so-o-o-o hungry, 8 weeks preggo

[Nova0929]

This is my second pregnancy, and I am only 8 weeks pregnant. In my first pregnancy I was really sick my first trimester, so sick that I only ate beige foods, didn't move, and gained tons of weight. (Like ... started at 160, went up to 220! Sooo hard to lose it all. 21 months later, I'm at 165, wish I'd gotten down to my happy weight of 155, but preggos again.) My point is: I do NOT want to gain that kind of weight again. I was sluggish, uncomfortable, miserable, and in incredible back pain. I am very committed this time to a healthy mostly-vegetarian diet and not gaining more than 30 (or so) lbs. Which is why I'm super concerned that this time around I am starving all the time! Unbelievable. I just feel so incredibly hungry, I think I'm going to go crazy. I've been snacking on apples, carrots, snow peas, kale, brown rice, etc and having regular healthy meals. I'm definitely NOT "dieting" but want to eat only what is needed for a healthy pregnancy. What can I do? I am trying to finish my dissertation before baby arrives but all I can do is think about eating! Wow, crazy. Thank you!

[MaerynPearl]

Are you staying well hydrated?

That can mask itself as hunger.

[aikigypsy]

I was crazy hungry in the 1st trimester with my first and gained a little more than I would have liked, but not too, too much. With my second, the hunger was more on-and-off, and I've gained less.

High protien snacks might keep the hunger at bay longer, and yes, more fluids are always good (the right kind, that is). Since it's summer now, I'm gorging on fruit.

How about exercise? Are you feeling well enough to get out for brisk walks and/or heavier workouts? That will help keep the weight gain down, too.

Good luck!

[beanbean]

Definitely eat more protein! You will stay full for much longer.

As for the crazy hunger...well... maybe it's twins?

[dakotablue]

Peanut butter and lollipops. I found it wasn't so much I was hungry as much I wanted something in my mouth, to stave off nausea.

[jensb]

Before I even was due for my period, one of the things that had me thinking I was pregnant was wanting to eat everything in sight. Every pg is different - just because you gained a lot the 1st time doesn't necessarily mean you will this time. Even though I was eating like crazy, I didn't gain until about 15 weeks.

Also, that sounds like great stuff you're eating. You may want to add protein and fat (like coconut oil, etc) to your snacks so they will fill you up longer.

[XanaduMama]

Snack on protein rich foods--hard-boiled eggs, hummus, peanut butter, cheese, beans...stuff like that. I ate like 2 eggs every day in the first trimester with dd--really craved protein. Helps stave off those ravenous hungers, and it's good for baby!

I finished my dissertation in the months before and after dd was born, so my thoughts are with you!

[Bellabaz]

Can you add some protein to those snacks? Say banana with pb or almond butter, apple wedges with cheese slices, hummus, guacamole (not protein but just really yum), bean dip. That might help.

I too am using hungry alot in the first trimester (at leat with both babes so far). I usually eat every 2 hours but something small like the things mentioned above, half a snadwhich, etc. For me it slows down later in the pregnancy.

FWIW I gained less with my second pregnancy. Like 10 pounds less.