- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preconception articles
- preconception q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Allison Gamble Nutritionist/Diet Technician Highland Park Hospital, Illinois | ||
 |
I recently started a low-carb diet and I am trying to get pregnant. Is that a safe combination? Will I be able to continue the low carb diet during pregnancy?
Personally, I don't advise a diet low in carbohydrates. I have a problem with significantly reducing a major source of energy, especially while pregnant. Complex carbohydrates are a very important source of our overall energy.
Many people believe carbohydrates are fattening! Not true. Most complex carbohydrate sources only have about 1 gram of fat per serving. However, when anything is eaten in large enough quantities, you can gain weight. Begin a food diary, if you are interested in losing weight, to see what, why, and when you are eating. Don't forget to write down portion sizes to see if you are eating too much.
If you are interested in eating healthier, incorporating a variety of foods is the best way to go. The recommended percentage of total calories coming from carbohydrates is 55 to 60 percent, protein is 15 to 20 percent, and fats are 30 percent. Remember, your mission while trying to conceive and while you are pregnant is to get the most vitamins and minerals out of your foods. It is not necessarily the calories that matter, as it is the quality of calories you consume. That is why it is imperative that a wide variety of foods be consumed. It is unrealistic to limit a much needed source of energy.
There are so many good foods out there. What is the point of cutting out such a good group? My final word is monitor your portion sizes, exercise, and have fun with all the different foods available!
Related Expert Q&A
- I am about 12 pounds underweight right now. While everyone says they envy me, I don't feel very healthy and want to get to a normal weight before I get pregnant.
- Should I start taking prenatal vitamins now, or just normal multi-vitamins and B-supplements?
- When should I start taking folic acid and does it build up in my system before it works?
- Is it a problem to be overweight and pregnant?
- Should I start taking prenatal vitamins months before TTC?
More Answers by this Expert
- When is it appropriate to feed a baby meat?
- I had eating disorders in college. Could they have affected my present fertility?
- Can I eat a low-carb diet while TTC or while pregnant?
- When should I quit drinking caffeine and alcohol?
- Do herbal teas help fertility? And are there any special diets out there that can help my fertility?