1&ctx=0
Foods List: You'll be using the Phase 1 foods list plus the Phase 2 foods list "foods to enjoy" - preferably with your Phase 3 Meal Planner - extra portions are allowed on Phase 3 and some indulgences. You'll also be adding the extras and quantities you need which are specific to pregnancy, and according to your doctor.
Phase 1 Foods List: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-fbsouthbeach&msg=15663.1
Phase 2 Foods List: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-fbsouthbeach&msg=11507.1&ctx=16384
| Sat, 12-29-2007 - 1:19am |






