What to expect...diet

i haven't been overweight before pregnancy, but i gained 50 lbs with my second, even though i ate better and worked out more than i did with my first (that was not quite 40 lbs) but not very much, as i didn't work out at all before pregnancy. i think you're smart for wanting to get in shape and lose some lbs before you conceive. the main reason being that it will make it more likely for you to keep working out while your pregnant, at the level you're comfortable with, which supposedly makes the weight come off easier in the postpartum period and supposedly helps with labor and delivery. also, i'd think it would make your pregnancy easier.

maybe it's changed, but the best odd's diet when my 4 yo was born was ridiculous. things like "if you're craving a treat, eat a whole wheat bagel". sister, that is not a treat, especially to a pregnant woman. but i digress...

and i admit that i have very little experience with this, but from what i have read and from what others have told me, etc, start moving your body--get to a gym, or find work-out tapes--i like winsor pilates, and people rave about the firm--fit in some cardio exercises, like walking, aerobics, jump-roping, dancing, etc. i've just started this a week ago, but i have a word doc on my computer that i journal my work out time. first, i say what my goal that week is (ie, 20 min a day), and then i record each day what i did. this helps me keep track, which is great because otherwise i wouldn't remember doing so much! i have never been a work out person, but i'm actually enjoying it.

anyway, i encourage you to keep reading mothering too, and to visit us here. good luck with everything!

Eating healthy is good, as long as you are not overeating portions. Get a copy of the food guide, get some measuring cups and find out how big a portion really is. It is amazing when you first start how much people think they're eating healthy but really aren't because they're eating too much of a good thing.

Use a small dinner plate at meals instead of the big plates.

Dish up your plate at the counter or if you have a separate kitchen/dining room in the kitchen. If you leave the food on the table to dish up you are more likely to have 2nds.

Drink 8oz of water before a meal, drink water during a meal and drink water after a meal. Aim for at least 64oz of ICE water a day. Your body has to use more calories to bring ice water to body temp before it can use it.

Write down every thing you eat and how much of it you are eating.

diet wise, most importantly do not tell yourself you can't have something. Allow yourself a treat once a week. If you say you can't have something you will crave it and give in. If you allow yourself a treat you can tell yourself that on X day you can have it.

Exercise perferably 60minutes a day, but 20-30minutes is more than average for people. It can be broken up into 10minute segments throughout the day.

Find an exercise that works for you and not something that works for someone else.

If you are using weights, you need to have a day of rest between them. The muscle builds up on the day of rest.

The more muscle you have the faster your metabolism, build lean muscle.

Measure your hips, thighs, waist, chest and arms, and weigh yourself. Once a month remeasure & reweigh yourself. You may find the number on the scale isn't moving but your measurements are. That is because you are losing inches of fat but gaining muscle. 1lb of muscle is leaner than 1 lb of fat.

oh, and take side, front and back view pictures for before and after pictures.

Just wanted to say from another GA girl. I have family near you in Rome and Cedartown. Welcome to MDC . You've already gotten great advice here and I don't have much to add, except for maybe throwning those "What to Expect" books out the window. There are some much better baby/parenting books out there. Check out any of the Dr. Sears books, especially his Nutrition Book. It's a wonderful book.
I think it's great that you're here before you even TTC. I sure wish I had discovered Mothering at that point. Stick around here for lots of support and encouragement. It's a great place