I thought it would be appropriate to touch on the subject of diet and exercise while trying to conceive. Besides both being an absolute necessity in the effort to live a long healthy life, exercise is also a GREAT stress reliever. As if the stress of not being able to conceive as easily as you’d like isn’t stressful enough, this added stress is most likely playing a huge role in your struggles as well!

Chances are if you read 10 different websites on the subject of weight loss while trying to conceive, 5 of those websites will tell you it’s not the best idea and 5 will tell you its absolutely imperative. Why is it so important? Because as numerous studies have shown, your inability to become pregnant may be largely attributed to your Body Mass Index (BMI). For those of you who are unsure of how to calculate your BMI, you can use this simple formula:

BMI= ( Weight in Pounds / ( Height in inches ) x ( Height in inches ) ) x 703

A BMI between 20 and 24 is considered “normal”. While a BMI under 20 is considered “underweight” and over 24 “overweight”. If you fall into the “underweight” or “overweight” category, you are more likely to have trouble with ovulatory infertility (trouble getting pregnant due to ovulation disorders) than women with a “normal” BMI.

Let me explain…

If you are overweight, normal menstrual cycles can be interrupted; ovulation may be thrown off or cease all together! Women who do not ovulate do not release a mature egg every month, and instead, may release an egg erratically or not at all. This obviously makes pregnancy difficult and can result in infertility. Being overweight decreases your chances of successful in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies. It can also increase your chances of miscarriage, puts you at risk of developing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) and/ or diabetes during pregnancy, and heightens your chances of needing a C- section. Obviously being overweight puts your baby at risk as well. As you can see there are many difficulties associated with being overweight.

Infertility due to ovulation disorders may be overcome and/ or prevented if you can make just a few simple lifestyle modifications:

1- Eating healthy proteins
2- Consuming complex, rather than processed carbs,
3- Targeting the right fats
4- Increasing your physical activity

Aside from the obvious benefits weight loss has overall, starting and maintaining a healthy regimen now can allow you to be able to continue exercise throughout pregnancy. And lets not forget about the HUGE PLUS of being able to lose the baby weight that much faster! While you shouldn’t try to lose weight once you become pregnant, you and your baby will definitely benefit from exercise and a healthy diet. Still need convincing? I didn’t think so!

You may be asking yourself “Where do I start?” Well, if you’re looking for a safe and effective weight loss strategy to help jumpstart your weight loss and get fit for you and your future baby, I highly recommend the Jillian Michaels free weight loss program. She is most recognized for her role as personal trainer on TV’s “The Biggest Loser”. Just look at her body…she has been an inspiration to me and when I don’t feel up to going to the gym, all I have to do is look at her picture and I’m out the door! She is quite impressive to say the least. I really encourage you to check out her free program, and I’m telling you if you follow her plan, you will lose the weight and achieve a healthy BMI.

Here’s to many 2008 babies!!

**Always consult with your physician before starting any new exercise program.**