Brewer's Diet, Weight, and Wahhh!

AuntG · Apr 19, 2007

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/help.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="help"> 
I have been trying to do this Brewer diet thing. Trying. Ahem. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/irked.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="irked">: 
I started out 40 pounds overweight and believe it or not, the Brewer diet has me eating MORE than I ever was when I gained that weight!!!! (I went through a depression after my mom died and drank on the weight -- there's my embarrassing confession for the day) 
So, while preg. (at 29 weeks now) I have gained 30 (mostly in the last month) That's supposed to be normal, right? But with the other 40 that already wasn't supposed to be there, I am feeling suddenly VERY HEAVY and VERY lethargic! And I can expect another 10 or more before it's over! 
Aside from feeling whale-ish and unattractive (because in the grand scheme of things, I can deal with that for a few more months knowing I am incubating a little person!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> ) I am honestly starting to wonder whether I will be able to labor and deliver on my own! 
Isn't that a terrible thought!!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/gloomy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Gloomy">: 
But I get tired just walking up the stairs. I am toooooo tired to exercise though lately I have been trying to walk at least twice a week and doing yoga 2-3 times a week. The rest of the time it seems I haven't got the energy to do much more than lie around staring into space!!!! 
I'm taking the alfalfa and the red rasp. tea, on the advice of all these women who said when they took it they "never felt better." SO, is there something wrong with me or are they all liars? 
Despite being healthy in every other way (blood pressure normal, no GD), I am starting to wonder whether I am going to be able to pull off this UC!! 
Am I normal? With my other two pregnancies, I was up and down, but at least I did actually get the occasional energy burst. I'm REALLY worried I won't have what it takes to do a UC!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/mecry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="crying"> 
I guess what I really need to know is this: Who are all these women who stay perky and energetic the entire pregnancy and why am I not one of them? Am I really going to be able to withstand the grueling physical demands -- my endurance seems so short right now! 
Any thoughts?

crissei · Apr 19, 2007

I don't think the Brewer diet alone is responsible for that kind of a quick weight gain. 
I just did the math, 
4 servings milk - 640 cals. 
3 eggs- 140 cals. 
2 servings meat- 370cals. (roasted white meat chicken) 
2 servings of leafy greens- 40cals. (raw spinach) 
1 serving other veggies- 36cals. (boiled squash) 
3 servings WW bread- 330cals. 
1 citrus fruit- 61cals. (orange) 
1 other fruit- 105cals. (banana) 
3 pats butter- 300cals. 
This comes out to be only 2,022 calories. 
I would make sure to be drinking lots of plain water, Take your body weight and divide it by two and that is the number of ounces for should be drinking to flush out accumulated fluids, (which is what I think your recently gained weight is) 
And cut out ALL sugar. Those two things should REALLY help with your energy level.

momazon4 · Apr 19, 2007

Hugs, mama. 
With my last 2, I got to about 200lbs. My ideal weight is about 130lbs, so that is 70lbs. I went for walks most days. Dd was a homebirth, ds was a UC. Both births were uncomplicated and FAST. 
I am now 25 weeks and have gained 35lbs. This time I started out at 130lbs. I am not feeling perky, either. I make myself get exercise everyday but I get winded easily. I am trying to follow that diet, too, and I take supplements and drink my tea. You are not alone. 
I think getting some activity is important, probably more important than weight.

AuntG · Apr 19, 2007

Thanks ! 
I guess I just wanted to know I was not alone. 
My last two pregnancies I gained 60-70 pounds so I am actually doing better this time! But I don't remember feeling so fatigued. 
I will just have to MAKE myself go walk even when I don't feel like it. 
It was difficult the last two weeks because we went from equatorial-type heat to arctic cold! And we had just got the pool uncovered and ready!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/irked.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="irked">: 
Well, I have 12 weeks or so to get prepped, right?!?!?!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/nut.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="nut">

NatureMama3 · Apr 19, 2007

It's definitely doable when overweight. I was close to 300 when I birthed my youngest (homebirth) and had no problems. HE was only 8'10".

momazon4 · Apr 19, 2007

I'm thinking that my fatigue this time around has lots to do with being a single mom of 3 already, 2 hours a day job, home business, homeschooler, ect. I am busier this time around so therefore tireder. I'm wondering if this is you, too.

