Sometimes people assume that because I’m a fitness/nutrition coach, sticking with healthy habits is the easiest thing in the world for me and that I never drift off track when it comes to hitting my goals. 

But I’m here to tell you that I’m not always the best at eating healthy foods and staying consistent at the gym. During some of my  pregnancies,  I  really struggled with eating properly and  moving my body. I felt like I just needed to relax and give myself a break.

If you’re feeling that way now, know that I’ve been there, and it’s OK to ease up on the regimen if you need comfort and rest as your body prepares for this baby! But when I look back, it’s clear that I didn’t feel great during that season. And it was more difficult for me to get back on track postpartum. 

So if you’re looking for a way to maintain healthy habits during your pregnancy, without added stress, consider counting macros! If you’re unsure where to begin or how to go about it, these five tips can act as a guideline. You can always reach out to receive a customized macro count that’s suitable for pregnancy!

1. USE YOUR MACRO COUNT AS A GUIDE, NOT A RULE BOOK

The first thing you need to know is that your macro count during pregnancy can be more like a guide than a set-in-stone regimen. If you feel like you need to meet your limit exactly every day, you’re less likely to stick with these healthy habits. 

I want you to feel empowered to make healthier choices throughout your pregnancy so you can enjoy more consistent sleep and feel more energized throughout the day. Your unique macro count can give you an idea of what your body needs to experience those benefits, so just do your best to hit your goals! 

The biggest thing to remember is that you may need more food as your body changes to accommodate your growing baby, so I don’t want there to be any guilt if you’re going over your count because you’re feeling hungrier. That’s normal! Having healthy snacks on hand can help keep you energized and full as well, so take your favorites on the go.

Related: Counting Macros While Pregnant

2. FOCUS ON FUEL

Pregnancy can be a tough time when it comes to food, especially if you’re experiencing pretty intense bouts of nausea. You may want to just nibble on comfort foods like grains and carbs that go down a bit easier, and I get that. But it’s important to get your protein in as well. 

If you’re not interested in meat right now, no worries! There are PLENTY of other protein sources that can feel a bit more appetizing like baked tofu, eggs, greek yogurt, beans, quinoa, and more. Check out this high-protein shopping list if you’re looking for more inspiration. 

Another option when you’re thinking about hitting your protein count is protein powder. Liquids may be more manageable, especially in that first trimester, and my BodyByBree protein powder is a clean, organic  option without all those extra preservatives and additives. 

The fatigue is probably going to hit sooner or later, so do your best to focus on fuel during this time. Don’t skip out on protein!

3. SET THE SCALE ASIDE

During pregnancy, your macro count is going to be different than the customized count that you were previously using. And as most of us know, pregnancy can bring some weight gain as our bodies do their best to grow a whole human.

Even though this is super, super normal, I know it can feel like your body is unfamiliar. My tip? Let’s set aside the scale for nine months, and focus on eating foods that make us feel energized, happy, and healthy. 

Don’t get me wrong; my Oreo Shake craving was pretty intense during one of my pregnancies, so I understand if you need that sweet treat every now and again. But try to find balance, eat healthy most of the time, and then give yourself a little grace when you feel like you need a treat.  Remember, you can avoid the pressure and possible anxiety of the scale by simply leaving it behind for a bit. 

Related: Don't Define Success by the Scale

4. KEEP HIGH-QUALITY SNACKS AROUND

As you experience  unique cravings and food aversions throughout all three trimesters, it’s important to have high-quality snacks on hand that you enjoy and can eat at any time. It’s especially helpful if you need that extra push to reach your macros for the day!

Check out these healthy snack options: 

• Almonds
• Berries
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Trail mix 
• Greek yogurt & oats
• Apples with nut butter

Related: Favorite Healthy Snacks

5. LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR BODY IS TELLING YOU

Lastly, I want you to be intentional about listening to what your body is telling you. If your macro limits are feeling hard to reach or you feel like you don’t have enough wiggle room for your day-to-day, reach out and we’ll adjust to make sure you have a macro count that suits your needs!

If you’re hitting your macros and still feeling fatigued, it might help to get some sunshine and move your body, even just a little every day. Not only will this brighten your day a bit and get those endorphins pumping – but it’ll also help you sleep better at night and help you keep your mental health in a stable place as your hormones rage and shift. 

Related: Do Listen to Your Body, Don't Give Up All Workouts

If you need any additional support through your pregnancy, feel free to send me a message! My team and I are always here to help moms feel strong, healthy, encouraged, and supported.