In my naïve pre-motherhood view of pregnancy, the concept of eating for two always intrigued me. Couple this with the “fact” that Aunt Flo would stay at bay the entire time and as long as you were breastfeeding and I was sold on the idea of being pregnant. I think at one point I even wanted six or more children. That was a long time ago.
Although my views had matured by the time I first found myself pregnant, the idea of eating for two still possessed a certain appeal. Who wouldn’t want to spend nine months that way? It took almost forty pounds and one baby to make me realize that I wouldn’t.
With baby #2 I was much more careful. On the other hand, I was at home all day with a toddler whom we fed. All. Day. Long. (Due to lingering fears over his lack of weight gain in the first year of life). Saying you’re not eating for two. Easy. Not snacking every time your child does. Slightly more challenging.
This time around though I’ve been dedicated. (I think the fact that I was able to lose all the baby weight plus a little between #2 and #3 helped with this dedication). I’ve been careful not to munch whenever the boys do. I’ve made thoughtful decisions in the grocery store – instead of stocking up on frozen pizzas and boxed mac ‘n cheese. (Don’t get me wrong. I did eat both those items during this pregnancy, just not once a week). Also helpful has been the fact that, still being relatively new to this area, I don’t have favorite take-out places yet. All of this has lead to a pregnancy I’m not ashamed of. And while I’ve still been eating to nourish me and the baby, I haven’t been eating for two.
Now, through my experiences with pregnancies, I can safely say that “eating for two” was a phrase developed by someone with no experience being pregnant. Or at least no experience eating while pregnant. Probably the same person who decided to call it “morning sickness.”
Have you encountered any phrases (in pregnancy or otherwise) that must have been developed by someone with no knowledge of the subject? Do tell…
2 comments:
The phrase "easy as pie". Maybe back in the day when everything was mixed by hand, a pie was easier to make than a cake or cookies or fudge. But I think in our fast and furious day, this phrase no longer applies. I mean, how many people do you know say they "made a pie" today and don't expect accolades at the accomplishment of the feat (sp?) rather than the nonchalance originally associated with this phrase. No. The phrase must be changed. And my vote is that the new phrase should be "easy as boxed brownies". Now that must be the easiest sweet dish I know. Water, eggs, mix. Boom. Brownies. Now that's worthy of nonchalance.
So what was your secret to losing the baby weight after #1?
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