A health professional once told me that in an ideal world, you should be at your fittest when you fall pregnant as you are about to complete a baby growing marathon and after having my first child two years ago, I couldn’t agree more.
- If you don’t have it in the house, you can’t eat it! I intentionally don’t buy cookies and cakes because if they’re in the house, there’s a good chance I’ll eat them. So leave them out of your shopping cart and fill it with fresh fruit, veggies, cereals, lean meats and low fat yogurt instead.
- Fill up a fruit bowl at the beginning of each week and have it on your kitchen counter or on your work desk. You’re more likely to snack on food if you can see it, so put any naughty food out of sight and reach for a piece of fruit instead. Apples, pears, bananas and berries are the best fruit to eat as they are high in vitamins and fiber and not too high in sugar
- Don’t skip breakfast! A lot of people make the mistake of not eating breakfast and as a result become so hungry by mid morning that they reach for the first thing they can get, which is often high in sugar. Instead, opt for a low GI breakfast of porridge topped with blueberries or eggs on toast.
- Don’t drink your calories! Cut out all sugary drinks and drink water or green tea instead. If you prefer flavored water, fill up a jug with water and add orange or lemon slices, or even some cucumber and mint. If you like fizzy drinks, stock your fridge with sparkling water, it’s so refreshing and it’s good for you!
- Carry snacks with you at all times. I get really hungry very quickly, so it’s best for me if I always have some snacks on hand. Bananas are a great option as they already have their very own packaging and I also carry muesli bars which are low in sugar, crackers and little packets of almonds with me.
- Everything in moderation – including moderation! If you enjoy chocolate or cookies or ice cream, then allow yourself one small slice or a few squares or a small bowl each evening. This way you have a special treat to look forward to every day and don’t feel like you’re missing out, but you avoid overindulging.