Your Pregnancy Diet Plan: 4 Changes You Shouldn't Make

So many facets of your pregnancy diet plan are about changes you should make. You should go organic, you should cut back on sugar, you should start taking supplements. But what about the behaviors you've had for years?

What are the parts of your lifestyle you should keep, even after pregnancy? Is there any change you should definitely say no to? There are actually four changes you shouldn't make during pregnancy, no matter how gung-ho you may feel about changing to a new and healthy lifestyle:

Don't Go Cold Turkey

If you are addicted to any substance, such as caffeine or sugar, be forewarned that going off that substance cold turkey can be very stressful. Your body is addicted to the substance and a sudden change in your behavior could cause you to go through a difficult detox. This sudden change could make you very sick, and put a lot of stress on your unborn baby.

It's much healthier to slow step down your consumption of caffeine or sugar. With caffeine, you can safely ingest up to 150 mg per day throughout pregnancy. So aim for that amount at first.

Then step down to green tea, white tea, and herbal teas, if you so desire. With sugar, try switching to stevia, xylitol, agave syrup, or raw honey, all of which will curb your sweet tooth naturally.

Don't Change Your Entire Life at Once

Most studies prove that switching your entire way of doing things overnight rarely lasts. Your brain needs time to build up new habits; in fact, it can take 3 to 4 weeks before a new behavior becomes ingrained as a habit. So don't aim for changing your entire life overnight, which won't last more than a week.

Instead, take baby steps. Incrementally change your life for the better. Look for ways that you can take a step toward health with each decision that faces you. Think of your new behaviors in the long term rather than the short term. In other words, think of how you want to look and feel beyond pregnancy.

Don't Give Up Exercise

It can be really, really tempting to give up exercise. In fact, you may just not feel up to it if you are dealing with issues like morning sickness, water retention, or other common pregnancy complaints. And some forms of exercise, such as very high-impact aerobic activity are not recommended for pregnant women.

This doesn't mean that all forms of exercise are forbidden, however. In fact, exercise is essential for a healthy pregnancy. It keeps you in shape and toned for labor, and helps to ease many of the aches and pains you feel during pregnancy.

A regular exercise routine will also help you get back into the swing of things after having your baby. You should look into low or no-impact forms of exercise, such as yoga, water aerobics, swimming, or walking.

Don't Give Up Fats, Carbs or Any Other Food Groups

Pregnancy and nutrition should never be about giving up a food group. In fact, you should be encouraged to eat any of the following, often forbidden foods:

? Caffeine can be enjoyed in small increments (no more than 150 mg per day);

? Healthy grains such as millet, quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes as well as dark leafy greens and fruits can round out your healthy carb quota;

? Small amounts of low-mercury seafood (lobster, shrimp, crab, flounder, and catfish) can be enjoyed twice per week;

? Healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nut butters, and organic butters should be a vital part of your diet.

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