Ways of Increasing Your Energy While Pregnant

You have just taken the at home pregnancy test, or visited the doctor's office and receive the magnificent news you are definitely pregnant. You allow your mind of mixed emotions to think of the body changing, emotion wrenching, and tiresome process of the 9 months ahead; it feels as though your energy force drains almost instantaneously. Pregnancy takes a huge toll on a woman's body. After all you are only creating another human being or maybe even multiple beings. There are simple steps to increase energy levels. The key is listening to your growing body, and taking care of yourself. Taking care of you is nurturing the life or lives inside the womb. Energy levels can be increased through exercise, health foods, taking natural prenatal vitamins, and having an adequate amount of sleep and rest.

Exercise for Pregnant Women

Just about any exercise you do is going to give you energy, and get your heart rate up. There are some suggested exercises for women who are already active and want to continue to exercise during pregnancy and women who want to begin. Beginners should stick to the basics like walking, or low impact aerobics, no need to start strenuous exercise if you haven't been doing it all this time. Start at an easy pace, after you have given birth and your body is ready to take on heavier exercises. Order workout DVD's geared toward the pregnant woman.

New! Gabrielle Rees's Complete Pregnancy-This program is challenging. It features a different exercise series for each month of your pregnancy. The best part of the fitness DVD is that it has 3 months of post-pregnancy routines. Be mindful this is an advanced, intense workout designed for already in shape women. Each 15 minute segment has" month -specific" activities. The same workouts that you do in the beginning of your pregnancy will differ during the latter part of the pregnancy to accommodate growing belly. Month one is total body training, and the added toning segments. Month nine is gentler easier on your body and joints; it has birthing-oriented moves to prepare for childbirth.www.collagevideo.com

Try yoga or continue yoga routines during the duration of your pregnancy. Yoga sessions bring forth a calming and relaxing attitude. Yoga methods concentrate on deep breathing. Long inhales & exhales oxygenate the entire body and will energize your system.

Yoga for Your Pregnancy-The video shows moves precisely selected and sequenced to make your pregnancy more enjoyable and the birthing process easier. The instruction is" totally-pregnancy" focused. You will learn how your body is changing and the benefits of each exercise. The bonus includes guided meditation, birthing room yoga, and postnatal practice. www.collagevideo.com

If you have a stability ball you can still use it in your workouts while pregnant. Try the DVD Preggi Bellies Ball Workout- the workout is fun and innovative. The stability ball makes it both lively and effective it also minimizes impact while helping to target muscles used during and after pregnancy. You are never standing during the cardio. You raise your heart rate by bouncing on the ball as you wave your arms and dance with your feet. www.collagevideo.com

When you are pregnant your metabolism increases. You may feel like as soon as you eat your food zaps away fast. You are hungry again. Obviously some women in the beginning are in a predicament where they can't keep anything down. The simple thought of foods they loved before the initial pregnancy causes them to gag, just envisioning themselves eating or smelling the food item. As soon as this phase passes, make sure that you have plenty of the healthy foods you like, or a substitute for the unhealthy foods you may crave.

Energy Drinks

Smoothie

A smoothie made with frozen mixed fruits, your favorite juice; add a powdered green food such as Green Vibrance, a (supergreen food) that supplies nutritional elements ( required for you and the life inside) , digestive enzymes( keeps stomach clear, boosts energy, and lessens heart burn), circulation (keeps down swelling in ankles) , skeletal (strengthens bones, you need more calcium baby takes it from you) , and immunity, a probiotic blend.( helps to keep down sickness, increases immunity.) (see my article review of this product)

Pre made Health Food Drinks- are convenient and delicious. They are already packaged in the grocery stores and local health food markets for you to purchase. Bolthouse Farms and Odwalla are two of the best brands. Bolthouse Farms has a drink called Vanilla Chai Tea w/Soy Protein- brewed tea w/ chai spices sweetened with natural vanilla, an energizing heart healthy supply of protein. It is delicious, nutritious and full of nutrients such as vitamin C, B6, iron, zinc, magnesium, 18 amino acids, and 37 grams of isoflavonoids (phytoestrogens present in soybeans) per serving.www.bolthouse.com Odwalla's Serious Energy Juice Drink- Refuel your energy with natures fresh fruit flavors like pineapple mango, guava, & passionfruit blended with a food source of vitamin B1, B2, to aid in energy and increase metabolism there is also green tea, added etc. It is a get up and go health drink that will allow you to be more alert and elevate your vitality during those hard to handle months of pregnancy.

Food for Energy

A pregnant woman's main energy source comes from the types of foods she ingests. At least 300 more calories should be added to the diet. The combination of foods should contain fruits, oils, sources of protein (meat, nuts, or beans), grains and vegetables. Eat a sufficient supply of carbohydrates to elevate energy supply what the baby needs to grow. Stay away from "empty calories", junk food. These foods are energy drainers. Whole foods provide protein (needed for proper development), calcium (for healthy fetus), and iron (for developing blood supply &preventing the mother from becoming anemic). Leafy greens, vegetable juices, a variety of whole grain breads, yogurts, milk, pastas, whole grain cereals all are energy enhancing foods.

Tip#- Choose cereals with the recommended daily value of folic acid-(400-800mg) it reduces chances of baby developing spina bifida, or other birth defects.(see my article on folic acid benefits)

Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins or supplements containing vitamins necessary for growth are essential. The brand prescribed by the doctor may not be the best choice. Try these great brands of vitamins. Prenatal Multi (by Nature's Way).www.herbalremedies.com, Nature's Prenatal Multiple Vitamins & Minerals- provide essential nutrients needed for energy and metabolism during pregnancy and lactation.www.naturessunshine.com.

Tip#- A digestive enzyme is essential to take to keep your stomach from being weighed down, thereby supplying energy. Most importantly, it tames the effects of heartburn most pregnant women get. Digestive enzymes break down the food, and allow proper bowel movements. Constipation is another issue pregnant women deal with, and this can cause and energy decrease and great discomfort. Digest Chi (www.healthcareherb.com), Food Enzymes (www.naturessunshine.com). These are 2 good brands.

Proper Rest

Sleep during pregnancy never felt better, if you can get comfortable and sleep the 8-10 hours .Some of the time can be lying down reading and resting your tired feet, and sore muscles and joints that are adjusting to your growing belly. Power naps rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. When you awaken you will be energized and ready to take on your day. If you do not have the luxury of power naps, try to be in bed by 10:00 p.m. Your body naturally repairs itself between 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Pregnancy doesn't have to be tiring. Keep your spirits lifted and energy heightened by carefully choosing the exercises, foods, vitamins that are put into your body. Take the time to rest and relax and become revived.