There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to do everything you need to do. And it can feel like an added stressor when you are pregnant and try to integrate healthy habits into your already hectic schedule. But if you make time for healthy habits, you’ll find yourself with extra reserves of energy that will lower your stress and help you get through life’s challenges.
Here are a few things you can start doing right now to make healthy habits a relatively painless part of your routine:
- Drink water throughout the day. You don’t hear this nearly enough, water is an all-purpose wonder-substance. It’s great for your skin, your digestive system, circulatory system and it aids in weight loss and cellulite reduction. If you feel fatigued during the day, it’s often because you aren’t hydrated properly. Drink water throughout the day, sipping from a large bottle or glass. If you have it nearby, it’s easy to remember. If you don’t like the “taste” of water, keep a supply of lemon so that you can add a slice to your water – it cuts any bitterness, adds a bit of vitamin C and makes it taste more festive!
- Cut back on the amount of soda and coffee you drink. Sugar and caffeine act to dehydrate you and contribute to cellulite production. They also create energy rushes followed by crashes, which are ultimately energy-depleting.
- Replace high-sugar foods with low-sugar versions. Cutting back on the amount of refined sugar you consume helps reduce calories and weight gain and also helps you avoid the energy slumps that come from sugar withdrawal. Items high in refined sugar include most soft drinks, sodas, cereals, baked goods, and of course candy and ice cream. Look for low-sugar or no-sugar versions of these, or opt for healthy snacks…
- Stock up on healthy, portable snacks. When you are grocery shopping, pick up bags of baby carrots, string cheese, nuts, fresh and dried fruit, single serving packs of apple sauce, yogurt, wholegrain crackers, peanut butter, turkey jerky, etc. Having healthy portable snacks around will help you avoid bad vending-machine, convenience store and fast-food options.
- Take the time to plan healthy meals for the week. Spend 15 minutes or so to map out your meals. Keep it simple. Then, when you shop for groceries, make your purchases with a general idea of the meals you will make during the week. This will help you avoid relying on less healthy take-out or fast food choices.
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