AuntG · Apr 19, 2007

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<div>Originally Posted by momazon4 <a href="/community/forum/post/7890477"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I'm thinking that my fatigue this time around has lots to do with being a single mom of 3 already, 2 hours a day job, home business, homeschooler, ect. I am busier this time around so therefore tireder. I'm wondering if this is you, too.</div>
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Oh wow Mama! Single mom of three and solely responsible for business, home matters, and kids' educations!??!!?? Sheesh, now what was I complaining about??? 
I think I may be stressed out this time around because there isn't any specific job for me to be doing right now. With the second, I was caring for my invalid mother who lived with us. That was a 24-hour job, and NO ONE would help me (I have such a lovely family! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/angry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="angry">) The stress was at time UNBEARABLE! 
This time, I am home, but didn't mean to be. There was a hangup with my application to a different university and I had to sit out this semester (this, after being in school for 4 years already!) so I would say I'm a bit depressed about that. 
My husband runs a home-based business and I have to admit, being around him 24/7 is starting to take its toll!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/dizzy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Dizzy">: 
But, compared to playing nurse to an invalid, I'm on vacation, right? 
So, maybe it's that I have nothing to do!?!?! Oh no, now I sound pathetic! 
I so admire homeschooling moms!!! My youngest started half-day kindergarten this year and is doing really well. We still get most of the day together so I still feel very much a part of his life. But next year he goes all day....eek! 
I took care of my mother for almost all of my twenties, and when I was finally able to get her into a nursing home, I started taking care of myself. It's hard enough for me to have the self-discipline it takes to put myself through school. I am not sure how well I would do being solely responsible for my kids' education. As I said already, I have great admiration for homeschooling moms! 
Ooh, I got way off topic there! Sorry! Uh, those of you who have read this far, feel free to send me an invoice for your therapy services! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/redface.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Embarrassment"> 
Thanks to everyone for helping me feel more normal! It certainly does make those little aches and pains easier to bear!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

NatureMama3 · Apr 19, 2007

how about signing up for an aquacize class? they're fun, help you stay fit and would take a chunk out of your day. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

SublimeBirthGirl · Apr 19, 2007

I was perky and energetic through my 1st pregnancy, tired and cranky through my second. The main difference was I had a 2 year old w/ the 2nd. That's all I can figure! Brewer doesn't really have to be THAT much food. Make sure you're watching simple carbs; that should help w/ energy too.

AuntG · Apr 19, 2007

Good advice, everyone. We already have cut out sugar from our household, but I can see ways I could do even better. 
There is something similar to aquacize here but it's just pricey, and I have my own pool! 
Once the weather gets more April-like we are hoping to get the pool uncovered again and ready. Swimming is supposed to be the best for pregnant women! Now, to find a swimsuit that fits!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"> 
I can do it. I just get scared and feeling weak and sore and doubtful. But I can do it! 
I want to thank everyone again for the kindness I have received here. I find it difficult to talk to most people about my fears, because they don't really think I should be planning UC anyway. 
Many thanks!

Jster · Apr 19, 2007

The other thing I'd suggest is start exercising daily and STICK WITH IT! With my first, I got pretty darn big and lethargic towards the end, and then started walking 1/2 hour twice a day. It's amazing how much further I could walk right before she was born than when I started! I know it helped my stamina a lot. And just general energy, too. 
I feel for you about the fear of weight gain, though. I'm not the kind of person who diets, never have in my life, and I'm pleasantly plump...but for some reason this time, I really dread it. Maybe it's that DH put on a ton of weight in the fall...and has had a hard time getting rid of it...so I just feel a bit doomed? I have been putting off starting the Brewer's diet for that reason, sad, I know!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/hug2.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Hug2">

AuntG · Apr 19, 2007

Ok, well, see.... 
The more it gets talked about, the more I realize and reveal. 
It's hard to stick to an exercise routine. I started out going to Curves months ago (been going for years with a lull there for a while when I was depressed). Found out I was preg...kept going and then at about 5 months........ 
............. 
......... 
...... 
...I just felt like I dropped off a cliff! Instead of energizing me it was wiping me out! 
PLUS....my husband has not modified his diet. His tummy is bigger than mine, but he hounds me about exercise when he does NONE! NONE! None none none! 
And, he still eats mounds and drinks at night. Grrr. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/irked.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="irked">: 
It's very hard to keep to a diet and exercise when I feel so alone!! Waaah! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/mecry.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="crying"> 
Oh, this runs very deep, doesn't it? Oh dear! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/dizzy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Dizzy">: 
Ok, be strong! Chin up! I can do it! 
Sheesh, you're all witnessing my breakdown! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/nut.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="nut">

NatureMama3 · Apr 19, 2007

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> 
hey, if you can't have a breakdown here, where can you?

momazon4 · Apr 19, 2007

Thinking about you today, AuntG. I'm about to MAKE myself go for a walk. I DON'T WANT TO! But I will because then I will feel better. How about you?

