Mommy Monday : Don't Diet

Pregnancy is not the time to jump on the latest diet trend. Dieting during pregnancy can be detrimental to the baby, being known to cause brain damage and metabolic problems. By not eating enough, your body doesn't produce enough glucose to burn for energy, so it starts to burn fat and then protein tissues like muscles and organs instead. The metabolic process that transforms fat or muscle during weight loss produces ketones, a toxic by-product. Ketones are chemically related to acetone, which is found in solvents such as nail polish remover. If ketones levels are excessively high in your body, it could be fatal to both you and your child.

Furthermore, if you are underweight with very low body-fat levels, your level of estrogen production may decrease, which could cause miscarriage and infertility. In cases of severe fat and carbohydrate deficiencies, protein is used for the mother's energy, which inhibits the proper development of the baby.

Eating too little during pregnancy can be more harmful than over eating. Don't ever restrict yourself of food intake, except under a doctor's direction and close supervision. Do not limit carbohydrates and fiber-rich grains such as brown rice, whole grains, and especially fruits and vegetables.

Even when you're not pregnant, dieting slows down your metabolism, putting you on a sometimes never ending roller-coaster ride of yo-yoing up and down weight fluctuations. Protein speeds up your metabolism; excess fat and carbohydrates slow it down. Maintaining a diet consisting of high protein, medium carbohydrate, and low fat intake - combined with exercise - should keep you on a healthy balanced track.

Until next time Team, never completely eliminate fat or carbohydrates from your diet-every nutrient has its own function in maintaining overall health.

Health respect & happiness,
Beki