Low-Carb Diet During Pregnancy: Safety & Considerations

Question
I have been following a low carb diet to lose weight and I've lost 10 pounds already in just two weeks. My husband and I want to start our family soon. Is it safe to continue the low carb diet during pregnancy? I need to lose about 20 more pounds and I don't want to regain the weight I've lost.

Answer
Hello Amy!

  Thank you for your nutrition question.  Dieting while pregnant is not healthy because the baby misses out on important nutrients.  However, I do recommend going to www.mypyramid.gov where you can create a healthy eating plan designed for your calorie needs so that you do not regain the weight you have lost. Just enter your age, gender, and acitivity level. I also recommend that you check out my cookbook, "The Healthy Pregancy Cookbook: Eating Twice As Well for a Healthy Baby" available online or at your favorite bookstore. In the book it will tell you how to eat healthy for a healthy pregnancy and includes over 100 recipes.

-George Rapitis, Bsc, Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com