AuntG · Apr 19, 2007

I walked. Not the 8 laps that make it a mile, but I walked around the park track a good while as the kids played. 
Thanks for looking after me!! 
I hope you got a good walk in today too. Thanks so much for your kindness!

Romana · Apr 19, 2007

I had little weight gain my whole pregnancy - I'd gained 10 lbs total by about 6.5-7 mos pg. I was happy about this because I was already a bit overweight and didn't want/need to gain a lot. 
Then my doctor got panicky about one slightly elevated BP reading and insisted I go full-on Brewer diet. I'd been doing it, but not eating nearly as much as was required on the diet. Soon, my doctor was really happy with my diet, but my weight gain went way up. I gained 25 lbs in the last 1.5 mos of pregnancy for a total 35 lb weight gain. I think I was more on track for a total 20-25 lbs weight gain, but that diet just packed on the pounds. 
I gain weight easily if I eat 2,000 calories a day, pregnant or not. It's more than I need. I was busy and overtired at the time, too (full-time student, long commute). 
I'm planning to select elements of the Brewer diet next time. I'm NOT going to eat as much as the diet wants. It's too much for me, and I know it. 
As the pps said, regular exercise is best. I loved walking while pregnant. Can you fit in time every day for a walk? I also enjoyed yoga while pregnant. 
I was of course a bit overweight when I gave birth, but it didn't cause any problems. 
Julia 
dd 1 <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

AuntG · Apr 20, 2007

See, there's the thing. I think it's a common misconception that overweight people eats loads and loads. Not all do. 
When I was trying to lose weight, the doctor suggested started out at a 1500 cal diet. That did nothing after a month. And I was a calorie counting nut too! 
So, I went to 1000. 
I lost two pounds in a month. And that's with exercise. When I went to 800 calories a day, I started losing about 10 a month. 
I have one of those VERY efficient bodies. Which means, that in the event (albeit unlikely) that the world runs out of food, I will survive longer than all you skinny girls! 
Bleak consolation, but it's something. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"> 
I actually do like doing the yoga, although I wonder whether Miss Shiva Rea really thinks the average gal, pregnant or not, can bend like that! My favorite part is the constant reminder to breathe like a flowing river, when I am panting like rushing rapids! Am I the only one? 
Still, I think it makes me calmer throughout the day. 
Like, peaceful, man. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

rajahkat · Apr 20, 2007

oh hey, something occurred to me. Have you checked your iron at all? Is there a possibility you are anemic? That could definitely cause some crazy lethargy! 
Or it could just be normal for you this time around. I was super perky during my 1st pregnancy and SLEPT through my second. I really barely could get off the couch. #3 was more normal....but don't worry about not being able to make it through labor. 
For me at least it seems all the aches and pains and general ick I'm complaining about during pregnancy disappear during labor. Perhaps it will work that way for you too =) 
Take care, mama! 
Kat

AuntG · Apr 20, 2007

Good question! 
I do worry about my iron, so I take alfalfa tablets and I drink a molasses milk nearly everyday. A tablespoon of blackstrap molasses has 20% of the iron for the day. 
I am so glad for everyone's responses. It has been a great reminder for me to drink enough, get enough iron and walk everyday. It sounds so simple, but as the days wear on, it's easy to forget some of those! 
I'm starting to think the weather is the culprit! Not much I can do about that. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/gloomy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Gloomy">:

LavenderMae · Apr 20, 2007

I felt like crap the entire time with my last pregnancy and I gained 60lbs. I never did get around to walking like I had before I was preg. Anyway, my point is I had no problem UC'ing my babe. I think when labor kicks in you'll have plenty of energy, I know I did.

Brewer's Diet, Weight, and Wahhh!

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